As we move toward the long Bank Holiday weekend, this is a quick update as to where we are. We are still waiting for clarity from the government and despite all the rumour and speculation, I don’t expect we will in any way be fully operational in June. On Sunday the Prime Minister is supposedly letting us know what the plan is. As I’ve said before we are ready for whatever is required and will let you know. I expect the majority of students will still be mainly home schooled and therefore we will be organising the promised KS3 workbooks on Monday and they will be delivered before half term. We have a good picture of student engagement and if we are able to, the students who have completed less on line work will be invited back into school as a priority, in order to catch up. Parents might want to let their children know that – it may quietly encourage those who can access and have the technology, but have been reluctant to work, to up their work rate!
Year11 and 13 grades are being allocated by teaching staff- I have a meeting on Monday to moderate and discuss with both county and national organisations, but we are confident they are fair and accurate. Yr11 and 13 will have to wait for the official grades until August in the same way as normal. As and when we hear more we will let you know. The main thing is not to worry and rest assured we have been meticulous at looking at the grades.
During the last 6 weeks, we have taken the opportunity to update our school, painting the exterior, refurbishing some classrooms and overhauling the way in which our classrooms are laid out and resourced. It is not always possible to complete all the building and structural work in the summer holidays, so having this extra space and time has been a bonus, which we have used wisely.
I have also made a decision about uniform. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the survey earlier this year and the general comments you’ve made. As a school we are in a position to make a change with no cost to parents, which will begin our transformation into a smarter, more appropriate uniform. I have a Full Governors meeting next week via Google meets and if they are in agreement I will share the change with you. Please do not buy any new items of uniform until you are aware of the changes.
Finally we are trying to widen the on line offer to include daily PE opportunities and other enrichment type activities. Mr Hadfield has been setting a daily music challenge, which many staff and students have taken part in. We are now keen to get On -line Chess club up and running. Mr Ashcroft has set up a free Wensleydale School Online Chess Club for our students. The club has access to tutorials and guides and the opportunity to play against other students from home. To get access all students need to do is click on this link to sign up.
https://www.chesskid.com/register/kid/group/8XVW8W
Chess is great fun, it stimulates the mind and develops logical thinking skills. We have a thriving chess club in school and there is no reason why this cannot continue from home.
Above all please enjoy the bank holiday weekend and continue to stay safe and well
