The Thirty-Sixth Republic - New Year approaching, no clear idea of what is happening next week and has Gav been sacked yet?

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They are obsessed with getting year 11 and 13 in. The infection figures show they are the worst year groups to continue mixing but - hey- those exams must go ahead!!

Remote teaching for year 11, that said, in my subject. Aarggh.

More delays

Yes. I’d bet my marking pile (finished) that the wording will allow it to be extended. Interesting that the TES has become the leak outlet of choice.

I read it as all years will be back in the building from 18th Jan, 11&13 from 11th as they'll be tested first.

Delaying does seem sensible, but I'm not sure a week is long enough. We're supposed to have year 13 mocks starting on the 11th, but that's looking less and less likely by the day.

I have massively mixed opinions of the TES but at least I do trust them to leak accurately on things like this and there seem to be enough teaching staff writing for them who will hold them to account on Twitter etc.

I think they leak through the TES because it seems like it’s somehow coming from teachers.

I think they're kicking the can down the road.

One delay (staggered start) already extended.

the TES wording is interesting as it suggest remote learning only for year 11 and 13. That can't be correct, though.

I wish my school had had the foresight of DSs and sorted tow lessons per day. The teachers now only have to plan one or two lessons for each day. the lesson slots are 2 1/2 hours but the teacher teaches for 'up to an hour' and then the kids have work to do afterwards. So much better than my potential 5 lessons a day across three subjects and 5 year groups!

TES got the exclusive on the original staggered start announcement the day before it was announced too, so I'm inclined to trust this.

piggy we have 3 lessons per day and it's exhausting in school but for remote learning it is ace!

Yes, I am jealous . His setting is sixth form so I imagine it is rather nice for the teachers! Said teachers do have to hot foot it over to the 'other side' , too, so they are only in luck if they teach mainly/entirely sixth form.

Just came up on Twitter (I was still in the broom cupboard!) - https://www.tes.com/news/exclusive-new-school-opening-delay-agreed-ministerss*

Thanks @GravityFalls

So primaries can just fuck off and die then ? Great...

5 lessons a day here Piggy.

I still don’t know if we are live teaching or can record - I’m hoping recorded because I think they’re better!

Wow, one whole extra week another vote for kicking the can down the road! They will announce that plan and then I reckon, end of week one, it will be extended.

Our Y11 mocks are meant to start on the 11th -not looking likely is it.

All fine though, they can still do exams

Must actually try to plan some lessons today. I am going to plan as if they will all be online now - not looking forward to teaching my A-level stuff online, I am at a point of teaching very tricky concepts.

@SmileEachDay

5 lessons a day here Piggy.

I still don’t know if we are live teaching or can record - I’m hoping recorded because I think they’re better!

I think we will all have to go in school and teach live from the PC in the room we were meant to teach in incase of key worker kids and vulnerable kids attendance.

I rather suspect they’re waiting for public sentiment to turn before shutting primaries - at the moment parents are still mostly against it, but fear might change minds on that soon.

An interesting anecdotal observation- about 2/3 of people wearing masks between shops in my local high street today, way higher than any other time I’ve been out. I think general COVID awareness is creeping back up. More walking round people too.

And precisely nothing about SEN or primaries

But it's OK. You can't catch it from children. Or in primary schools.

--Even though I 100% caught it at school from a child who was asymptomatic as did 2 of my colleagues. No, the colleagues didn't mix at all but we did all have contact with a specific class

My goodwill was relatively high at the end of last term. I was determined to do the best despite the circumstances. Now I know that I'm just collateral damage, I really really don't give a toss.

But maybe that's because I'm still not well and am particularly grumpy today...

We're in and teaching live from school. The lessons are recorded on teams for kids to access later on if needed.

I find live easier than pre recorded purely because I can't pre record in school so have to do it all at home.

That's the current plan at our school @RigaBalsam

In a way, it's better for me to be in school as my rural wifi isn't great.

@Hercwasonasnowball

We're in and teaching live from school. The lessons are recorded on teams for kids to access later on if needed.

I find live easier than pre recorded purely because I can't pre record in school so have to do it all at home.

I find live easier too. I like the interaction. Actually talking for my separate Science and typing in the group chat for my shy year 10.

Tier 48. Exercise is now only allowed in your own bathroom. Hospitals are closed and remote appointments are taken by semaphore from rooftops. Eat your pets before going to the only open shop which for some reason is B and M. The PM will hold a meeting at 4pm about how to cook your dog. Remember, people who go outside are shot.
Primary schools remain open.

It's insane if they do nothing about primaries. Really feeling fit my colleagues in primary and special Ed at the moment. Pile of shit.

*for

From a Red top

Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, the joint general secretaries of the National Education Union (NEU) told Mr Williamson and the PM to share evidence on safety in schools - and keep kids at home for a fortnight.
It said: "You certainly cannot expect education staff to show good will towards your plans for education if you do not at least share all the information you have about this dreadful disease with them."
And Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, told Mr Williamson that all pupils living in the highest Tiers should not return to school.
Even academics who have previously backed plans to keep schools open have urged the Government to keep them shut, including Oasis academy chief Steve Chalke, who called for a two-week delay to “think things through”.
Downing Street today said The Government is "still planning for a staggered opening of schools" after Christmas but is keeping the plan under constant review.

@phlebasconsidered

Tier 48. Exercise is now only allowed in your own bathroom. Hospitals are closed and remote appointments are taken by semaphore from rooftops. Eat your pets before going to the only open shop which for some reason is B and M. The PM will hold a meeting at 4pm about how to cook your dog. Remember, people who go outside are shot. Primary schools remain open.

@phlebasconsidered that is hilarious.