Extreme Weather Letter

Dear Parent/Carer

As you will be aware, the Met Office has issued a Red Extreme Heat Weather Warning, with temperatures expected to reach exceptionally high levels this week.

In light of this, we believe it is sensible and proportionate to make some adjustments to how the school will operate over the coming days. Our priority is to keep pupils and staff safe, while maintaining as much continuity of education as possible.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the following arrangements will apply:

Years 7–9

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will be dismissed early from 1pm. Students will have lunch during extended break before they are dismissed.

The decision to dismiss students early has been made with pupils’ safety and wellbeing in mind. It will give students additional time to travel home safely, reduce unnecessary movement around the school site during the hottest part of the day, and limit the time pupils spend in areas of the building that become increasingly warm as the day progresses.

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will have their afternoon examinations rescheduled to the morning sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Students will be informed of the new times tomorrow.

Cinema trips for Years 7, 8 & 9 will be deferred. Students should use the afternoon to revise at home using their revision materials and any work already provided by their teachers.

If any parent or carer has a specific need for their child to remain in school until the normal dismissal time, please contact the school office so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Year 10 & 12

Year 10 & 12 examinations will continue as normal in the Sports Hall. This is a much cooler space within the school, and we are confident that Year 10 & 12 students can continue with their examinations without disruption. To accommodate this, we have amended the exam schedule slightly for an earlier dismissal. This does not change the day on which exams are sat, but rather the order. A revised schedule will be handed to students tomorrow.

Year 10 & 12 students who do not have an examination in the afternoon will be dismissed from 1pm.

The following arrangements will also apply:

Uniform

Pupils do not need to wear a blazer, jumper or tie during the hot weather. Pupils should otherwise attend school in their normal school uniform.

Water and Hydration

Pupils should bring a refillable water bottle to school. We will ensure pupils have regular opportunities to refill bottles and will encourage them to drink water throughout the day.

Movement around the Building

We will reduce unnecessary movement around the school site where possible and will avoid using rooms or spaces that become excessively hot.

After-school Activities

After-school activities, fixtures and detentions on these days will not take place unless parents and carers are informed otherwise.

Vulnerable Pupils

We will pay particular attention to pupils who may be more vulnerable in extreme heat, including pupils with medical conditions. Please contact the school if there is any specific information you feel we need to be aware of.

We appreciate that these adjustments may cause some inconvenience for families, but we believe this is the right decision given the exceptional temperatures forecast and the need to protect the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Yours sincerely,

Mr A Hall

EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER

Mr A O’Donoghue

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Website: https://www.cardinalpole.co.uk/
Location: 205 Morning Ln, London E9 6LG, UK
Phone: 020 8985 5150