Autumn Term
11th JANUARY 2021 Issue 1 : 4th September 2020
Dear Parents, I hope that this finds you all safe and well. Another week of online learning draws to a close, but we have a group of girls living at school during lockdown in boarding and a varied group of key worker girls who make their way to school each day. We also welcomed some of our Year 11s back for the afternoon as they sat their iGCSE Mathematics examination this week - not all external exams have been cancelled! It has been lovely seeing more and more girls confident enough to turn their cameras on during lessons - it makes such a difference. We have also tinkered with our provision, being judicious about homework in KS4 and above, and setting only voluntary activities in KS3 - spending yet more time in front of a screen is not ideal and the need for a daily walk greater than ever. The remainder of Year 11 have also been grappling with the mock exams, mostly set via exam.net. This website is secure and locks the candidates out if they roam from the exam page. In order to regain access, they must type the reason they left into a box which is monitored by an invigilator. I await the inevitable 'My cat wandered across my keyboard and locked me out of the exam.' A definite sign of the times. The logistical burden of turning the mocks into something completely different by Monday was enormous, but Miss Nelson, our Examinations Officer has, as ever, weathered the storm with characteristic poise and calm. Only once have I heard her utter: 'Oh, to be in Mairlot Hall!' Sentiments felt by us all. My thanks to all staff members who are invigilating. It was a real pleasure interviewing the Year 6 girls in the Prep school this week, as part of their entrance examination for the Senior School. I met some very articulate and enthusiastic young ladies, and I look forward to welcoming them in September. If extra-curricular activities can go ahead online, they are, and I draw particular attention to Enrichment Society currently drawing huge crowds. With best wishes for the weekend. Dr Claire McShane