Letter – Year 11 Parents/Carers

Dear Parent /Carer

As part of yesterday’s lockdown announcement, the Prime Minister said:

“We recognize that this lockdown means it is not possible or fair for all exams to go ahead this summer as normal. The education secretary will work with Ofqual to put in place alternative arrangements”.

Schools have not been told any additional information beyond this headline and this announcement was a surprise to us.As soon as we know anything we will let you know. In the meantime,please can Iassure youthatwe will continue toteachYear 11 students the remainder of their exam courses with all the same pace and expectations. Whatever the alternative arrangementsare students will need to have learnt their subjects and be able to demonstrate their proficiency to secure grades(either via formal external assessments, or internally to their teachers via mockexams and assessments to justify centre assessed grades). It is alsoimportantto note thatthecontent and skills in GCSE courses are designed to prepare students for their Post-16 studies.

I appreciate that all this uncertaintyisgoing to causeanxiety. So please can I ask youto relay the followingreassurances toyour child:

• Their hard work will be recognised and none of it has beenwasted.
• They will still be able toprogress tocollegeand universityas they might have planned.
• The alternative arrangementswill be fair and balancedandthey will notbe disadvantaged.
• I look forwardtowritingto you with more informationas soon as it is made available.

Kind regards
John McKee
Headteacher