Dear parent/carer,
I hope this letter finds you and your families well and that you have had a nice summer break. Undoubtedly you will have read in the papers, news about A level and GCSE results. It was welcoming to hear the government’s u-turn allowing for teacher assessments and as a result nearly all of our students were able to go on to the onward destinations of their choice, with one or two still awaiting results from a small number of examination boards. I expect this soon to be 100%. Student’s grades were decided through a robust system using evidence from existing assessments, classwork and homework. Despite not having sat examinations, Year 11 and 13 students worked incredibly hard throughout their courses and we are immensely proud of their achievements. They thoroughly deserve the result they have achieved; it shows that hard work over time genuinely rewards. They now go on to their next steps and we wish them all the very best of luck.
Now, our attention can return to our ‘reopening’ in September. Not a great deal has changed since I wrote to you last on this matter in July. That letter can be found here and I recommend you refresh your memory of its contents. One or two queries were inevitably raised and responses to those frequently asked questions can be found here.
As a reminder we look forward to welcoming back:
- Year 7 and 12 at 8.30 on Tuesday 1st September
- Years 10, 11 and 13 at 8.30 on Wednesday 2nd September
- Years 8 and 9 at 8.30 on Thursday 3rd September
The only additional information refers to the use of masks; the current government position is that masks are not compulsory in schools. The academy position is that this is currently a personal choice. Should you wish for your son/daughter to wear a face mask, that is entirely acceptable around the academy. Face masks however should be as plain as possible. Should the government position change, Mascalls will of course be in a position to enforce face mask use on site through our existing behavioural structures.
Students should arrive in time to begin the school day at 8.30am in full school uniform and will need a pencil case, calculator and lunch, lunch money or their Scopay account with appropriate funds within.
During the first day students will be guided to their year group area, have a full induction with their advisor and an explanatory assembly within their bubbles, beginning lessons as soon as possible. There will be no need for PE kit on the first day, students will receive a specific induction to PE. Following that, students should wear PE kit on the days they have PE and dance. Weather and activities will be taken into account so that activities are appropriate and students are not left wet and muddy for the duration of the school day.
Students will shortly be receiving their timetables on their school email accounts. Please ensure that your son/daughter has received theirs before they begin term so that they know which room their advisory will be in. If you have any concerns please email reception@mascallsacademy.org.uk.
Transport
The buses that provide transport for students to and from school are public transport buses and follow the guidance found here.
Please ensure that your son/daughter is able to adhere strictly to this guidance including the use of face masks whilst travelling. Students who do not have a face mask are very likely to be refused transport. Please note that the face mask used on public transport, should be different from any face mask used on the school site.
I anticipate an increase in vehicular traffic as more parents may make private arrangements temporarily for drop off and pick up times, this will inevitably lead to increased traffic on the approach to Mascalls in the mornings and afternoons. I ask that parents consider dropping students further from site allowing them to walk from Paddock Wood and making arrangements for pick up that will help to minimise local traffic disruption.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the last few days of the summer holidays. I am confident that the depth of our planning and preparations for September places our students in the safest possible environment to continue their education. We have missed them and we can’t wait to see them all again.
Yours sincerely
Mr W Monk
Principal
