10th January 2023
Dear Parent/Carer,
Re: Reminder of Plans for NASUWT Strike Days: Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th January 2023
In wishing you all the best for the New Year I must also remind you all that the next two days of strike action planned by the NASUWT are due to take place on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th January. Prior to the Christmas break I shared the plans that will be in place at Ballakermeen, but I wanted to share them again at this point. We have once again had to make plans based on the ‘worst case scenario’ and have had to assume that all teachers that could choose to strike, will do.
- Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 to remain at home on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th January
- Year 10 students that would normally attend lessons at UCM on a Wednesday morning should continue to do so. Those affected will be required to make their own way to and from the college. The school will not be providing any transport
- Ballakermeen’s Specialist Provision Centre will remain open on both days, and students that attend this facility should come into school as normal
- The Sixth Form will remain open so Key Stage 5 students should come into school. In the situation where a teacher is not striking, lessons will go ahead. For the remainder of the time, students should complete independent study. A staff member will reside in that area of the school to provide supervision
- Year 13 Mock Examinations scheduled for the 11th and 12th January will go ahead as planned
- Arrangements are in place for students eligible for Free School Meals to collect a packed lunch from the foyer. I am afraid that we do not have sufficient resources to provide any kind of delivery.
With regards to the provision of work on the days listed above, where applicable, students should either complete ongoing coursework or revision, or they should access their subject specific Google Classrooms. Whilst I would hope that a range of subject specific material will be available for your child to complete, I cannot guarantee this will be the case so two additional classrooms, that contain more generic tasks, can also be accessed using the joining codes listed below:
KS3 materials - z7lhfao
KS4 materials - xd7vydi
Please be mindful that the Year 11 Mock Examinations will take place between 17th and 23rd January so I would hope that students will use the time available to good effect with regards to preparation for these assessments.
Staff not taking industrial action will be asked to provide work via their specific subject Google Classroom.
I continue to appreciate the impact that this will have on our young people and families, and I am again sorry to have to contact you with such disappointing news. I assure you that I would not be taking this difficult decision unless it was essential for the safety and wellbeing of our students.
I will communicate to you once again regarding any necessary arrangements for proposed further strike days on Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th February 2023.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your understanding.
Yours faithfully,
Mr G Corrin, Head Teacher