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- June 30, 2023
Dear Parents and Carers,
As you are probably aware from reports in the media, the National Education Union (NEU) plans to strike for a further two days on Wednesday 5th and Friday 7th July.
I am writing to you so that you have a clear understanding of how these strikes are likely to affect the school. Due to the fact that a significant proportion of our teaching staff are members of the NEU, there will not be enough staff on site to ensure the safety of all 1300 students, and so the school will have to close. The closure will be for all students with the exception of Year 10 students.
I must stress that this strike is part of a national dispute and not a localised dispute with the school. NEU members are exercising their right to withdraw their labour and with skeleton staffing, we cannot safely open the school. Please be aware also that the impact of the strike will vary from school-to-school: schools with few NEU members may be able to avoid full closure.
Arrangements for Year 10
To mitigate the impact of this strike day on students in Year 10, the following plans are being put in place for both mornings. Students are to arrive in school for 8:55am and should make their way to the Sports Hall where they will be directed to their respective venue and registered. The activities planned include feedback on the recent mock examinations in English Language, alongside Masterclasses in English Literature, History and Geography. We are also running exam catch up sessions for any students who were absent for mock exam completion. As we hope you’ll appreciate, these are important sessions and it’s expected that all students attend to receive this support. Full school uniform will be required.
Timings of the Y10 programme are as follows:
Wednesday 5th July
9:00 to 10:30am – English Language Exam Feedback
10:30 to 10:50am – Break
Students will be able to use the canteen as usual
From 10:50am, one of the following:
- History Masterclass (45 minutes)
- Exam Catch Up. Students required for this will be told individually and their parents informed.
- GCSE Drama for students not involved in History or Exam Catch Up.*
Students who are not involved in any of the above activities will be able to leave site at 10:30am.
Friday 7th July
9:00 to 10:30 – English Literature Masterclass
10:30 to 10:50 – Break
Students will be able to use the canteen as usual
From 10:50 one of the following:
- Geography Masterclass (45 minutes)
- Exam Catch Up. Students required for this will be told individually and their parents informed.
- GCSE Drama for students not involved in Geography or Exam Catch Up.*
Students not involved in any of the above activities will be able to leave site at 10:30am.
*Students involved in Drama or Exam catch-up may wish to bring a packed lunch to school.
Thank you for your support and bearing with us at this time.
Yours sincerely,
Mr P Davies
Headteacher