As you may be aware, the Minister for Education in Wales has made an announcement yesterday that the Easter break for all schools in Wales will come into effect from Friday 20th March 2020. Therefore, I can confirm that we will close the school to all year groups after the completion of the school day on Friday at 3.00pm. The Ministers announcement can be accessed via the following link
https://gov.wales/statement-minster-education-kirsty-williams-school-closures-wales
You may also be aware of a further statement made by Kirsty Williams, Education Minister in relation to the forthcoming GCSE and A level Examinations. The statement reads
“We are in an unprecedented period, one that is changing hour-by-hour, and governments around the world are having to make quick decisions. We recognise the worry and anxiety that the uncertainty around the summer exam series was causing. Today I met with Qualifications Wales and WJEC to consider options that are in the best interests of our learners. We recognise that there are no easy choices but we have agreed that the best way forward is not to proceed with summer exam series. Learners due to sit their GCSEs and A levels this summer will be awarded a fair grade to recognise their work, drawing on the range of information that is available. We will be working with the sector to announce further details shortly but wanted to give this early certainty. We also won’t be using the results to publish performance measure outcomes in 2020.”
At this stage, we do not have any further details. Furthermore, it does not necessarily mean that students do not have to continue with their studies. However, we will provide further updates as they become available to us. I am sure that the statement will raise questions but I would advise families, students and staff to keep an eye on developments as they unfold.
This is an incredibly challenging situation for us all – there are many unknowns and it is important, especially at this time, to work together and support each other.
Our aim is to support pupils’ education and, as a school, we have been working over the past week to put together a pack for every child in the school so that they can continue to learn at home after the Easter break. All resources will also be available on a dedicated area on the school website and you will receive further information and details about this in due course.
During the closure, you can continue to contact us using the following email address
school@aberdareschool.co.uk
We will keep you regularly updated via our school website and social media sites.
Please take care of each other during this unprecedented time.
Yours sincerely
Mrs C Morgans
Headteacher