Message from David Gartland

Dear Parent/Carer

I have written to all students earlier today to provide some clarity following on from the recent Government announcement. I wanted to let you know what we are planning so you are informed and can provide any support our students may require:

• ASFC will deliver remote learning whilst instructed by the government to do so.
• Students will receive an invite to the first timetabled lesson of the week from the subject teacher and they will then inform students of the plan for the remainder of the week. This may involve further “live” teams lessons, set work, small group work or 1:1’s.
• Tutorials will happen live via Teams as per timetable
• Attendance is compulsory for both subject lessons and tutorials. If students are unwell and / or unable to attend they need to follow the normal absence procedure
• As required, we will remain open during lockdown for eligible students. To check if you are eligible please check using the following link  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision. We will be open between 9.00am - 3.35pm Monday to Friday. The LRC will be the designated area where students will be able to complete quiet study. Students will be required to wear a mask and will be required to remain 2 metres away from anyone else in the College, at all times. As ever, all students will also be asked to follow all the Covid protocols that we have in place. If students qualify for this and need to come into College, they are required to contact their SAM to arrange. Please note that students MUST book a place otherwise they will not be able gain entry to the College.
• The College, like all education establishments that support young people over the age of 11, will become a lateral flow testing centre from Monday 11 January. This will mean we will be in a position to provide rapid tests for staff and students who are on site from next week, and this will help us further support our community in containing the virus and limiting the impact on learning. For any students on site that wish to be tested, full guidance and support will be readily available for them.
• We have been informed that exams will not be taking place in the normal way this summer, indeed that they will be cancelled. We have also been informed today that the grades will be awarded through teacher assessed grades. We await more clarification on what this actually means and, as soon as we have more information, we will of course communicate this to you. However, I would urge students to carry on in the same determined and committed way they have been.  Teachers remain totally committed to giving our students the best education we can, to prepare them for their next steps and making sure they have the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to progress and be successful.  So, we encourage them to keep going, keep working hard and most of all listen to the advice their teachers give them. Then, regardless of what decisions are taken, they will know they have the best possible chance of success. Learning, at its heart, is not about grades; it is about becoming a better and more knowledgeable person who can make good decisions – so we encourage them to keep learning.
• Year 13 Trial Exams will take place online, similar to the first lockdown, on the week beginning 18^th January. We will be in touch with the students shortly to confirm our new arrangements.  

I speak on behalf of everyone at ASFC in saying that we are really disappointed that we can’t return to College as planned. However, we have a collective responsibility to help beat this virus and we must all play our part. I understand completely the difficulties and challenges that this may cause. If our students need any help or support we are here for them and please do encourage them to speak to their teachers or SAM if anything is getting in the way of their success. Likewise, if you have any concerns or wish to speak to us please do contact the appropriate SAM.

I will keep in regular communication with you over the next few weeks as things develop further. Until then thank you for your continued support.   

Best wishes and stay safe,

David Gartland

Principal