Dear Gentlemen
As we break for the Easter holiday, I should like to take this opportunity to thank you for the way the vast majority of you have engaged with #LearnAtHome, to wish you all good health and to assure you that your School is with you every step of the way. We have been very touched by the many emails we have received – mostly emails of thanks but, as important, suggestions for improvements to something very new to us all.
We did not, unfortunately, get the chance to say goodbye to Mr Hammons who is moving away from the area and has earned a very well-deserved promotion, leading his own History department. He did not, of course, expect to start his new job from home, but I am sure you’ll join me in wishing him well.
HATS OFF
I’m not sure if you joined in the 8 o’clock ‘Clap for the NHS’ – certainly, in our village (a normally fairly sleepy place at 8pm) a number of young people were out expressing their thanks, along with those of us of riper years. We were very pleased to be able to donate some equipment to Wycombe Hospital (‘schools donating equipment to the NHS’ – there’s a good debating subject) and we are making some rooms in Fraser Youens House available for key workers, should they be needed.
You may recall that I ask you to give your staff a clap in my final assembly of the term. Not possible this time, but I know that your teachers have much appreciated your kind remarks during their interactions with you.
You deserve and need a break. Have some down time – exercise, reading, TV, XBox, Houseparty - all in moderation of course! Friends are important too as we know that generations of boys at RGS have built friendships for life.
I would however, remind Years 11 and 13 to stay on top of your work as you may wish or need to sit an exam to boost your awarded grade in the autumn. The Ofqual guidance came out at midday – here is their letter to students.
May I ask pupils in all years that you do not send work in for marking over the Easter holidays. Your teachers have been working flat out and need a break too.
THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS
We have no idea when we’ll be back – I put my money on September. This is a real challenge for you as none of you can afford to take this amount of time out of learning.
I am genuinely very concerned about the learning gap that will be created between boys who have participated and boys who have not. I’m glad to report that the vast majority of boys have embraced #LearnAtHome very well. Thank you.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
When we return after the Easter break we will continue for a few weeks with #LearningAtHome. We will then take the opportunity to do some different things. The feedback of staff, parents and many of you who have written in have helped Mr Wallace and Mrs Forster to put together what I think will be a ‘good plan’ to you independent learners.
Thank you again for your support. Please take care over the holiday and look out for each other, albeit remotely.
May I renew my good wishes to you all. If your family celebrates the festival of Easter, I wish you a happy one. Easter also serves as a welcome spring holiday, which I hope will enable you to recharge your batteries and spend good family time together.
Yours sincerely
Headmaster
