Dear Parents/Carers

Severe Weather Warning

On Wednesday and Thursday this week we are expecting temperatures of 30 degrees from 10.00am and rising to upwards of 36 degrees during the day. We have many rooms that will rise to unbearable temperatures during the late morning and so to maintain a safe environment we will have shortened days finishing at the end of Period 3. We will also, unfortunately, cancel the Year 10 trip to Portchester Castle on Wednesday, as there is very little in the way of shade on the site. Work will be set on EduLink for Periods 4 and 5 on both days.

This means that school will begin at the normal time and then finish at 12.05pm for Years 7 and 8 and 12.10pm for Years 9 and 10. We will make provision for students who have free school meals. Below are some areas that you may have concerns about:

•           The English Year 10 exam will take place as normal during Periods 1 and 2

•           Mr Cull will contact parents of students with peripatetic lessons scheduled during either Period 4 or 5 on those days

•           Mr Hoskins will update parents of any students due to visit Portchester Castle on Wednesday 

•           Additional information regarding the Float to Live safety campaign, which was discussed with students during the recent PD rotation has been included in this week's Student Bulletin, and during PD on Wednesday all tutors will discuss matters of heat safety and in particular swimming in unsupervised areas

Also, please note that this week’s PE lessons will be adapted to ensure student safety during the extreme heat. We have set up gazebos to provide shaded areas, and teachers will build in frequent breaks throughout each lesson. All students must bring water with them and ideally a hat to wear during their PE lessons. Lesson intensity will be reduced and activities adapted accordingly. Any student who begins to feel unwell or struggles with the conditions must inform their PE teacher immediately so appropriate support can be given.

Finally, we do expect Tuesday and Friday to run as normal, as will the Year 7 Subject Evening on Thursday afternoon.

Kind regards

Mr Parkes

Headteacher