Uniform Update – 28 October 2020
Dear Parent / Carer
Just a reminder that as from the end of last term have moved to wearing uniform all week with no structured option to dress down on Fridays.
However we recognise students may not be in uniform at certain times:
Or
We remain committed to being flexible and supporting families but also want to maintain a reasonable standard of uniform during this difficult period. If for any reason your child is not in full uniform on a particular day could we respectfully ask that you email us or write a note requesting an exemption for the number of days required.
It is also our preference that students do not wear partial uniform and would request if they are unable to wear the complete uniform they wear non-uniform entirely and request an exemption to be out of uniform until you are able to comply. We also have non –uniform expectations and students are not permitted to wear ripped/ torn clothes, clothing with inappropriate logos, Football scarves and colours and crop tops or other revealing clothing.
We will continue to monitor the overall standard of uniform and will contact you if we have any concerns.
Finally, we realise that some parents have come under financial pressure due to the Covid 19 pandemic and we are very keen to help. You may be eligible for a clothing grant. Please follow the link below.
https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/855/school_meals/117/free_school_meals_and_clothing_grants
There is now also a parental initiative across all Midlothian schools to support uniform swaps through a Facebook site called Midlothian School Uniform Swap Shop. You just need to ask to join and either offer uniform or request uniform items.
Please follow this link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/297555134907502
I am also happy to be contacted directly in confidence if you need any support from the school.
Many thanks for your continued support of the school.
Craig Biddick
Head Teacher (Acting)
Currently, BACS payments are set up for those families who qualified for free school meals based on the criteria applied during the lockdown and summer period. However, a number of changes are due to take place, please see below:
https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/downloads/download/18/the_scottish_welfare_fund_application_forms
New applications
If your financial circumstances have changed, you can apply for free school meals and a clothing grant if you receive:
Your child is also entitled to free school lunches and a clothing grant if you receive:
How to apply
To apply, download and complete the application form below then email it with any supporting documents to fsmawards@midlothian.gov.uk. There is a single application form for both benefits. You need only apply once per year. Supporting evidence will be needed at the time of applying. We cannot process applications until we receive this.
Please follow this advice to reduce the risks of sending personal information by email:
Advice for mobile/tablet device users
Please use either Microsoft Wordor Adobe Acrobat Reader (both free to download from your app store) to open up the form which should allow you to complete and save the application ready to email. Email the completed form and any supporting documents to fsmawards@midlothian.gov.uk
What happens next?
We aim to process all applications within 28 days, although this may vary in busy periods. Free school meals will be awarded immediately, and clothing grants will normally be awarded within 28 days from receipt of application. Regular payments will be made up to 31 March 2021.
Introduction
Following the successful return of our students to school, I am now sharing Covid-19 related contingency arrangements in case they are required at any point in the future.
All Midlothian secondary schools have worked collaboratively on school contingency plans, which reflect scenarios that may occur as we continue to operate under COVID restrictions. They are underpinned by agreed principles across all Midlothian secondary schools and allow for the unique circumstances of each school context.
All Midlothian Secondary schools have agreed to prioritise in-school attendance for Senior Phase students (S4 to S6).
As the exact circumstances that would necessitate the implementation of any Contingency Plan for our school, a locality, or across the whole of Midlothian, are not known these plans have been developed based on a requirement for full-time education for all students. This will involve a blend of in-school and home learning where possible, with in-school learning being a key aspiration.
If a ‘local lockdown’ is imposed by Scottish Government/ Health Protection it also cannot be assumed that these contingency arrangements will be required, as it will depend on the extent or type of restrictions imposed. These plans are therefore indicative and subject to change.
Our absolute priority continues to be the safety of students and staff alongside continuity in learning.
In developing our Contingency Plan, Penicuik High School will be guided by the key principles set out and updated by the Scottish Government in
Our contingency planning has also been informed by our experience and planning undertaken during lockdown.
Contingency Planning
For home learning to be effective, in any scenario, we must ensure
Our tracking and monitoring processes must reflect the progress, achievement and development needs for all pupils. The three phase reports for all year levels will continue across the session regardless of the nature of learning due to Covid 19 and these will be sent to parents/carers.
If we were forced into a partial or full closure as the result of increasing infection rates in the community we would revert to our past Student wellbeing communication network system with staff emailing and /or phoning students across the period of closure. This would involve regular Wellbeing calls for identified pupils and targeted calls to pupils not engaging with home learning. Parents / carers should contact the school in the event of any concerns about their child’s health and wellbeing and progress. There may be arrangements made for particularly vulnerable pupils to be in school full time and the school would discuss this with parent/ carers at the time.
Any subject specific queries will be directed to Principal Teachers or a nominated staff member in that Faculty/ Department. Our communication policy is based on an initial response within 24 hours and necessary follow up to be completed within 5 working days. Where that is not possible you should be notified and any delay explained. If at any point you re unhappy with any process please email: penicuik_hs@midlothian.gov.uk FAO: Craig Biddick
There will be regular updates sent out via Group call, on our website and Twitter. The Parent Association also has a dedicated Facebook page.
Scenarios
Scenario 1:
Due to an outbreak (confirmed by the HPT) we have to keep a year group at home
Teachers deliver home learning for their ‘isolating’ pupils using Google Classroom. All other year groups attend and follow their timetables in school.
Where practicable home learning should take place at the designated time in the pupil’s normal timetable. This could be through a ‘live’ online lesson or by the teacher allocating work for each period in the week. The ability to offer live lessons will be dependent on overall staffing and internal cover needs each day. Teachers will work within the Midlothian Digital Learning Policy guidelines to deliver the best learning experience for all based on available resources. Any issues will be communicated to parent/carers.
Scenario 2:
Due to staffing levels (self-isolation) we have to keep a year group at home
All Senior Phase pupils will continue to attend and follow their normal timetable. Broad General Education classes will follow the Blended Learning timetable below.
Principal Teachers will plan cover within their departments to ensure specialist teachers are delivering lessons for SQA courses. Some teachers who are self-isolating may be able to deliver aspects of the home learning timetable. Teachers will work within the Midlothian Digital Learning Policy guidelines to deliver the best learning experience for all based on available resources. Any issues will be communicated to parent/carers.
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | |
| Monday | S1 in School
S2 in School S3 – Home learning |
S1 – Home learning
S2 in School S3 in School |
S1 in School
S2 – Home learning S3 in School |
| Tuesday | S1 in School
S2 – Home learning S3 in School |
S1 in School
S2 in School S3 – Home learning |
S1 – Home learning
S2 in School S3 in School |
| Wednesday
|
S1 – Home learning
S2 in School S3 in School |
S1 in School
S2 – Home learning S3 in School |
S1 in School
S2 in School S3 – Home learning |
| Thursday
|
S1 in School
S2 in School S3 – Home learning |
S1 – Home learning
S2 in School S3 in School |
S1 in School
S2 – Home learning S3 in School |
| Friday
|
S1 in School
S2 – Home learning S3 in School |
S1 in School
S2 in School S3 – Home learning |
S1 – Home learning
S2 in School S3 in School |
Scenario 3:
Due a significant outbreak (confirmed by the HPT) you are advised to have a FULL closure of your setting
All Senior Phase and Broad General Education classes will follow a Blended Learning timetable.
Where practicable home learning, particularly for Senior Phase students, will take place at the designated time in the pupil’s normal timetable. This could be through ‘live’ online lessons or by the teacher allocating work for each period in the week. The ability to offer live lessons will be dependent on overall staffing and internal cover needs each day. Teachers will work within the Midlothian Digital Learning Policy guidelines to deliver the best learning experience for all based on available resources. Any issues will be communicated to parent/carers.
What will home learning look like?
During a full school closure, each subject will post work weekly via their Google Classrooms with work appropriately differentiated to support remote learning. The school is working on developing a transparent workflow that all subject areas would follow across a week and as previously under lockdown, we would develop an indicative timetable to assist students’ organisation and engagement. Teachers will respond to questions raised via Google Classroom in a timely fashion. All work will have reasonable and appropriate deadlines for students.
Some planned work in the Senior Phase may not be appropriate for home learning based on SQA arrangements. In this event, teachers may adapt learning and assessments to take the home context into account. In this eventuality we will follow the guidelines provided by the SQA to ensure that qualifications are appropriately supported. I have sent an earlier email about the decisions made by the Government in relation this sessions SQA Exam diet and we will update parents and students when we receive more information from SQA.
As above, depending on the teacher’s professional judgement, staff may use the Google Meet function to lead a live lesson during the timetabled period, if this is the most appropriate way to deliver content and staffing levels permit. We will also continue to work with partners to support students’ home learning. All S3-S6 students have access to SCHOLAR and / or ACHIEVE. All students can also register for study support and online learning with e-Sgoil. Some areas such as Modern language shave their own web based platforms to support learning.
Childcare
We understand that in the event of a Contingency Plan being implemented, this may pose a difficulty for some parents and carers in relation to their work commitments. We recommend therefore that you make your employer aware of the potential need for such arrangements, which will only be put into action when absolutely necessary.
The exact arrangements will depend on the individual circumstances requiring the contingency arrangements to be put in place.
Whilst it is not currently a requirement, it may be that Scottish Government requires local authorities to provide critical childcare in the event of a further ‘lockdown’. In order for us to be prepared for that, we will shortly be sending you a survey to support the school to know who Category 1 key workers are.
Free School Meals
If any Contingency Plans are put into practice, we will continue to provide BACS payments for those P4-7 families whose household income has been assessed and an award made in respect of Free School Meals. BACS does not include the universal provision in ELC and P1-3, however anyone else in need of support will also be able to apply for help to feed their children when they are not in school. The authority will always fulfil its duty to provide a free school meal.
Should contingency arrangements be required at any time we will of course ensure that parents, carers are fully informed of the arrangements, and that all necessary support is in place.
Educational Psychology Helpline
The Educational Psychology Helpline will cease on 29th October 2020 unless contingency plans are implemented.
If you have any concerns or questions about any of the above information please do not hesitate to contact the school in the first instance.
Many thanks for your continued support.
Craig Biddick
Head Teacher (Acting)
Dear Parent / Carer
Announcement
The Depute First Minister, John Swinney, yesterday made an announcement on National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher and SQA. The full statements from Mr Swinney and SQA can be read at:
https://news.gov.scot/news/sqa-awards-2021
https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/35832.html
National 5 candidates will not have exams. They will be accredited through internal work and teacher professional judgement. Higher and Advanced Higher exams are still taking place and due to start on 13th May 2020. National 3, National 4, Wider Achievements, National Progression awards etc…continue to be internally assessed with no exams.
Penicuik High School Assessment and Moderation Processes
Moderation and our own internal verification measures are based on best practice. Subject Departments and teaching staff utilise as wide a range of evidence as possible and are rigorous in ensuring ensure that assessment items are valid, reliable and proportionate and produce accurate grades guidance for each course and level. Moderation by subject areas includes; cross-marking, moderating and benchmarking with other schools and a focus on checking SQA’s ‘understanding standards’ guidance to verify the standards are set correctly. Staff will also use their knowledge of individual pupils, professional input from SQA markers and appointees on our staff and prior attainment & achievement data for cohorts. Additional work will be undertaken to ensure that the school takes due regard of further advice and professional training offered by SQA to support schools and there will be a renewed emphasis in the Authority on schools supporting working together to align standards for more accurate estimation of grades.
Digital Developments
We now have the authority to use Google Meet to cast live lessons or study support. We have not been allowed to use that up until now and that is why Penicuik High School have not used this or other platforms. However, we know Staff, students and parents/carers are keen to see the use of this type of ‘anytime, anywhere’ learning. Staff will start piloting Google Meet sometime after the October break and sharing this with each other before a larger scale roll out. We have recently sent out a further 98 Chromebooks ad have requested further devices. We will shortly seek information from families who need multiple devices due to school aged children in the home who require a device.
Supporting Study for Our Students
We will continue to offer both formal and informal opportunities for supported study in subject areas across the session. Many of these are held in school time or after school. Tracking information will be used to inform subject areas about students who may need extra support and in school interventions. In line with current developments there will continue to be an increase in digital approaches to supporting learning in and out of school as mentioned above
Prelims and Assessments
As in previous years, assessment will be on-going throughout the Session. Prelim or other formal assessment for N5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses will take place from December through to April. Various class and other assessments will take place under controlled conditions as appropriate, and may also take place in the Assembly Hall for additional exam practice. All assessments undertaken will be to ensure that the best interests of students are fully supported but we will also take cognisance of the assessment load on students throughout the session
If you would like to discuss SQA, exams, prelims and any in school arrangements at any time please make contact Mr Ross Jamieson – DHT Learner Experience and SQA Coordinator.
Thank you again for your support in a time where we look to support our Senior Phase pupils fully in preparation for their resulting courses.
Craig Biddick
8 October 2020
I’m writing to thank parents, carers and pupils who are helping keep local people safe and ultimately saving lives by complying with national coronavirus restrictions. I am sure you will appreciate the significant effort of all of our staff working in schools to do the same. However, I also need to stress we must remain vigilant as local cases of coronavirus are rising. As is the case across other areas in Scotland, this is, in part, because of transmission within local gatherings.
We continue to work alongside NHS Public Health and Police Scotland to protect local people. Please remember the restrictions in place on indoor gatherings in private homes. You should not meet anyone from outside your household inside your home or their home. This ban includes extended family members although you are permitted to provide care or support to a vulnerable person in their home and there are exemptions for childcare and tradespeople doing essential work. The rules on indoor gatherings apply to you and your family, including your young people over the age of 12, so we ask you to help them understand the rules and set an example for them too.
Where there are breaches of the legislation, Police Scotland will engage, explain the legislation and encourage compliance and will use enforcement action as a last resort.
We know that the overwhelming majority of people of all ages are following the rules and realise not meeting friends and family is hard, particularly on young people. However, to reduce the number of transmissions of the virus and keep schools open, all of us, young and old, need to do our bit by complying with the rules.
Thank you again for you and your family’s continued support.
Fiona Robertson
Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships
Dear Parent /Carer
This is a brief update on a number of matters including: how young people are doing at school, current contingency planning, uniform, our new tracking and monitoring systems, Parent consultations, and SQA courses and uncertainty.
How are young people doing at school?
Overall the young people in school are continuing to report being settled and keen to get on with the work required to move forward in their learning. Many of them are now fully engaged and motivated, working with staff to make progress towards exams, or in their subjects within the Broad General Phase at S1-3. We are conscious some still remain anxious after lockdown and are dealing with situations outside school which means they require extra support. Some Senior Phase students are also anxious about SQA exams and what will happen over the rest of the session and how that might affect them.
In terms of Covid safety, the number of students with masks is high but we are still finding they are forgetting to wear them in crowded situations. The school has also been contacted by retailers who are concerned they are not wearing their masks in shops. A number are still arriving without a mask and where we have current supplies we are using disposable masks. If at all possible we would ask parents/carers to purchase more permanent masks to help with compliance as the disposable masks don’t last well. Staff at school do very much appreciate the support shown by parents/carers with regard to ensuring your children have a mask, and are acting safely at school. We have ensured staff know who has an exemption, and any student exempt should not feel singled out. If you have any concerns about this aspect of the mask guidance please do not hesitate to contact us.
We have set up a Senior Phase Covid 19 Pupil Voice group and will host a Junior Covid 19 Pupil Voice group this week. Their advice will help shape policy and practice in relation to ensuring health and safety in school on an on-going basis.
A number of parents/carers have raised concerns regarding Covid measures in school. My position will always prioritise health and safety, and the well-being of the young people. We will, as always, aim to be as flexible as possible to ensure we support parents also. As a school we are following national guidance which is then written into a local authority context to support health and safety across the school, all of which is regularly enforced across the school.
Contingency Planning – Further Blended Learning Needs
As you will be aware the current transmission rate has increased in Scotland and has already affected some schools in other regions. At some point we may need to respond to any public health directives in relation to infections linked to schools or how infection rates are impacting staffing levels. This may result in us having to introduce a home/school roster system for some classes or year groups. In the event of students having to remain at home on some rostered days, we will return to online learning alongside in school learning. Senior Phase teaching in school will be protected as much as possible within this scenario. Contingency plans are being discussed at present and we will look to send out a clear contingency plan for any eventualities in the week beginning 12th October 2020.
Uniform
As mentioned in my last update we have now returned to our official uniform from Tuesday 22nd September 2020 and we are requesting that all students arrive at school in the correct uniform which is as follows:
White shirt or blouse
Black V neck jumper or cardigan
School tie – All S1 will receive a free tie
Black trousers or skirt
Black shoes
The senior tie has been slightly modified but is still black. All S5 have received the new tie free of charge. More ties have been ordered for S4 but due to Covid restrictions they may take up to 6 weeks to arrive. Once these have been delivered all S4 will be given the new senior tie free of charge. S4 should remain in the blue and white striped tie until that time. Old ties will be collected for recycling. The present school uniform policy was introduced into Penicuik High School with the full support and agreement of pupils, parents and staff and therefore we do expect it to be followed.
If a student has PE on a particular day they may wear their PE gear to school and either change later (an opportunity to do this will be given) or remain in their PE gear if they feel it is hygienic to do so.
Up until the October break Fridays will be classed as dress down days, although students can continue to wear uniform if they wish. We ask that students who dress down are appropriately dressed – this means no crop tops, ripped jeans or revealing clothing. A number of students are still flouting these rules and we will contact parents if we have concerns.
We realise that some parents have come under financial pressure due to the Covid 19 pandemic and we are very keen to help. You may be eligible for a clothing grant. Please follow the link below.
https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/855/school_meals/117/free_school_meals_and_clothing_grants
There is now also a parental initiative across all Midlothian schools to support uniform swaps through a Facebook site called Midlothian School Uniform Swap Shop. You just need to ask to join and either offer uniform or request uniform items.
Follow this link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/297555134907502
Tracking and Monitoring
As mentioned in my last update, we have revamped our tracking and monitoring systems to include three clear tracking periods for all year levels across the session. These formalised periods of review will ensure we react quickly to any change in effort or disengagement, particularly at the Senior Phase where assessment evidence is probably still going to be significant in evidencing the level of outcome.
We are working within our first tracking period for senior phase students and S1-3 will follow later. The three phased system includes the early warning tracking report, an interim report with grades/ levels and a full report with grades/ levels and comments.
Early progress tracking reports for S5/6 will go out to parents/carers this week followed by S4 and then S1-3. The Senior Management Team and Guidance staff will look at overview reports to help target students who need intervention to improve performance. This will also involve contacting parents/carers to discuss issues and suggested interventions.
Senior Phase students, in S5/6 in particular, will be reminded that they have chosen to work with the school to gain qualifications to secure their future. We therefore expect that they will take an active role in their learning process. Where students lack commitment we will work with parents/carers and may look at other educational options. Please note that no student will be expected to leave school without a positive and sustainable destination that gives further options.
Outside of tracking periods we will continually scrutinise individual student progress, if you have any concerns at any stage please contact your child’s guidance teacher in the first instance.
Parent Evenings
We are conscious that, due to lockdown, some parents have not had an opportunity to meet with their child’s subject teachers. Planning is now under way to look at how we can facilitate a consultation process over this session as Covid guidelines do not permit face-to-face meetings. Initial planning centres on telephone appointments or appointments through an online platform.
We will advise parents of the proposed dates for each cohort and process nearer the time. S2 will have their full report earlier this session to assist the process of selecting S3 options and there will be a linked parents’ evening. The early recovery phase progress will be picked up through the tracking reports for all levels that are coming out over the next few weeks and are discussed above.
SQA Exam Diet 2020-21
At this point there is still no clear guidance on this session’s SQA Exam diet. The Deputy First Minister has received a report on the SQA Consultation undertaken with stakeholders. He has delayed making a decision until he has received a report from Professor Mark Priestley with regard to the SQA Estimate process from last session that proved so controversial.
A number of scenarios are possible from a full exam diet for all National 5, Highers and Advanced Higher courses to removing external exams for one of the certificated courses, such as National 5. Should a scenario exist where grades are awarded using only internal assessment it is unlikely that the same estimate process from last session will be used. There will be more SQA moderation of our assessment work to ensure grades awarded reflect pupil achievement.
The Deputy First Minister is due to make a statement in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 6th October. When details have been finalised we will be in contact regarding the plans for this academic year. We will also engage with students about how this will affect their courses this year.
Thank you once again for your continuing support of the school at this challenging time.
Craig Biddick
Head Teacher (Acting)