I’d like to start by sharing some really helpful resources from Young Minds which may be of help to our families, please click on the link here for more information.

This week, staff have been piloting the use of Showbie video calls with students. Here’s a report from Mrs Peacock’s ‘Employability’ pathway group..

“This week I’ve made the first video call with my group. We had some initial difficulties getting connected but after speaking to all parents on how to update the iPad, thanks to Matthew’s brother George going over it with me, we had some success! I had a video call with 3 students: Matthew, Joe and Terry. Joe was his usual self, asking questions. Matthew was his usual self, spraying himself with deodorant and ensuring his hair looked pristine, whilst mimicking my accent! Jordan was his usual self, telling Matthew off and laughing at me not knowing how to switch the chat off. Hopefully we’ll have more present on the next call. It was lovely being able to see them all and to catch up with them.”

I’m hoping to get all Year 14 students together at some point next week so I can have a chat to everyone. Year 14 staff will let you know during next week’s calls. I may need Mathew’s brother George to help me out!!

For many of our Year 14 students, this should have been an exciting time when they are coming to the end of their time with us here at the Learning Centre and are preparing for the next stage in their journey. The highlight for all our Year 14 students is the ‘Leavers Prom’ and the highlight for very proud parents and families is the Year 14 ‘Record of Achievement’

Please let me assure everyone that although it is not possible within current guidelines to hold these wonderful events, they will happen at some point and in some format. It may be different to what we have known in the past but we will find a way to celebrate the many achievements of our Year 14 students and ‘mark’ their time with us appropriately and with the importance it deserves. I guess I’ll have to put my ‘posh frock’ away for the moment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to staff teams when they call over the next couple of weeks.

We are in the process of producing virtual ‘Memory Books’ for every Year 14 student containing photos and messages from the Learning Centre staff team. I appreciate this in no way replaces the celebration and events that would have been taking place, however it will provide a keepsake of each student’s time with us. I can’t wait to see in book form the wonderful memories of their journey with us.

On Monday families will receive the Learning Centre options booklet to enable students to make their option choices. Due to the current situation around the coronavirus, we are planning the Learning Centre curriculum offer and options programme as best we can and we are asking that students make their options choices as they normally would. As you can appreciate, there may have to be some changes or adaptions in September in line with government guidelines around ‘bubbles’. We will, however, ensure wherever possible that students can access an option of their choice. If we have to make any changes or additions to the options programme, we will notify you at the earliest opportunity and work through a solution.

A virtual transition process is taking place for the current Year 11 pupils and staff will be contacting all families to introduce themselves. The ‘new pupils’ page on this website (here) has a virtual tour of the Learning Centre where they can explore the different areas of the building, along with online versions of the various forms they will need to complete, and our updated Learning Centre welcome booklet will also be available on this page shortly.

Next week I will be be sharing key information around the changes that we are putting in place for September following this week’s government guidance. I’d like to assure you that the Learning Centre will continue to provide a college based broad, balanced and meaningful curriculum offer whilst also ensuring the safety of all students and staff. I’d like to thank families for their patience and understanding.

I was delighted this week to receive an email from Josh in response to my request in last week’s blog..

“Hi Miss, saw your sunflowers on your blog the other day, very nice, what do you think of mine?”

Josh those look great and seem to be really strong – I’ve definitely got some serious competition. In light of this I’ve decided to hold off posting any photos of mine until the last week of term, when hopefully I’ll have some lovely big flowers (I would hate to spoil the surprise). The challenge is definitely on Josh!!

Have a lovely weekend all.

Take care and stay safe,

Dawn

Click here for this week’s news from Graham

You can find Gavin’s blog for the school site here

For news on our Key Stage 5 pathway groups at Medtia Square please click here

You can find my previous blog posts here