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Information and Updates for Parents, Carers and Students January 2021

Information and Updates for Parents, Carers and Students January 2021

As we move through the current lockdown we want to share some important information and guidance to help get us all through to reopening, hopefully by just after the half-term break in February. 

Over the next 5 teaching weeks, up until Friday February 12, all classes will be delivered remotely, and in line with our current timetable. Full attendance in remote classes is expected and registers will be taken with the usual follow up procedure in place. Independent learning sessions, tutorial and, where possible, enrichment opportunities as per the timetable are also continuing. Teachers and Progress Coaches will continue give individual advice and support, using Google Classroom, Teams, phone calls and other appropriate means of communication.

The College remains as ‘active’ as it would be when open. This means you can continue to contact us in relation to your child’s education and support, including contacting us if your child is unwell and so unable to attend a virtual session, or if your child has received a positive Covid test result.

We are fully aware that the lock-down and remote learning is difficult for some young people. We’ll do our best to ensure lessons are motivating, and draw on the very best of what we’ve learned about online learning. I hope it is reassuring to know that our online teaching and learning is excellent, and we have been asked by the Department for Education to make digital content available to other schools and colleges to share our excellent work.

We will support remote working in whatever ways we can. We’ve already loaned items to hundreds of students, so if there’s anything that is needed, let us know and we will do our very best to resolve the situation.

In terms of wider support, we will continue to provide access to ‘togetherall’ and other platforms to students, and students (and parents) can contact us with concerns throughout the lockdown period. Our Safeguarding Lead, Ben Kirk, has already sent information to all students about the support services available.

Our scheduled Spring progress report for students is going ahead this month as planned, and you will be able to consult with teachers and tutors in due course. The report form includes contact details for all of the relevant staff.

An important note about final grades this year

Whilst the Government has confirmed that ‘sit-down’ examinations will not take place this Summer, we do not know how the awarding of grades will operate, but we do know there will be strict rules and guidance on how assessments are to be undertaken. It is therefore vital that all students work their hardest for the rest of this year; attending all classes, completing all set work and preparing properly for tests, trial/mock exams and assessments.

Some useful contact numbers/details for your information:

• College Main Switchboard for general enquiries: 01472 875000 

• For absence line and to report Covid test results: Use Main Switchboard number and follow prompts 

• College Website for updated news and information: www.franklin.ac.uk

• General enquiries via email: college.services@franklin.ac.uk

• Safeguarding reporting/contact: ben.kirk@franklin.ac.uk

• Student 'Helpme' Website for IT support: http://helpme.franklin.ac.uk

• Financial Support (Students Bursary): student.finance@franklin.ac.uk