Dear Parents / Carers
I hope you and your families are well.
Since my last update a week ago, a lot has happened. The Government have announced that they would like to see all students back in school by September. Further advice to schools will be published within the next two weeks and I will update you once I am apprised of this.
At Birchwood, we have been working hard to ensure that all students will have the opportunity to come into school for a 1:1 before the end of term – details are scheduled below. The DfE have requested that schools focus on Year 10 and 12, but we feel that aiming to see all students will be of benefit prior to the Autumn Term commencing. We have already completed 1:1 sessions for Year 10 and Year 12 which have proven to be very successful, with over 80% attendance.
We have also gathered feedback on what is working and what needs to be improved. For example, we learnt that SMHW and virtual lessons on ‘Teams’ is working well but seeing subject teachers for 1:1 mentoring would be useful. Therefore, we have put on 4 days’ worth of Year 10 intervention this week and next, bookable on-line by students. We learnt that some Year 12 students are struggling to find somewhere to study at home, so we have responded by opening the library on Mondays and Tuesdays to give them a study space and internet access. In addition, we learnt that some students are getting a little behind with homework, so we have introduced two catch-up days where no extra homework or lessons will be set. Those students on top of their work can enjoy a three-day weekend and those who are behind can have the day to catch up.
Timescale and events
| Date | Event | Detail |
| Mon 22nd June | ||
| Tue 23rd June | ||
| Weds 24th June | ||
| Thurs 25th June | Year 10 1:1 | 1:1 opportunity to see English / Maths / Science teachers – bookable on-line |
| Fri 26th June | Year 10 1:1
Catch-Up Day |
|
| Mon 29th June | ||
| Tue 30th June | ||
| Weds 1st July | ||
| Thurs 2nd July | Year 10 1:1 | 1:1 opportunity to see Option subject teachers – bookable on-line |
| Fri 3rd July | Year 10 1:1 | |
| Mon 6th July | Year 9 1:1 | General Academic Review meeting with Form Tutors |
| Tue 7th July | Year 9 1:1
Year 12 Virtual Induction Day |
Further information for Year 11 applying for Sixth Form place |
| Weds 8th July | Year 7 1:1 | General Academic Review meeting with Form Tutors |
| Thurs 9th July | Year 7 1:1 | |
| Fri 10th July | Catch Up Day | |
| Mon 13th July | ||
| Tue 14th July | Year 6/7 1:1
2-7pm |
1:1 meetings with new tutors and tours of school |
| Weds 15th July | Year 8 1:1 | General Academic Review meeting with Form Tutors |
| Thurs 16th July | Year 8 1:1 | |
| Fri 17th July | End of term | |
| Wed 19th August | GCSE Download | |
| Thurs 20th August | GCSE Results | Post 16 / Sixth Form confirmation |
As stated, once I am clear about plans for September and arrangements as specified by the DfE, I will write to inform you. I know that our staff are desperate to get things back to normal and ensure that all our students receive a great education. However, we have to abide by the health and safety restrictions currently imposed.
Finally, thank you for all your help and support at home – parents I have spoken to have said that they have felt like they have ‘gone back to school’ helping their son/daughter with their homework. One father told me that his maths had certainly improved!
Take care and keep safe
Yours sincerely
Dr Chris Ingate
Principal