Charlton School

Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

I am writing to you on the day that should be our final celebration; the day officially Year 11 come off roll at Charlton School, completing your secondary education, and the date of our Year 11 Prom.

I am deeply saddened by the impact that Corona Virus has had on you as a year group.  A year group I respected greatly and a group who have or would have achieved so much, in education and the wider context of the school such as sports and the performing arts.  I know the chance to not sit exams has hit some of you hard whilst it was celebrated by others.  I know we all regret not having had the opportunities to celebrate together leaving school, which ever your viewpoint on exams!

I know motivating yourselves to work has been difficult, but I do hope, if nothing else, you have spent time focusing on the areas important to you in the future.  There are many links and resources available on our website, from our Post 16 providers, to support you in your preparation for next year’s studies.

You will all be relieved to hear we have submitted all of your predicted grades to the exam boards, unfortunately we are not legally allowed to share these with you and we, like you, will await the results being published in August to see the final outcomes.  We believe we have been as fair as we can be and hope to secure for you the results your hard work and commitment deserved.

Ofqual have produced the following guidance for schools, parents and students on the processes being undertaken this year, it talks through the process exams boards are undertaking now and the outcomes of the examination consultation, such as the students’ and schools’ rights of appeal:

https://bit.ly/2A23hee

The document confirms that results will be released to students on Thursday 20^th August.  We are awaiting guidance as to what method this release of data will take, it is possible results may have to be emailed but we are hoping there will be an opportunity for them to be collected in person, should the student wish to do so.   We will write again confirming arrangements for results collection, or delivery, before the end of term.

You may have seen from my whole school letter, the news that leaving with you this year are three stalwarts of Charlton.  Mrs Jones, our librarian, Mr Denfhy and Mr Tristham.   I hope that we can together, join in celebrating with them and you, this special time at some point in the future.

I have had many queries about what we can do in the future to celebrate your five years with us and I can assure you we still intend on holding an event when we can.

At this time, we are not in a position to confirm what format this will take or when.  You will be aware that there has still not been any notification from the Government when large gatherings of people will be allowed to take place. Many events involving large groups planned for October are being cancelled already.  A number of people have raised that other schools have given revised dates for proms - these were dates provided by the venues and there are no guarantees that these events will or can take place.

I can confirm for those parents in receipt of free school meals, the Learning Community Trust have committed to providing vouchers for you, not only till the end of term but also over the six-week holiday period too.  Hopefully, this will support you financially until your post 16 provision starts.

These have been very unsettling times for all of us, I cannot begin to put myself in your shoes as to how you have felt about school finishing in this way.  We are still here to support you, should you need any advice, guidance, or help.

I very much look forward to being able to see you all again and celebrate an amazing five years with us at Charlton School.

Yours faithfully

Mr A McNaughton

Principal