To view the latest college letters and Coronavirus risk assessments,
please visit our Parent and Carer Information Page
Notre Dame College takes the health of students and colleagues very seriously, and we realise that this is an unsettling time for many in our community. For the latest information and updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit here for daily updates.
Friday 18th June 2021 update:
A letter to secondary school and college parents in England on continuing regular Covid-19 testing from Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has today written to secondary school and college parents and guardians in England to talk about the importance of regular testing when it comes to keeping covid out of the classroom.
The Prime Minister announced on 14 June that step 4 of the roadmap would have to be paused for up to four weeks because of the spread of the new variant.
With the increase in cases with variants of concern, it is important to continue regular testing in order to detect cases of coronavirus, stay ahead of the virus and keep covid out of the classroom.
This means that regular asymptomatic testing for all will continue, and we need you and your children who are in secondary school or college to carry on testing at home, twice a week.
As you know, testing has been playing a vital role in our response to the virus. It is helping to break chains of transmission by identifying asymptomatic positive cases quickly. This means those who test positive can self-isolate, keeping other pupils and students in face-to-face education. Reporting all test results, positive or negative, helps the health experts have a clearer picture of any potential outbreaks in different parts of the country.
I want to thank you all for your efforts so far. I know that this has been an enormously challenging time for families, who have faced many pressures over the past 18 months. Your continued support in helping us fight the virus has been vital.
Secondary pupils and college students, households and their bubbles, along with school and college staff have now completed more than 50 million tests since these were introduced back in January. That really is an incredible number and we need you to continue your efforts.
It is wonderful to see so many children back in school and through your actions we can work together to keep everyone safe ensuring we can also keep your children in school with their friends.
Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP Secretary of State for Education
MONDAY 5TH JANUARY UPDATE LETTER: NATIONAL LOCKDOWN
Dear students and parents,
In light of the Prime Minister’s briefing last night we have moved our teaching and learning online for the majority of students.
The government has issued the criteria to identify young people who may come on site to access lessons. The criteria includes ‘vulnerable young people’ and children of ‘critical workers’. The criteria is included at the end of this letter.
Any student who needs to attend College should email the College using the following address: keyworkers@notredamecoll.ac.uk by 3pm on Thursday, 7th January stating the criteria under which they fall. We will then respond to your email with further details.
We appreciate the anxiety and uncertainty that due to the present restrictions and our students remain our primary focus. As such, if you have any other enquiries please feel free to contact your Achievement Tutor in the first instance.
Kind regards,
Sarah Dumont
Deputy Principal
Criteria for vulnerable children and young people
Vulnerable children and young people include those who:
- are assessed as being in need under section 17 of the Children Act 1989, including children and young people who have a child in need plan, a child protection plan or who are a looked-after child
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- have been identified as otherwise vulnerable by educational providers or local authorities (including children’s social care services), and who could therefore benefit from continued full-time attendance, this might include:
- children and young people on the edge of receiving support from children’s social care services or in the process of being referred to children’s services
- adopted children or children on a special guardianship order
- those at risk of becoming NEET (‘not in employment, education or training’)
- those living in temporary accommodation
- those who are young carers
- those who may have difficulty engaging with remote education at home (for example due to a lack of devices or quiet space to study)
- care leavers
- others at the provider and local authority’s discretion including pupils and students who need to attend to receive support or manage risks to their mental health
Critical workers
Parents whose work is critical to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and EU transition response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined in the following sections.
Health and social care
This includes, but is not limited to, doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributors of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.
Education and childcare
This includes:
- childcare
- support and teaching staff
- social workers
- specialist education professionals who must remain active during the coronavirus (COVID-19) response to deliver this approach
Key public services
This includes:
- those essential to the running of the justice system
- religious staff
- charities and workers delivering key frontline services
- those responsible for the management of the deceased
- journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting
Local and national government
This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of:
- the coronavirus (COVID-19) response, and the delivery of and response to EU transition
- essential public services, such as the payment of benefits and the certification or checking of goods for import and export (including animal products, animals, plants and food), including in government agencies and arms length bodies
Food and other necessary goods
This includes those involved in food:
- production
- processing
- distribution
- sale and delivery
- as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines)
Public safety and national security
This includes:
- police and support staff
- Ministry of Defence civilians
- contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and EU transition)
- fire and rescue service employees (including support staff)
- National Crime Agency staff
- those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas
Transport and border
This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) response and EU transition, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass and those constructing or supporting the operation of critical transport and border infrastructure through which supply chains pass.
Utilities, communication and financial services
This includes:
- staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure)
- the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage)
- information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the coronavirus (COVID-19) response
- key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services)
- postal services and delivery
- payments providers
- waste disposal sectors
THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER UPDATE: START OF TERM IN JANUARY 2021
Coronavirus Letters and Information
Coronavirus Risk Assessment
Notre Dame Tier Response
College September Update
Coronavirus College Do's and Don'ts
CAGS information update
Grades and Assessment Information for Parents
Principal's Results Day Message
Summer 2020 Exam Information
August College Update
College Re-Opening July Update
College Re-Opening May Update
Monday 21st September update: Translation of guidance for parents and carers on early years providers, schools, and colleges in the autumn term
We have translated our guidance for parents and carers with children in nursery, school, or college in the autumn term.
The guidance is now available in the following languages:
Tuesday 1st September - Monday 14th September Updates:
New Lower Sixth Students
Principal's September Update Letter
Congratulations if you have enrolled at Notre Dame! You are now ready to start your exciting journey with us and your first day at the College is Monday 7th September 2020. This will be an Orientation Day where you will come into College at an allocated time and receive a small group tutorial with a member of Notre Dame staff. You will receive a text message or email before 4pm on Thursday 3rd September to confirm your start time and which room to go to on the day.
College start times will be allocated by surname alphabetical order:
A - C: 10am
D - J: 11:30am
K - P: 1pm
Q - Z: 2:30pm
The tutorial will include getting your timetable, receiving your lanyard/ID, familiarising yourself with the College and having the opportunity to ask any questions so that you are happy and ready to start your timetabled lessons on Tuesday 8th September. All the details about this are covered our Induction Programme Session Five: Logistics. This is the final session of your remote Induction, so while you're on this webpage please check back and make sure you have seen them all!
Monday 7th September to Friday 11th September is your Induction Week so only Lower Sixth students will be onsite this week. Please watch our Health and Safety Officer's COVID-19 student briefing below before you come into College on Monday 7th September. We are really looking forward to getting started on making your Sixth Form years the best ever!
Upper Sixth Students
Welcome back Upper Sixth Students! We can't wait to see you all again on Wednesday 2nd September. You will get a welcome email from the Head of Students to let you know when your timetable is viewable on Cedar. Upper Sixth students will be the only students in College this week and you will follow your normal timetable on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday 4th September, you will follow a normal Tuesday timetable - this is to allow more contact time with your subjects. When the Lower Sixth Induction Week takes place from Monday 7th September to Friday 11th September, you will be receiving remote online learning and won't be onsite. You can find out more information about how remote learning will work here. Please watch our Health and Safety Officer's COVID-19 student briefing below before you come into College on Wednesday 3rd September. We are really looking forward to getting back into the classroom and working together again after the summer break.
Upper and Lower Sixth Student Information
Our Health and Safety Officer has created a COVID-19 video briefing for all students due to start at Notre Dame from September. Please make sure you watch this before you enter college. You can also access our college one-way system maps below:
Week Beginning 14th September: We are finalising our plans and will share this with you as soon as possible.
Tuesday 28th July 2020 Update: A Message from SFCA Chief Executive Bill Watkins regarding summer examinations
Dear all
Today Ofqual has published a student guide for those receiving qualification results in England this summer. This guide should help students and their parents and carers understand how results have been awarded this year and where to find more information.
Ofqual has also written a letter to all schools and colleges ahead of results, asking them to share the student guide with students and their parents and carers. The letter to centres gives information about the statistical standardisation process for GCSEs, AS and A levels and signposts resources for more information. The letter also outlines the approach to vocational and technical qualifications, gives information about sharing centre assessment grades, appeals, progression and the autumn series.
You can access both the student guide and the letter to schools and colleges here or you can direct students to the following web address: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/your-results-what-next
Ofqual is keen that as many students as possible are aware of the guide and will be publicising it through a social media campaign.
Finally, Ofqual has updated the guidance document Summer 2020 grades for GCSE, AS and A level, Extended Project Qualification and Advanced Extension Award in maths with an expanded section on the standardisation model. It also contains additional information in relation to subject access requests and the sharing of centre assessment grades and/or rank order information with students after results are released.
Best wishes.
Bill
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Friday 10th July Update: Recording of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s address to school leavers
Today, 43,000 people joined the Prime Minister’s live address to all school leavers congratulating them on reaching the end of their final year at school. A recording of the address is now available to view on Facebookand YouTube.
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Tuesday 7th July Update: Prime Minister's Address to all school leavers
On Friday 10 July at 10am, the Prime Minister will be giving an address to all school leavers which will be broadcast on YouTube. A recording will be available afterward.
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Monday 29th June Update: Message for BTEC learners and FAQs
Dear Colleague,
We understand that this has been an unsettling time for your learners, following the school/college closures and cancellation of summer assessments.
We’ve created a message to BTEC learners who are due a calculated result this summer to help explain how the process will work. We’ve also created a set of frequently asked questions and answers for them. Please do share this with your BTEC learners. We’ll be updating you and your learners during this period in the run up to results to ensure that you have the information you need.
As always, please do contact us if you have any questions. Thank you again for your patience during this unprecedented time.
Best wishes,
Cindy Rampersaud
Senior Vice President - BTEC and Apprenticeships
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Friday 26th June Update
College is implementing a planned wider re-opening, combining booked online 1-1s and some subject face-to-face sessions. Students can book a 1-1 through their Achievement Tutor. Please note: ONLY those students who have made an online booking or are scheduled to attend a face-to-face session will be allowed on site.
In accordance with the requirements of the DfE, the College has prepared a comprehensive Risk Assessment (RA) specifically to address the challenges from the Covid19 pandemic.
This is a dynamic document that incorporates all the advice from relevant Government departments, and has been prepared by the College Senior Leadership Team and the Health & Safety Committee - in conjunction with representatives from Teaching Trades Unions.
The RA is subject to constant amendment and is updated on a regular basis as more advice is received.
A copy of the latest version of the RA is available upon request to the Clerk to the Corporation.
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Monday 15th June Update: Parent, Carers, and Student Letter
Please click here to read our latest letter regarding college re-opening over the next 3 weeks.
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Friday 12th June Update: Parent and Carers Letter
Please click here to read our latest letter regarding college re-opening over the next 3 weeks.
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Tuesday 2nd June Update: Updated guidance for parents and carers on the wider opening of educational settings
We have updated our information for parents and carers about the wider opening of education settings to include details about opening secondary schools to years 10 and year 12 pupils from 15 June and to provide links to guidance on safer travel.
The guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers and here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers
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Monday 1st June Update
Latest Information regarding an Autumn Exam Series
The Department for Education is currently working on delivering information regarding the Autumn Exam series. The consultation for this closes on June 8th. As soon as we have more information we will provide this to you.
This is the latest statement from the Department for Education published 22nd May 2020:
Following the cancellation of summer GCSE, AS and A level exams, the exam boards will be providing students with calculated grades, wherever possible, on:
13 August for A and AS levels
20 August for GCSEs
These grades will have the same value as grades in previous years and the vast majority of students will be able to use them to progress on to their next steps.
As the Secretary of State for Education announced on 23 March, there will be an opportunity for students to sit exams as soon as possible after schools and colleges reopen (referred to here as ‘the additional series’). These exams will act as a backstop to the summer arrangements, students will be able to sit them if they feel they could have demonstrated improved performance in an exam or if they need an improved result to progress onto the next stage of their education. There will also be a small group of students for whom there is not enough evidence for a calculated grade to be derived in the summer and it is particularly important that these students are able to achieve grades through the additional exam series.
To provide clarity on the exam entry arrangements for centres and students, this guidance sets out DfE’s expectations in relation to which centres should be responsible for entering candidates for these exams: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/responsibility-for-autumn-gcse-as-and-a-level-exam-series/centre-responsibility-for-autumn-gcse-as-and-a-level-exam-series-guidance
Last week saw a significant number of new documents published, not least the updated guidance on changes to delivery, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-further-education-provision/maintaining-education-and-skills-training-provision-further-education-providers and you may find the following helpful: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/reopening-schools-and-other-educational-settings-from-1-june
Key point: From the week commencing 15 June, FE providers should offer some face to face contact for 16 to 19 learners on the first year of a study programme, as part of a combined approach in which remote education remains the predominant form of education. This is subject to a limit of a quarter of these learners being on site at any one time.
Also , there was an updated guidance published around using public transport, the link can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
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Friday 29th May Update: Launch of the NHS Test and Trace service
The new NHS Test and Trace service has launched today and will form a central part of the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy.
Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions.
People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, to stop unknowingly spreading the virus.
Further information on the NHS Test and Trace service can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-nhs-test-and-trace-service
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-workplace-guidance
Guidance on how the NHS Test and Trace works can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
Public Health England has published guidance that explains what you should do if the NHS Test and Trace service notifies you that you are a contact of a person who has tested positive for coronavirus and you do not live with that person.
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Friday 22nd May Update:
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Thursday 21st May Update: College letter to parents
Please read the latest letter regarding the re-opening of college here
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Tuesday 19th May update: Department of Education: Testing now available to anyone with symptoms of coronavirus
The government has announced that anyone with symptoms of coronavirus is now eligible to book a test, ahead of the rollout of the test and trace service. Anyone experiencing a new, continuous cough; high temperature; or a loss of, or change, in their normal sense of smell or taste (anosmia) can book a test.
A coronavirus test can be booked here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Essential workers in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland, can apply for priority testing through GOV.UK. A coronavirus test can be booked here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers
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13th May Update: The UK Government’s COVID19 Recovery Strategy
The government has published its roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the coronavirus outbreak. This document describes the progress the UK has made to date in tackling the coronavirus outbreak and sets out the plans for moving to the next phase of its response to the virus. The Government highlighted its view in terms of re-opening secondary schools and colleges: “Secondary schools and sixth form and further education colleges should also prepare to begin some face to face contact with Year 10 and 12 pupils who have key exams next year, in support of their continued remote, home learning.” (Step 2: page 30) It is indicated that this step will take place no earlier than 1 June, subject to government scientific advice. The roadmap can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-plan-to-rebuild-the-uk-governments-covid-19-recovery-strategy
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is currently preparing a plan to provide some face-to-face contact to support continued remote, home learning for the Lower 6th. We will provide the details as soon as possible.
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11th May Updates: Private Candidates and Summer Learning
Please see a helpful Decision Map produced by the Pearson exam board here for private candidates.
Summer Learning programme launched for Year 11 students
Summer Learning has been designed for Year 11 students who are due to join Notre Dame in September 2020. It’s a hub of fantastic resources, created by your future subject teachers, containing reading lists, video tutorials, and tasks. Remember, this is not homework - this is a chance for you to continue your love of learning, get to know your A level/level 3 subjects, and allow you to have an academic focus for now and over summer. Please feel free to browse all subject resources to make sure you choose the right subject for you.
We would also like to reassure our applicants your place at Notre Dame for September 2020 is secure subject to appropriate references. Please keep checking the Coronavirus: Applicant Update and Coronavirus Update pages on our website for the latest information.
We will also be in touch to provide further details regarding the NotreFest event due to take place on the 3rd and 6th July and provide further details on enrolment so watch this space and keep checking your emails and our website!
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4th May: Applicant Offer Letters
Do you require a letter confirming the offer of a provisional place at Notre Dame for September 2020? If so, please email enquiries@notredamecoll.ac.uk and we can provide a letter stating you have been offered a provisional place with us from September 2020. HMRC have confirmed they need an offer letter from the destination college/ post-16 provider for child benefit payments to continue after September 2020.
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20th April: The Word in the World: Donald Hilton (NCEC, 1998)
Breathe in time with the rhythm of the earth:
ebbing tide, night and day; seasons of rest, growth, beauty and fruitfulness.
Breathe in time with your own being:
beat of heart, rate of pulse, patterns of work and rest.
Breathe in time with the Spirit of God:
breadth of prayer, depth of solitude, height of hopefulness.
Breathe in time with silence; be still and know that he is God.
19th April Update: Gavin Williamson Tweet
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9th APRIL UPDATE: Schools reopening predictions in the media
The Department for Education has issued a statement in response to reports that schools/colleges may reopen after the Easter holidays.
The Times reported on the suggestion the Government may reopen schools/colleges in an attempt to kick-start the economy. The same story has since been picked up by multiple other outlets.
Our position on closures is clear: schools/colleges will remain closed until the scientific advice indicates it is safe to open them.
A Government spokesperson said:
"Schools will remain closed until further notice, except for children of critical workers and the children who are most vulnerable."
"We will re-open schools when the scientific advice indicates it is safe to do so."
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8TH APRIL UPDATE: Domestic violence and abuse and coronavirus
We know this is a difficult and worrying time for everyone, especially for adults and children living with domestic abuse and the professionals working hard to support them.
There is support available to help you through this time. You can still:
- Call the police on 999 in an emergency (press 55 after the emergency number if you're in danger and not able to speak for help)
- Find accommodation from Leeds Housing Options or Leeds Domestic Violence Service if you are a victim of domestic abuse and need to escape
- Find a safe place to stay with social distancing in place to protect you
- Telephone or webchat for support
For more information, please click here.
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We would like to thank all students and staff for their hard work this term and we wish you a peaceful, holy and safe Easter break
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3RD APRIL UPDATE: SUMMER 2020 GRADES
Please see below a letter from Ofqual to students who should be sitting exams summer 2020 and guidance for teachers, students, parents and carers.
Letter to students from Ofqual
Gudiance for teachers, students, parents and carers
Thank you message from the Secretary of State for Education
Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, has recorded a message for staff across the education and children’s social care sectors thanking you for all the exceptional work that you are doing during this challenging time. The message can be viewed here.
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30TH MARCH UPDATE: KEY WORKER INFORMATION
Please be aware Notre Dame can be open to students whose parents are key workers. Should you feel you meet the key worker criteria, and require childcare provision, please email enquiries@notredamecoll.ac.uk to make the necessary arrangements.
Applicant Update
If you have applied to study with us in September, don't worry, your place is still secure! We will give you an offer subject to appropriate references.
What are appropriate references?
We are still waiting for more information, but it could be we work with, for example, predicted grades from school. However, we don’t yet know this for definite and we are still waiting for further guidance. We will share any guidance with you once we have it. Please be assured that no matter what happens, there will be a place for you.
Click here for more information: https://www.notredamecoll.ac.uk/applicant-updates
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26TH MARCH UPDATE: BE AWARE OF SCAM EMAILS
The DfE have been informed that some parents have received an email stating the following:
‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll make sure you’re supported’.
We can confirm that this is a scam email and is not official. We urge parents that if you receive any emails like this, please do not respond, and delete it immediately.
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25th MARCH UPDATE: FURTHER USEFUL RESOURCES
Coronavirus (COVID-19): maintaining further education provision
Full guidance on staying at home and away from others
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Department for Education coronavirus helpline
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
10am to 4pm (Saturday to Sunday)
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23RD MARCH UPDATE: NORTE DAME IS TODAY MOVING TO DELIVER COURSES ONLINE.
Whilst the College’s doors are now closed, the College itself remains open online.
A level & GCSEs
The Department of Education has issued some guidelines about the awarding of grades this year. Teacher assessment will play a part in these decisions though we are waiting for more details about this. We ask for your patience in not approaching teachers about grades as they are not in a position to agree any at this stage. We have had reassurance from universities and employers that students will not be at a disadvantage due to this change of procedure. There will also be an opportunity to sit an exam in the autumn if any student is unhappy with this grade. The announcement of this can be accessed here.
In light of this we are asking Year 13 students to complete their courses, where possible, under the guidance of their subject teachers and check their emails regularly. Full support will be available for all students through online resources and email contact with teachers.
Year 12
The Year 12 courses have all been moved online and all students have been given details on how to complete work. The expectation is that students will continue to complete all work given including any assessment as well as checking emails regularly. Y12s are able to contact their teachers via email to have full support with this.
It is important that all the students, staff and the community stay safe. We ask that all our community follows government guidelines and we will continue to provide information via our website about how to keep physically and mentally healthy.
We ask Mary, Our Lady to continue to prayer for us at this time.
We will provide updates as we receive them.
Useful Resources
Over the weekend, the DfE published new and updated guidance:
Guidance on Vulnerable Children and Young People
Guidance on Isolation for Residential Education Settings
Guidance for Schools about Temporarily Closing
Q&A for Parents and Carers (updated)
Cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020 Q&A
Free School Meals Guidance (updated)
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20th MARCH UPDATE: WE WILL BE SHUTTING AT 4PM AT TODAY
Remember...
Notre Dame is more than just a college. We are a special community and have cared for one another for over 115 years. During these uncertain times, we will continue to care for our students, parents and staff like we always have. We are still able to listen, support and care for you whenever you need us. You are not alone. Please email any questions to your achievement tutor, and enjoy learning in a new way with the teachers you love. Keep in touch with your friends and let us know how you are using our social media platforms, and keep yourself informed by visiting our website for updates. Most importantly, please look after yourselves, your families and the wider community. 💙
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19th MARCH UPDATE: Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College will close after lessons on Friday, 20th March 2020.
Following the latest announcement from Gavin Williamson, the College will close, and therefore, students will not be required to attend their lessons from Friday, 20th March at 4pm. We will now implement our continuity plan which will see all teaching and learning move online. All students have been given information on how they will continue accessing their lessons. Students are asked to continue with their studies remotely and should also check emails regularly for updates from teachers as well as information.
Students are also advised to regularly check their emails for updates from their teachers, as well as information from your Achievement Tutor regarding how to access online lessons and resources.
Further updates and important information will be communicated via the College website including information regarding public examinations.
All of our staff will be doing their best to ensure that there is as little impact on students’ learning as possible, and we ask that the Notre Dame Community continues to stand together as we face these uncertain times. Most importantly, please look after yourselves, your families and the wider community.
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18th MARCH UPDATE: COLLEGE IS OPEN. PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE FOR ANY FURTHER UPDATES.
Applicants for September 2020: Please click here for information regarding applicant interviews.
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17TH MARCH 2020 UPDATE: COLLEGE IS OPEN. PLEASE READ THE BELOW.
In light of the latest government information, any staff member or student who is under any of the categories below, please adhere to government advice and stay at home.
The categories include those who are:
- aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
- under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
- chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
- chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
- chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
- diabetes
- problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
- being seriously overweight (a BMI of 40 or above)
- those who are pregnant
Note: there are some clinical conditions which put people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you are in this category, next week the NHS in England will directly contact you with advice the more stringent measures you should take in order to keep yourself and others safe. For now, you should rigorously follow the social distancing advice in full, outlined below.
People falling into this group are those who may be at particular risk due to complex health problems such as:
- People who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication
- People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukemia who are at any stage of treatment
- People with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)
- People with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis)
Staff
Please phone into HR as normal to let us know. Take care and keep in touch via email or phone with the college. We are advising staff and students who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.
Students
If you affected by this and therefore need to stay at home, please let college know via email: p.walton@notredamecoll.ac.uk. All subject teachers have communicated with their students how to access resources remotely via Moodle or Microsoft Teams.
Please look at the College website regularly, where we will post the latest information from both the DfE and Public Health England.
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16th MARCH 2020 UPDATE
As of 16th March, the Government’s response to COVID-19 remains in the delay phase. The position continues to be for education and children’s social care settings to remain open, and the college will adhere to this recommendation, unless advised otherwise.
We do know that the spread and impact of the virus is changing rapidly. The college will continue to monitor the situation and to follow closely any changes to the Government’s published plan. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan. We continue to remain alert to healthcare information and advice from the World Health Organisation, Health and Safety Executive and Public Health England. This advice currently suggests that the risk to our community at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is minimal.
Daily updates from the Department of Education provide advice for schools and colleges and we will implement any recommendations as they arise.
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13TH MARCH 2020 UPDATE
The UK government has moved from containing the coronavirus to delaying it. Please take the time to read the latest update below. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-homeguidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
If you have a new continuous cough and/or high temperature please ask your parent/carer to call the college and inform us that you are self-isolating for 7 days. Further advice and guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ _____________________________________________________________________
MARCH 10th 2020 UPDATE
Dear Students
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updated Information and Advice for Students
Following on from the discussions that have been taking place in tutorial recently, I wanted to update you about the college’s response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). I know that some of you are feeling anxious about the possible consequences of the virus both on physical health and on your education. It is really important that you access information only through reliable and credible sources. There is a lot of misinformation currently in circulation which is not helpful and is likely to fuel further uncertainty and anxiety.
We do know that the spread and impact of the virus is changing rapidly. The college will continue to monitor the situation and to follow closely any changes to the Government’s published plan.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan
We will also remain alert to healthcare information and advice from the World Health Organisation, Health and Safety Executive and Public Health England.
This advice currently suggests that the risk to our community at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is minimal.
As of 11th March, the Government’s response to COVID-19 remains in the Contain phase. The position continues to be for education and children’s social care settings to remain open, and the college will adhere to this recommendation unless advised otherwise.
We have robust processes and procedures and are ready to put additional measures in place as required. Daily updates from the Department of Education provide advice for schools and colleges and we will implement any recommendations as they arise.
Our hope and intention is that the college will remain open and that the impact on our students’ learning and overall educational experience will be minimised. However, in order to be proactively prepared for the eventuality of having to close, partially or wholly, we will ensure that all courses have made meaningful work available via Moodle/Google Classroom or other remotely accessed platform. Communication with students will be through the college website, Moodle and college email system so please ensure that you check both regularly.
Preventing spread of infection
There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of the virus including:
➢ Washing your hands often - with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser if handwashing facilities are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport. We recommend that you wash your hands:
• Before leaving home
• On arrival at college
• After using the toilet
• After breaks and sporting activities
• Before eating any food, including snacks
• Before leaving college
➢ Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin. See Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
➢ Staying at home if you feel unwell
➢ Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
➢ Avoiding close contact with people who are unwell
➢ Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
➢ Calling NHS 111 if you are worried about your symptoms or those of a friend or relative. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment Please note:
➢ Face masks are not recommended to protect from infection, as there is no evidence of benefit from their use outside healthcare environments.
➢ People who have returned from Category 1 specified countries/areas in the last 14 days should self-isolate. This includes avoiding attending college until 14 days after they return. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas/covid-19- specified-countries-and-areas-with-implications-for-returning-travellers-or-visitors-arriving-inthe-uk
➢ People who have returned from Category 2 specified countries/areas in the last 14 days, are advised to stay at home if they develop symptoms.
➢ If you have been to an affected area/are advised to self-isolate/believe that you may have been exposed to the virus please inform the college immediately: 0113 2946644
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