Re: Cancellation of Summer 2021 examinations

I hope that this letter finds you and your families well.

Yet again we find ourselves in a period of uncertainty regarding school closures for face to face learning and the Summer 2021 GCSE examinations. This is certainly not something I thought we would go through again however, we find ourselves here so I would like to explain how we are planning to proceed with regards to the English Literature, Biology and Astronomy early entries.

At this moment in time we believe there are two possible scenarios for us to follow:

1. Continue with planned entries for examinations in Summer 2021 - OFQUAL consultation over the next 3 – 4 weeks allows Year 10 early entry. This would mean all assessment and classwork would contribute to our Teacher Assessed Grade. This grade would be submitted to the exam boards. These entries will be at the discretion of the school and only if we believe that it is in your best interests.
2. Year 10 early entries not allowed – We would need to reorganise our curriculum plans for the rest of year 10 and 11. All examinations would be sat at the end of Year 11 (Summer 2022)

We will continue to work towards the early entry option. This means that engagement with your online learning is vitally important as it will contribute to any assessment made for the Teacher Assessed Grade.

Once I know the decision from OFQUAL I will inform you immediately. There is a saying that ‘these things are sent to try us’ and this could not be more relevant. We will work through this together and you will have success, of this I am certain. Mrs Were quite rightly talks of you as an adaptable year group who work hard and this will be of great benefit to you in the weeks to come.

If you have any questions at all please contact either myself or Mrs Were via email or Teams and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand’. Isaiah 41:10

Mr Wilkinson

Deputy Headteacher