20th Nov, 2020
Update 20 November 2020
COVID-19 case
As has already been communicated through Parentmail, this week we have been informed by NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect of a confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in the school.
A total of 115 pupils have been required to self isolate as a result of this case. We again make reference to the 'Pupil Absence and Learning Continuity Plan: A quick reference guide for parents' which is on the school website and can be found here <https://www.cowbridgecomprehensiveschool.co.uk/admin/ckfinder/userfiles/files/CCS%20Pupil%20Absence%20and%20Learning%20Continuity%20Plan%20-%20Updated%20October%20%202020.pdf>.
We would encourage all parents and carers to familiarise themselves with its contents.
It is important that pupils do not attend school if:
- they have COVID-19 symptoms;
- someone in the household has COVID-19 symptoms - the individual should register for a test and all people in the household must stay away from work/school until the test is confirmed negative;
- someone in the household tests positive for COVID-19.
Face coverings
As has been previously communicated we encourage all pupils to wear a face covering in communal areas where social distancing is not possible. However we are closely monitoring Welsh Government guidance and should this change to making face coverings compulsory in schools we will inform you and amend our procedures accordingly.
Practical subjects
With reference to practical subjects in school, updated risk assessment exercises have been ongoing to establish which activities can resume in line with local and national Coronavirus restrictions. It is important to note that the specific context of the school and the balance of risk against benefits has to be considered when completing this process. As a result, practical activities have resumed in a number of areas of the school, for example in design and technology and PE.
Pupils' progress
When pupils returned to school in September after a period of time at home due to Coronavirus restrictions, it was important that we ascertained the degree to which their progress had been affected. Therefore, to provide us with up to date and accurate progress data, all pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 sat a range of Cognitive Assessment Tests (CATs) before half term.
We are pleased to inform you that at least 90% of pupils performed in line with or better than expectations. This represents a similar picture to what we would expect to see in a "normal" year. If, as a result of these assessments, supplemented by other information in school, individual pupils require additional support, we will contact parents/ carers separately in order to discuss appropriate interventions. As a result of this positive news, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all families for your support during the first "lockdown" and since September which has resulted in most pupils continuing to make effective progress.
Developing Local Partnerships for Sourcing Local Produce
As part of our School Improvement Plan, we wish to develop sustainable ways of sourcing local fresh produce, for our in-house catering provision. We aim to support local business by procuring produce which is environmentally friendly and importantly, we wish to hear from farmers who operate high standards of animal welfare. Please contact Mrs Thomas, Headteacher via enquiries@cowbridgecs.co.uk , if you are interested in assisting us with this partnership!
We wish all families a good weekend.