This week We have been very pleased with the way the majority of Darrick Wood students have returned to classroom learning and the way they have conducted themselves around school. As we approach the end of term teachers are very busy working on plans to inform the grades for Years 11 and 13 this summer, but at the same time we know each and every child needs our full attention and as ever we will do our very best to…
This week We have finally finished the LFD testing at school and home testing kits have now been distributed. If your child did not bring one home please tell them to let their tutor know and we will make arrangements. As mentioned in last week’s Bulletin, the testing at school was a massive undertaking but very much part of the strategies needed to re-open schools and in that respect has therefore been very successful. Overall, since 5th March 4637 tests…
Return of all students What a joy it has been to finally have all students back in school and in lessons today after a week of testing and phased return. I walked around much of the School this morning and was very impressed by how everyone was settling into lessons and seemingly (mostly) happy to be back! I have also been very pleased with the way students have adapted to the current COVID-19 safety guidance including the wearing of masks…
World Book Day – Thursday, 4th March We are grateful to Mrs Millar who arranged some brilliant ways to celebrate World Book Day on Thursday, even though most students are not in school. Students had the opportunity to take part in a game where they viewed piles of books or books on a shelf (‘shelfies’) and tried to work out which teachers they belonged to. It was a fascinating insight into teachers’ reading habits. Here’s one for parents to guess….
This week and this term so far Well done to all our students, their parents and all our staff for reaching the half-term break during this latest lockdown period. Last week I singled out our staff for their efforts, in particular with getting to grips with completely new ways of teaching and learning in such a short period of time. This week though I want to congratulate our students and thank you, their parents and carers. Our records indicate that…
This week This week’s main assembly Ms Wilson-Hooper raised awareness of Children’s Mental Health Week. We hope your children watched this and are excited about our follow-up – Wellbeing Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon, next week, activities are being arranged in place of normal lessons. Whilst we have not completely gone screen-free with this, there are lots of activities we have suggested which will give students time away from their computers and phones should they wish for this. Please talk to…
This week We have continued to enhance our online provision. We are keen to go beyond the curriculum however and are now also arranging Form Time and Assemblies across our year groups. This week’s whole school assembly was arranged by Mr Smith, Assistant Head Teacher, who is coordinating nominations for the Jack Petchey Award. Please encourage your child to watch the assemblies and to engage in the Jack Petchey Award nominations process. One of the best parts of my week…
This week It was a week where we tried to inject a bit of festive spirit by encouraging engagement in Christmas Jumper Day, so we were very disappointed that on the day itself, Years 7 and 8 had to join Years 9 and 10 and remain at home due to staffing issues on site. Those that remained did wear their jumpers, ties etc very well and I am sure we will still have raised a good amount of money for…
This week As you are aware, on Thursday I informed parents/carers of the decision to ask two year groups to stay at home today and into next week as a result of staff numbers having become too low to have all year groups on site safely. This was a difficult decision and definitely not one we would make if we could avoid it. It is far from our ideal situation. Ideally, we want all students in school, but I would…
This week In a week where a small number of our students have unfortunately received positive COVID-19 results, we have done our best in the circumstances to keep parents/carers informed. We have worked closely with public health and followed the guidelines set out for secondary schools in this situation and made decisions about who needs to isolate as a result of being considered a close contact. Even as a I write this I am conscious that none of us would…