Category: News

Last week it was announced that students would be sent home with the tests to prevent outbreaks in schools.

Millions of lateral flow tests are being rolled out to households across the UK so that people can take swabs themselves at home. The “rapid testing” method allows people to find out whether they are asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19 and can yield results within 30 minutes.

How do they work?

Lateral flow tests (LFT) are designed to identify if a person has Covid-19. Lateral flow kits look similar to pregnancy tests – with an absorbent pad at one end and a reading window at the other. A combination of lines show the user whether the test is negative or positive.

How to use them

Each lateral flow test sent to homes will contain detailed instructions.

• The LFT requires you to take a sample from the back of the throat near the tonsils and also from inside the nose using the swab provided.
• After taking the sample you should dip the swab into an extraction solution, which will come with the kit, and drip it onto the device’s paper pad.
• This will produce a reaction which determines the result and will tell you whether you have tested positive or negative.
• The result will be visible on the device precisely 30 minutes after the sample is applied and there is no need to send it off to a lab.

According to the Government’s website, one line visible next to the letter C shows the test is negative AND two lines, one next to C and one next to T, even if they only appear faintly, shows the test is positive. If no lines appear then the test is void and you will need to take it again using a fresh kit.

A negative result means that active coronavirus infection was not detected, at the time of the test. However, this does not guarantee that you do not have coronavirus. You should continue to follow coronavirus rules, including regular hand washing, social distancing and face coverings where required.

If you get a positive result you must self-isolate immediately, preventing further transmission of the virus. If you test positive you should report the results of the test.

In line with Government’s advice please see below tips for travelling to and from school safely:

In line with the Government’s advice please see below tips for travelling to and from school safely:

1. If you live a short distance from your school or college, walk, cycle or scoot to and from school wherever it is possible and safe to do so.
2. Avoid sharing a car with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
3. If you are using public transport to get to school or college, plan ahead and allow more time for your journey.
4. When you are travelling by public or dedicated school transport, don’t forget to:
   • wear a face covering (unless you are exempt, including if you are aged 11 and under). It is important you wear them for the entirety of your journey, including inside a bus or train station.
   • social distance where possible.
   • wash or sanitise your hands regularly.
   • be considerate to fellow passengers and staff.

The body that oversees the examination process for the Department for information ‘OFQUAL’ has produced an infographic that helps to explain to parents and students the process that will be undertaken regarding the awarding of grades for this summer for Year 11 and Year 13.

The full information about both the consultation process that has been conducted by OFQUAL along with their decisions can be found on the following link

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/how-qualifications-will-be-awarded-in-2021

The school will be supporting the students and parents over the next few months as we aim to give the grades by the 18^th of June. Further information will follow, and students will have assemblies in school to explain who we are going to follow the guidance provided to us by OFQUAL.

Boris Johnson announced on Monday that schools would begin reopening from the 8^th March. Government has asked that we test our students three times in their first two weeks, with tests needing to be between three and five days apart. The first three tests will be conducted on site and students will be expected to continue testing at home from the 15^th March.

We plan to test students on the following dates over the next two weeks. You will receive a text inviting you to attend and giving you a date and time of when to come

• Tuesday 2^nd March                      Years 7 and 8

• Wednesday 3^rd March                 Years 13, 12 and 11

• Thursday 4^th March                     Years 9 and 10

• 5^th March                                        Years 7 and 8

• 8^th March                                        Years 13, 12 and 11

• 9^th March                                        Years 9 and 10

• 10^th March                                      Years 7 and 8

• 11^th March                                      Years 13, 12 and 11

• 12^th March                                      Years 9 and 10

Please see in the linked attachment which explains how the test is done and give you an idea of what to expect. Further links will be added.

Do not hesitate to contact us at school should you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Testing:  Students are to be tested at the following times on the following dates

Tuesday 2nd March 2021

Wednesday 3^rd March Year 11, 12 and 13

Thursday 4^th March Years 9 and 10

Friday 5^th March Year 7 and 8

Monday 8^th March Years 13,12 and 11

Tuesday 9^th March Years 9 and 10

Wednesday 10^th March Year 7 and 8