Frequently Asked Questions Re: September Opening

1. When students have PE, should students just come to school in the PE kit with no other change of clothes?

Yes, students should arrive at school in Mascalls kit and will stay in this all day.

 2. If students are in ‘bubbles’, is there streaming in the core subjects?                              

When in normal operation,  KS3 students have been taught in mixed ability groups for subjects outside of the core and core subjects have been streamed. However, because of the current requirement for students to be in ‘bubbles’, KS3 students will be arranged in a mixed ability class which will remain the same for all subjects..

Streaming remains in KS4 core lessons.

3. How will core subjects in KS3  ensure that students meet their potential if they are not in streamed classes?

Core teachers, as with all teaching staff, are trained to differentiate and give relevant challenge and support within lessons and will therefore do this to ensure that students meet their potential

4. Will arrival/ leaving times be staggered?

Many of our students rely on school  buses and therefore the start time will not be staggered. However, break and lunchtimes will be staggered within the school day.

5.   For practical subjects such as IT/Science/Tech where specialist equipment is required, will students be moving to an appropriate classroom?

In KS3 students will be taught in normal classrooms. Students will have access to google chrome books to use in their classrooms. In subjects such as science and technology, we will make every effort to ensure some practical learning through specialist equipment being made available, technician support and teacher demonstration.

PE and dance will be taught in big spaces and where appropriate outside. PE will focus on approved sports: athletics, cricket, badminton and fitness.

6. Will there be any school reports on progress for the end of this academic year?

The school will not be reporting progress data on students for the end of this academic year. Please see the previous Principal’s letter for rationale with regard to this.

7. Will the parent portal be running for the start of the school year? 

The portal is no longer in operation as it is no longer available from the provider. The school will be replacing this with another one but it will not be in place in September. Parents will be kept informed of developments here.

8. What happens for advisory?

Students will no longer be in mixed age, vertical advisory groups but will be rearranged into advisories of students from the same year group. Students will still belong to their college. College staff will still deal with all issues. Parental queries should be directed to the advisor or the Head of Pastoral for the college.

9. If advisories are being changed, when will we hear what new advisory my child is in?

Students will stay within the same college. Students and parents will be notified of their advisory and sent a timetable before Tuesday 1st September.