Times saying secondary schools might not open

[Orangeblossom78]

www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/coronavirus-secondary-schools-might-not-be-able-to-fully-reopen-in-september-hrfmxlg5j

Schools will not be able to fully reopen in September unless people behave themselves over the summer, scientific advisers have warned ministers.

Even a modest increase in people’s leisure contacts would mean a choice between shutting pubs or keeping secondary schools closed, modelling for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) suggests.

[Orangeblossom78]

"Younger children in primary schools have been prioritised because we know that the early years of education are crucial for social and educational development. Advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) shows there is a lower overall risk from opening schools to younger children, and that they are less likely to become unwell if infected with coronavirus compared to adults."

[Orangeblossom78]

"Numbers of secondary pupils must also be limited because we know older pupils are more likely to have a wider group of social contacts outside of school."

[cantkeepawayforever]

That document still contains:

• No more than 1/4 of years 10 and 12 at a time
  
• 2 m social distancing....
  

I haven't read it in full to see if the section about not being able to swap those 1/4s around halfway through the day has been removed or not. It is hard to keep up ... especially as they do not do honest 'version tracking' so it is IMPOSSIBLE to see what has changed and where.

[Orangeblossom78]

Thanks lemons might be helpful to see that. They are also having all the year 10s in for a morning a week too and they are getting support there- as well as the extra support for those not engaging at home (who maybe do not have laptops)

[UltimateWednesday]

None of the secondaries here are planning for full reopening in September. I attend the local area Secondary Heads Assn meeting (most recently this week) and they're all still planning for blended learning and limited year groups, regardless of whether there's another spike in the meantime. A lot are just planning to deliver core subjects.

[flamingochill]

I love how politicians talk about bubble of 30 in primary when all junior classes round here are closer to 35 than 30...

[Orangeblossom78]

Yes, the 1/4 at a time- using the house groups for that I think.

[Orangeblossom78]

Also some stuff about school transport there - yes it is tricky. Mine can walk but others are further away.

I just got the feeling from the press that they might just go back to normal and not have the social distancing etc but it seems might not be happening like that. (in secondaries anyway)

[MarshaBradyo]

Does that 1/4 in still apply to both private and state?

The recent changes (more flexibility) did not apply to y10 and 12?

Losing track

[waitrosequeue]

Bloody ridiculous.

Most of the older secondary school kids are all down at local parks ! Then their parents will be whisking then off on holiday very soon.

[Orangeblossom78]

I'm not sure Martha. It is pretty confusing.

Oh I know it was the comment in the briefings, did Boris not say all of the pupils will be back full time? Did he just mean primary then

[MarshaBradyo]

No I think he meant everyone. Our secondary school then followed that announcement with an email saying their ambition is to open to all students in September.

[Orangeblossom78]

Ok well will be interesting to see what the plans are.

[Orangeblossom78]

We had one that day from the primary saying planning for full time but nothing from the secondary school.

[flamingochill]

Our secondary school Head mentioned in our last newsletter that BJ's "intention" was for all students to be back in September so think that means secondary too

[cantkeepawayforever]

Most of the older secondary school kids are all down at local parks

That's outside. Packing them like sardines into buses and unventilated classrooms and corridors is a very different matter....

[Lemons1571]

@Orangeblossom78 I noted that both Boris and Gavin both said “A full return...”. Meaning all kids back. But at no point did any of them say “full time”.

[cantkeepawayforever]

Yes, they were extremely careful in what they said. I think their aim was to appear to promise what people want (full time, everyone in) but to be able to deny this was ever their intention when September comes.

[monkeytennis97]

@Lemons1571 I noticed this too... I'm a class music teacher at secondary level, I have no idea how we are going to be able to do anything practical-it will all have to be theory and listening work

[Piggywaspushed]

To answer an earlier question about schools in Europe after the summer hols, this is hard info to find but it in The times today (I think).

We actually seem to be alone with France in the intention of getting them all in in every year group full time. Most other countries are planning rotas , staggered start backs or part time/blended learning. Germany seems to be the only country which got oldest back first, I think just to sit exams and then off again this term. Most countries seem to be being very cagey about their plans.

[SunflowerProsecco]

Teachers and TAs safety needs to be considered too.

[monkeytennis97]

@SunflowerProsecco 100% agree

[Littlebelina]

Germany are planning for full reopening after the summer if cases allow

berlinspectator.com/2020/06/17/germany-merkel-announces-reopening-of-schools-main-corona-rules-to-remain/

[Littlebelina]

Belgium appear to be aiming for five days for primary but 4 days for secondary
www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/belgium-all-news/118445/belgium-unveils-plans-for-a-return-to-class-after-the-lockdown/

[Starlightstarbright1]

@SunflowerProsecco

Teachers and TAs safety needs to be considered too.

I agree but there has to be a plan for our children.

I have just watched Britain’s best children- when they talked about homeschooling it is nothing like what we are doing . My Ds does what is expected but no idea if he is learning anything