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Letter from the Headmaster
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Dear Parents and Boys
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Further to my letter last week, this QE Update provides further information on our current situation and on the likely path ahead.
As you know, remote learning for all pupils will be in place until at least the February half-term break. This situation is obviously far from ideal and is especially disappointing after last term’s return to Queen’s Road. However, I am pleased to say that we are in a strong position as a School to continue delivering an excellent education to our pupils in these extraordinary circumstances – stronger even than during the first lockdown last year.
This QE Update explains how we are now delivering our full timetable by following a balanced approach to remote learning that combines video teaching with independent study, while at the same time making full use of the functionality provided by eQE and Microsoft Teams. It is important that the boys remain focused on their studies, maintaining a ‘business as usual’ approach even in the face of disappointments such as the cancellation of this summer’s GCSE and A-level examinations. Through the same technology, we have also been able to maintain other elements of the normal School day, including registration and form tutor periods, Personal Development Time and assemblies.
The in-School Covid-19 testing programme that we had planned has now been postponed because of the lockdown. However, we are working on the assumption that it will need to be implemented once pupils are eventually able to return to classes. My thanks go to all the volunteers who have come forward to support the programme. Please take a moment now to complete the necessary consent forms: we need everyone – older boys and parents alike – to respond at this point, supporting our planning of the administration of the programme so that we can roll it out efficiently and rapidly when the time comes.
We are working to re-institute online extra-curricular and pastoral activities. I would urge everyone in the Elizabethan community to dig deep individually and to respond to these difficult and worrying times with good grace and strong resolve, at the same time remembering to look out for others, supporting and encouraging one another as we get through the crisis together. We should also look after ourselves and take some time to relax. I look forward to hearing news of all the interesting and worthwhile pursuits and projects that boys are involved in.
Best wishes
Mr Neil Enright
Headmaster
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Remote possibilities: developing excellence in lockdown learning at QE
With remote learning currently in place for all boys from Year 7 to Year 13, QE staff are drawing on the extensive experience gained from last year’s first lockdown, while taking full advantage of technological advancements now available to them.
Deputy Head (Academic) Anne Macdonald says that the focus in refining online and other forms of remote learning is on keeping pupils’ experience aligned with the School’s customary strengths: “It is important that we continue to develop the boys’ independent learning skills, building confidence and resilience, and honing their organisational skills.”
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GCSEs and A-levels: exams and assessments
Year 11 mock examinations are going ahead this week at QE and are being run entirely online, as the School continues both to adapt swiftly to the changing national situation and to maintain its unwavering focus on delivering a first-class education.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed last week that there will be no GCSE and A-level examinations this summer, indicating that teacher assessment is likely to be used instead, with the Department for Education promising “training and support…to ensure grades are awarded fairly and consistently”. The School will monitor further announcements regarding assessments closely.
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Covid-19 testing at QE – and your consent
In line with previous Government requirements, QE had expected to launch a mass Covid-19 testing programme in School in the first weeks of term. This has now been postponed because of the lockdown. However, it is still expected that such testing will form part of the measures to enable a safe return to School, whenever national policy makes this possible.
Planning for testing is, therefore, continuing. The aim is to ensure a smooth return to on-site classes, with as little disruption as possible academically, with full pastoral support for all boys, and with minimal risk to public health.
This page provides an overview of the testing process.
Please click below to fill in the testing consent forms – one form per pupil. Testing is not compulsory – parents can opt out at any point. The forms include an option to decline consent. For pupils under 16, parents should complete the form and should discuss testing with their sons. Pupils aged 16 or over should complete the form themselves. The School will require a response for all pupils.
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Tell us your lockdown latest!
As in last year’s lockdown, the School is keen to hear from pupils about what they are getting up to. Whether it’s news of achievements, extra-curricular activities, hobbies, charity work or creative writing, boys can send it to our dedicated news@qebarnet.co.uk. Any items illustrated by photos or other images are especially welcome.
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Queen Elizabeth's School, Queen's Road, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5
4DQ
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Copyright © January 2021
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