End of Half Term Update

As we approach the end of the first part of the Summer Term, I would like to provide some further information on arrangements for the period after the Whitsun break. There have been some very minor changes to the existing operational guidance published by Welsh Government, but these do not affect the provisions we already have in in school or require any significant adjustments to the current risk assessment.

Students in Years 11 and 13 will have completed the classroom assessments needed to determine their grades, and they will not be required to attend after Whitsun. The period after Whitsun, from Monday 7th June to Friday 18th June, is designated for grading, moderation and reporting in readiness for the issue of Centre Determined Grades (CDGs). Pupils will receive these grades, with the Decision Making Record (DMR) on Monday 21st June. We will write to parents of students in these examination groups separately with arrangements on how to collect their CDGs.

For many pupils in Year 11 and all students in Year 13, this week will be their final week at Bryntirion. The past year has been incredibly challenging, but I hope they will be able to view their time at school with fondness and be proud of their achievements. For those pupils reaching the end of their time at school, we wish them all the very best for the future and hope that they have happy and fulfilling lives.

Students in Year 12 will not be required in school during this period, and will be required to work at home as part of a ‘reading fortnight’. They will return to school for face to face lessons on Monday 21st June.

All other students in Years 7 to Year 10 will return to school after the Whitsun break. Please note the following are INSET days:

1. Monday 7th June
2. Friday 18th June
3. Monday 19th July
4. Tuesday 20th July

The final day for the Summer Term for all students will therefore be Friday 16th July.

After Whitsun, we will be making a minor adjustment to the school day for students. This will not affect the start and finish times. Essentially, pupils in Years 7 and 8 will continue to follow this year’s timetable as usual. Pupils in Years 9 and 10 will follow the timetable previously reserved for students in Year 11, 12 & 13.

As part of our next step towards normality, we are asking parents to support us in our drive for high standards in pupils’ uniform. This includes appropriate footwear and hair colour as outlined in our school policy. We will be reinforcing messages and standards in school after the half term break, and will also focus our attention on the use of mobile phones, particularly in the classroom, where their use is not permitted.

We are also delighted that we have been able to resume some extra-curricular activities after school, all of which enrich the lives of pupils, and are such an important feature of school life at Bryntirion. Rehearsals for our annual school show have already started, which this year we hope to be an outdoor performance of ‘Into the Woods’ by pupils in Years 11, 12 and 13 (rehearsing separately). Let’s hope for kinder weather!

I would like to thank parents for your outstanding support during this first full half term of the year. The vast majority of pupils have enjoyed being back in school with their friends and teachers, and have settled into school life very quickly. A few initially found the full return a little overwhelming: the noise, the crowds and the full days causing some anxiety and tiredness. However, attendance has been excellent, and we are now regaining a sense of normality.

I wish you all a happy Whitsun holiday.