Dear Parents and Carers,
Dear Students/Guardians/Carers/Staff,
We will now re-open on Monday 20th April 2020 and this will take one of two possible forms:
1. If we are able to, we will open the college for normal activities
2. Otherwise, we will continue operating remotely through our Google classroom, GDrive and Gmail systems
It is too early to give further details, but as soon as I can, I will communicate this. At the very latest, I will be in touch during the final week of the Easter holidays.
Remote Learning and Other Support
In a lot of ways SoundSkool is well set up to continue delivering teaching and learning through Google classroom, GDrive and Gmail systems. If you need any help or support with this please get in contact (see contact list below).
I appreciate that this is going to be a significant change in how everyone learns but we are confident that it can be a successful and enriching experience. Key to making it a success will be your help and support in these difficult and challenging times in establishing a good space to work, emotional encouragement and monitoring of what is being done. First and foremost, we suggest you try to establish as regular a routine based around the college day as you can, with opportunities for breaks and time in the fresh air. Education will continue albeit in a different place and in a different way.
The SoundSkool team will be working from home during this period and will be available to respond to questions and provide help and guidance primarily through google classroom and email as you have been doing. Please note however, that this will be in normal working hours, and please be mindful that many will also be juggling their own responsibilities during this time.
Exams & Accreditations
I appreciate that this is a major concern for all students. The Department for Education announced yesterday that all exams due to be held in May and June will be cancelled (including GCSEs) but the DfE has said it will work to ensure that pupils get the qualifications they need. We already have predicted grades for all of our GCSE and RSL qualifications and we assume this will form the basis of student grades in the absence of exams or missed coursework due to this crisis.
Wellbeing
One of my major concerns is for the mental health of all in the college community. Our amazing partners Wac Arts College counsellor, Cate, has kindly agreed to speak with students who may need support via email to begin with and over the phone or suitable video messaging service if necessary. Her email address is: cate.dunne@WacArtsCollege.co.uk.
I would encourage everyone to take the very best care of their own wellbeing and of those closest to them. It may be some time before normality returns, and we will all need fortitude, generosity and kindness to get us through. Rest assured we will continue to support all students and staff. If you need any advice and guidance about accessing support from your local authority, social services or local education authority please let us know and we can signpost you to that.
1. If you receive bursary these payments will continue.
2. If you receive free school meals please get in touch so that we can help you connect with your local authority who are putting plans in place to support you.
3. If you are a key worker and need assistance with childcare once again please do get in contact and we can help you connect with your local authority who are putting plans in place to support you.
4. Please do not hesitate to be in contact should you have any questions.
SoundSkool & Wac Arts College doors maybe closed but our colleges remains open.
Founder & CEO – Simon.Gordon@soundskool.co.uk
Managing Director – Connie.Abbe@soundskool.co.uk
Operations Manager – Sam.Ready@soundskool.co.uk
Curriculum Manager/Tutor – Tom.Bibby@soundskool.co.uk
Enrichment Manager/Support Tutor – Sam.Conley@soundskool.co.uk
Tutor – Matthew.Peters@soundskool.co.uk
Tutor – Monica.Dhinn@soundskool.co.uk
Support Tutor – Giza.Smith@soundskool.co.uk
Support Tutor – Michael.Engmann@soundskool.co.uk
We will keep you updated and informed as much as possible, and please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries or concerns.
Please stay safe.
Best wishes
Simon Gordon
Founder & CEO
SoundSkool