DIXIT
EDITION 104 15th January 2021
The weekly newsletter for the Holyport College family
From the Head Master This has not been the start to term which any of us would have wanted. January is bleak enough without empty classrooms and young people trapped at home in front of computer screens when they should be in school, filling our corridors with joy and laughter. That said, I would like to thank our entire community: students, staff, parents and carers for their resilience and adaptability as we have all made those sacrifices which are so necessary for the national good at present whilst continuing with the important business of education as best we have been able. There has been much speculation in the press this week about how grades will be awarded to those students in Year 11 and Upper Sixth. My view remains that, at this time, this is no more than speculation and, until we see confirmed plans from the Department for Education, Ofqual and the exam boards, the best thing any young person in Year 11 or Upper Sixth can do is to continue to work to the best of their ability. I am aware of the extent to which the present uncertainty is driving anxiety within our community and I empathise greatly with this but, until we know the plan for certain, all we can do is continue on our current path. We have been delighted to welcome back those young people who are eligible to attend lessons in person. Your good humour and positivity really is a boon in these uncertain times. Likewise, we very much look forward to welcoming more of our boarders back safely next week. Our onsite Covid testing is now very much underway (with huge thanks to those who have volunteered to support it). More than 200 tests have so far been administered and one asymptomatic case of Covid-19 has been identified and confirmed (all close contacts have also been notified). This is hugely significant as, whatever the efficacy of the tests we are using or the politics surrounding them, the case we identified would otherwise have been circulating within their bubble with absolutely no knowledge that they may have been passing on infection. Personally, I’ve been doing very little actual teaching since March last year so it has been a great pleasure to take on a Year 11 English class and teach my first proper online lessons (thank you to my Year 11s for your patience as I navigate the technicalities of this). The reason I have taken on this teaching is to cover the absence of our Head of English, Mrs Sunner, who gave birth to her second son Navraj on the 28th December. I’m sure you will join me in sending my congratulations to the whole family. Finally, I would like to publicly offer my thanks to the staff team as a whole. Two weeks ago today, all of Year 11 and 13 were scheduled to return to school in just a few days with all others students due to come back the following week. Much has changed since then (and will, I’m sure, continue to change over the coming weeks) however the College’s staff (both teachers and those in supporting roles) have been simply incredible in adapting to the changes and ensuring the highest quality, happiest and most productive ongoing provision for our students. I cannot be fulsome enough in my praise for the team and ask that, if you share this sentiment, you do reach out to those staff who work with your son or daughter to thank them: I know they would appreciate it! Ben McCarey Head Master
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