If education was a film, it now feels more Back to the Future than Groundhog Day.
From tomorrow, students and staff will no longer be mandated to wear face coverings in school.
Of course, we have been here before over the last two years but, this time, it does feel as though there won’t be any going back.
It is a future we have all been desperate for.
Unlike the film’s stars Marty McFly and Doc Brown, we have not had a time-travelling DeLorean sports car to get us there.
We have had to be patient, respect the rules, and wait for things to get back to normal.
It has been like Groundhog Day – which starred Bill Murray as a weatherman living the same day over and over again – at times during the past two years.
But we can now move forward and live more normally though, I’m sure, we will be more aware of our surroundings and respectful of people and space.
Some students and staff may still feel more comfortable wearing a face covering in school. If that’s the case, that’s fine.
From Monday, we are returning to the uniform expectations prior to Christmas. Jumpers, hoodies and coats will no longer be worn in lessons.
Our extra curricular clubs also return next week. Please see the school calendar
which has been updated with all the details.
I am delighted to say that, despite what has been going on with Covid rates, five year groups are receiving face-to-face learning around the building.
I’m really proud of that and would like to thank students and staff.
I don’t thank colleagues enough in public. They have been brilliant, riding the wave.
I’m proud that I have not had one challenge to what we have tried to do. They have been united in their determination to be in school and educate our young people.
I am fortunate to lead what I consider to be the best team. They are the reason behind our success, coming together to deliver high quality education and opportunities.
Returning to my Back to the Future theme, we are always encouraging our students to think ahead. To reinforce that, we will be holding our first RAD (Raising Aspirations Day) on 23rd February.
All our year groups will have different days, some in school some out. They will have in common a focus on the future, looking to widen horizons.
We are planning for National Careers Week, which starts on 7th March. Please, keep looking at the school calendar.
Finally, well done to Year 11 for a brilliant start to their second prolonged period of exams.
We have incredible numbers coming in at 8am for the revision breakfast club.
They are doing everything they can to give themselves additional advantages to being successful in the months and years ahead.
They are, very much, focused on the future.
