Dear Parent/Carer

I am sorry that I am contacting you during the Christmas holiday period. However, I felt it was important that you receive the following update. Many of you will have seen the news today announcing the delayed opening of secondary schools to all students. You will know that at Harrow Way we pride ourselves on being well ahead in the planning, but we heard this at the same time as the rest of the country. Therefore, Year 11 are planned to return on the 11th January 2021 and Years 7 to 10 from the 18th January.

So, in a nutshell:

w/c 4th January

Years 7-11 ‘Remote Learning’

In School – only Children of Critical Workers/Vulnerable students

w/c 11th January

Years 7-10 ‘Remote Learning’

In School – Year 11 face to face teaching and Children of Critical Workers/Vulnerable students

w/c 18th January

Years 7- 11 face to face teaching in school

NB – Vocational exams scheduled for the first weeks of January will go ahead as planned.

We are clear that we will be delivering remote learning to ALL students from Monday 4th January 2021 and need to stress upon you and for students that this is not optional, with attendance being compulsory as it would be to attend school.

If anyone has issues accessing remote learning, then as per previous communication, you should email adminoffice@harrowway.hants.sch.uk.  Further detailed guidance on the timetable and accessing the live/pre-recorded lessons will follow at the weekend.

The school will remain open for Critical Worker and Vulnerable students. The deadline for requesting these places has passed as per the letter issued at the end of term. We have staffing considerations to meet now we are remotely educating the entire school from Monday 4th January 2021 therefore please do not be offended if your request is refused if you have submitted your request after the deadline.

If, however, you wish to add your Year 11 child to our list of Critical Worker children/Vulnerable students, please follow this link and complete the form by 10.00 am on Saturday 2nd January 2021.

With regard to testing, I am pleased the government have delayed the commencement of this for staff and students to ensure we have the equipment and training required to undertake this huge task.

I do think large scale testing is an important priority and a valuable resource in helping to ensure a continuity of education for as many students as possible. As always, we will rise to the challenge and do whatever is asked of us as school staff. The more time we have to prepare, the easier this will be.

I am so sorry that this is all so last minute, yet again, but given the latest statistics regarding transmission rates, particularly with regard to the new variant of the virus, I believe the decision taken today is the right one. I urge you to do your part and keep your children inside and follow at all times the Tier 4 restrictions.

Look out for the email at the weekend regarding the plan for ‘Remote Learning’ starting on the 4th January 2021.

M J SERRIDGE