As you will be aware, the Met Office has issued a Red Extreme Heat Weather Warning, with temperatures expected to reach exceptionally high levels this week.
In light of this, we are making some temporary adjustments to the school day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These arrangements are intended to protect the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff, while maintaining as much continuity as possible.
Arrangements for students
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will be dismissed from 1.20pm. They will still have lunch in school before dismissal.
Afternoon examinations that students in Years 7, 8 and 9 would have sat on these days will be rescheduled for next week, and the times for this shared with you.
Year 10 and Year 12 examinations
Year 10 & Year 12 examinations will continue as normal in the Sports Hall. To accommodate this, we have amended the exam schedule slightly to ensure that larger cohort exams are completed in the morning, with only options/smaller exams taking place in the afternoon.
This does not change the day on which exams are sat, but just the order. This will be emailed to you this evening.
Year 10 & 12 students who do not have an examination in the afternoon will be dismissed from 1.20pm along with the rest of the school.
The following arrangements will also apply:
Uniform
Pupils do not need to wear a blazer, jumper or tie during the hot weather. Pupils should otherwise attend school in their normal school uniform. Water and hydration Pupils should bring a refillable water bottle to school. We will ensure pupils have regular opportunities to refill bottles and will encourage them to drink water throughout the day.
Movement around the building
We will reduce unnecessary movement around the school site where possible and will avoid using rooms or spaces that become excessively hot. After-school activities After-school activities, fixtures and detentions on these days will not take place unless parents and carers are informed otherwise.
Vulnerable pupils
We will pay particular attention to pupils who may be more vulnerable in extreme heat, including pupils with medical conditions. Please contact the school if there is any specific information you feel we need to be aware of.
We appreciate that these adjustments may cause some inconvenience for families, but we believe this is the right decision given the exceptional temperatures forecast and the need to protect the wellbeing of pupils and staff.
Thank you for your support and understanding.