As I write, Mrs Tarr is being released from the mountain of bags containing lateral flow tests for the boys to use over the holidays, to ensure the Covid-19 security for school remains intact over the break. If families have any amusing stories to tell about the home laboratory set-ups, please do ‘show and tell’ as the story of the pandemic year is yet to be complete and humour is always the way to lift our spirits!

Angela Merkel’s decision to lock down Germany on Tuesday for Easter, only to reopen it on Wednesday exemplifies that governments across the globe are finding it difficult to make their minds up at the moment. DfE/Ofqual have engaged in a tug of war with the exam boards over the responsibilities for who’s doing what with exam assessments this Summer. We still await publication (now on 31 March) of what’s to happen next, and the contents of exam materials for subject staff to use. Nevertheless, I am writing under separate cover today to parents with children in Years 11 and 13 to confirm the practical arrangements for the Summer term, because we are able to declare when their examination subject lessons will end, and thus when the four weeks Next Academic Stage Activities (NASA) commence, these covering June and early July.

And finally, we were all delighted to hear that Mrs Selzer has become a grandmother this week, mother Rebecca and baby Emilia Grace are doing really well. Dad Luke Selzer (2000-2007) was kind enough to provide school with the following inspiring quote, to be found on the first floor of the Tech wing:

Well Drs Luke & Rebecca, never a truer word was spoken; as new parents, welcome to the latest set of lessons to learn, ones that will last a lifetime!