Dear parents,

It has been a great week for Balcarras and I have to say I am just delighted with how it has gone. I can’t tell you how good it feels to have the school back to life—vibrant, busy and purposeful. The students have been a real credit to you and they have collectively done a great job of getting back in to the classroom.

It is obvious that some students have found this easier than others and I am aware that several have needed help and support which is to be expected. Please continue to talk to us if you have any concerns.

The testing programme has run like clockwork and by the end of today we have completed our second round. This amounts to around 2700 tests. I would like to place on record my thanks to the staff who have just been terrific. Its worth remembering that from Tuesday onwards we have been on a full timetable whilst also coping with the demands of testing.

The third test will be complete by the end of Tuesday and from then onwards testing kits will be provided by Public Health England for use at home. They will be distributed to students early next week. I would like to thank you for the support you have offered to the school during this time.

GCSE and A level Grades

Today the school emailed all parents and students in Years 11 and 13 with details of how the school will determine the grades which we submit to exam boards who will then accredit students.

Tutors will go through this information with students and it is my intention to hold a ‘teams’ assembly shortly to reassure the students that the plans we have in place will not disadvantage them in any way.

Year 10 and Year 12 Examinations

I think it is very important that we hold mock exams for Year 10 and Year 12. This gives them valuable examination practice and allows us to identify areas of strength and those that need further work. We have now rescheduled these as follows:

Year 10: Monday 7th June to Friday 11th June

Year 12: Monday 21st June to Tuesday 29th June

More information including a timetable will be published in due course.

Have a nice weekend

Dominic Burke