Sixth Year School Leavers
In the proposed phased return to school, there has been no mention of sixth year school leavers. This may be because their formal school education has finished. It is important, however, to recognise the emotional impact on these pupils of the abrupt closure of schools on 20th March. Not only were exams cancelled, but many planned end of school activities have been jeopardised and are unlikely to take place. Many of these pupils feel devastated that they may not see their whole year group or teachers at school again. The transition from school to further education or work is important, and will not occur again in the lives of these pupils. They should be considered when the phased return to school is planned. At the moment, they appear to be the forgotten year group of pupils.
Why the contribution is important
These pupils need to be allowed to return to school, if it is safe for any pupils to return.
This would give them some semblance of normality in these uncertain times. They would have structure for that period of time, in contrast to the present position when they have no academic work to do and limited social contact.
It is also invaluable that they can say goodbye properly to their schooldays and to the important people from that period in their lives, particularly when there are uncertainties over how further education in the autumn will be delivered.
It would be detrimental to the mental health of these young people if they are, and feel they are, disregarded. Without any potential return to school, they will have about six months with no purpose or external support from an academic body.
A return to school for even a short period of time would demonstrate that these young people have not been forgotten.
This would give them some semblance of normality in these uncertain times. They would have structure for that period of time, in contrast to the present position when they have no academic work to do and limited social contact.
It is also invaluable that they can say goodbye properly to their schooldays and to the important people from that period in their lives, particularly when there are uncertainties over how further education in the autumn will be delivered.
It would be detrimental to the mental health of these young people if they are, and feel they are, disregarded. Without any potential return to school, they will have about six months with no purpose or external support from an academic body.
A return to school for even a short period of time would demonstrate that these young people have not been forgotten.
by ufd1 on May 08, 2020 at 12:28PM
Posted by Debs May 08, 2020 at 13:36
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Posted by InglishTeecher May 09, 2020 at 10:29
I agree it is sad that these pupils didn’t get the send off they expected and it must be a scary and uncertain time to be a teenager, but we have to think about our priorities here. These goodbyes and celebrations need to wait until we are sure we can safely educate younger pupils.
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