Festival of Sport and End of Term Arrangements

Dear Parents/Carers

As you will know, both locally and across the UK there has been a rapid increase in infections rates with hospitalisations and deaths increasing, albeit at a slower rate. We have had 8 cases in the last 3 weeks resulting in some students having to self-isolate; however, this has been limited by the systems of control we have in place and the ability to accurately identify close contacts of positive cases.

With this in mind we will be maintaining all systems of controls including:

Staggered starts and finishes
Staggered lunch and breaks
Minimal mixing of Year Groups
Washing / sanitising hands regularly
Cleaning equipment regularly
No large gatherings of students

Festival of Sport, scheduled for Monday 19^th and Tuesday 20^th July would present an increase in risk both due to proximity of students to each other and a reduced ability to accurately identify close contacts, meaning many more families would have to self-isolate for several days of the summer holidays. For this reason, we have taken the very difficult decision to cancel Festival of Sport for this year. I know this will be disappointing for many students, as it is for staff ,who thoroughly enjoy the day but we must prioritise the safety of students, their families and staff.

Our amazing PE staff will endeavour to bring a ‘Festival of Sport’ feel to PE lessons for the remainder of this term and I know we all hope that this fantastic event can return next year.

This will mean normal lessons will run on Monday 19^th and Tuesday 20^th July. On Wednesday 21^st July we will have a non-school uniform day. We would ask for £1 donations for charity, and in return students can wear their own choice of clothes. Please consider suitability of clothing for your child for this day. We will finish for the summer break on 21^st July as follows:

Year 7 at 12.00pm
Year 8 at 12.05pm
Year 9 at 12.10pm
Year 10 at 12.15pm

Many thanks for your ongoing support during these challenging times.

Yours sincerely

Mr S T Kneller | Academy Principal