Dear Parents/Carers,
As we approach the end of the summer term, I would like to thank all our families for the support you have given our pupils during their remote learning over the course of this year. It has been fantastic to welcome all pupils back on site for face to face education, but we recognise a significant part of this year was centred around remote learning. We realise it has been a challenge to adapt your routines to the changes and you have done a remarkable job supporting your children in achieving as smooth a transition as possible through quite a turbulent year. There is still much to do with regards to ‘catching up’ and our range of interventions will be reviewed again in September once we have assessed all pupils again.
At the end of a term, I normally wish you a restful break and a good holiday. However, the government guidance is a little more restrictive this year and many holidays will be curtailed. That said, I hope you all manage some downtime with your families.
We realise there has been some anxiety this year around the awarding of grades for A Level, GCSE and other qualifications for Year 11 and Year 13. However, I was extremely impressed by the way all our pupils responded, providing evidence through coursework and continuous testing.
Results days (10th & 12th August) will be no different to previous years, when we get a chance to celebrate individual outcomes and secure destinations with our pupils. I know many of my staff enjoy coming in to share this with our pupils.
Finally, I would just like to say how proud I am that our school community has come together again so quickly in a time of need and in the best interests of our children. We have all had to adjust again to a new way of learning together remotely and then again, back on site at The UTC. Whether it is the incredibly hardworking staff who have formed a remote ‘digital school’ and continue to support those in need, our families who worked with and supported their children so well at home, or the pupils themselves, for the hard work and effort that they are putting into their learning and readjusting to our UTC routines- each of you deserve a huge thank you for everything you have achieved this term.
We will be contacting you again in August with regards to returning to the UTC at the start of term and the COVID testing strategy for each year group.
Yours faithfully,
Steve Leahey
Principal
