London Academy closure

20 March 2020

Dear Parents/Carers,

Temporary Closure of London Academy

As you will be aware, the Government has announced that all schools in England will be closed temporarily for the vast majority of children from the end of the day on Friday 20^th March.

The decision has been taken on the advice of medical and scientific experts in order to manage the spread of coronavirus and reduce pressure on the healthcare system.

From Monday 23^rd March, most students’ education will continue from home.

We have prepared well for these circumstances so that all students can continue their education from home during the closure. On the London Academy website under “Secondary” and “Remote Learning” is a link to where online resources are saved for all year groups. A direct link to this part of the website is below:

https://www.londonacademy.org.uk/Secondary/Remote-Learning/

We have shared the password by text message explaining how to access these resources. We believe that it is vitally important that students do not fall behind in their learning and as a result of this London Academy teachers will be uploading lessons and resources in line with the timetables detailed below for each year group.

Year 7 and 8:

Year 9/10:

Year 11:

We want students in year 11 to use this time to help prepare for their academic studies next year. The vast majority of students have chosen their five initial A level preferences when they had their Saturday interview. With this in mind we are suggesting the timetable below for year 11 students and teachers will upload resources into the relevant subject folders to help prepare students for their studies next academic year.

Year 12:

Year 12 students will follow their normal timetable and teachers will upload resources to the relevant folder by 3.30pm the day the lesson was due to take place.

If you or your child has any questions about remote learning please email remoteit@londonacademy.org.uk. This e-mail inbox is staffed between 9am and 3pm during term time.   

The Academy will remain open for some specific groups of students:

• - Those whose parents are key workers; this includes those employed by the NHS, emergency services and those who work in the food supply chain
• - Those who are particularly vulnerable
• - Those who have an EHCP (education healthcare plan).

If you have not heard from us to confirm that your child should attend, then please do not send them into the Academy on Monday 23^rd March until further notice.

Furthermore, we are currently finalising how we can ensure that all students on Free School Meals will receive their entitlement to food.  We will do everything we can to deliver what is required of us by the Government.

Exams

The Government announced yesterday that no external exams will take place as usual in May and June.  Over the coming days they will announce how those who were due to sit exams will be awarded qualifications.  Whilst there is uncertainty about how grades will be awarded, students should be reassured that the Government has committed to ensuring that all students will receive qualifications this year. As soon as we have more information on this, we will issue further guidance to our Year 11 and 13 students and families.  

Concerns

If, whilst away from the school site, your child has a worry or concern about themselves or someone else, they will be able to log a concern on the Academy’s website, which will send a message directly to the Academy’s Safeguarding Team. Children should log their concern on the ‘SHARP’ system either within the Academy’s safeguarding section of the website or at the following address https://www.londonacademy.org.uk/Safeguarding/SHARP/.

You are also able to e-mail the Academy with any questions or concerns at office@londonacademy.org.uk. This e-mail inbox is staffed between 9am and 3pm during term time. 

We are entering times of further uncertainty, speculation and concern and our responsibility as a school, like yours as a parent/carer, is to give our young people the learning, support and reassurance that they need in the coming weeks.

We will continue to update parents/carers on a regular basis with important information as we receive it. Please check the school website and text messages regularly.

Thank you for your continued support and for working with us in the weeks ahead.

Yours Sincerely

Alex Warburton

Principal