Although the school building have closed to most students from today, The Minster School remains here for you, our community.  With announcements of the closure of pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues these are times of great concern -  we will endeavour to offer some constancy and support, in particular to our students but also to families where we can.

Today has been one of great sadness but we have also found ways of celebrating with those students who may be finishing their formal education today.  Many tears have been shed alongside the laughter and the shared memories.

Key worker and vulnerable learner provision

We are here to help and the school remains open to a small number of children of key workers and from more vulnerable groups.  We are also hoping to host other schools struggling to make provision available for the aforementioned and will be joined on Monday by Halam CofE Primary - a warm welcome and we are glad to help. 

There will be the opportunity to book into this provision each week through the website - more information to follow.  To support the efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus please do not visit the school site, unless you are signed up for our key worker provision and you are dropping off or collecting your child.  You must sign up for this provision and be eligible - see earlier website post from today.

Ongoing general services and communication

Although the site is not accessible a core team of staff are carrying on providing services and assistance.  All teachers are setting work and planning for learning.  Our pastoral team are available for help and senior leaders will respond to queries. 

• Reception is staffed on weekdays from 8.30am to 4.00pm.  During this time phone calls will be answered but please don't visit the site.
• If you have any safeguarding concerns please call or email safeguarding@minster.notts.sch.uk 
• For general enquiries and those relating to our emergency onsite provision email office@minster.notts.sch.uk 
• For help with free school meals email n.clay@minster.notts.sch.uk 
• For advice and guidance about teaching and learning email individual teachers.

Exams update

More information is now emerging about how exam grades will be awarded.  Teacher assessment (based on evidence) will be used and other factors such as prior performance will be used by the exam board to moderate those estimates.  There will be the opportunity for some to take an exam in the Autumn term if they don't think the grades are right.  It is definitely worth students in years 11 and 13 building the evidence base to support those estimates made later in the year.  We will help through the work we set in coming weeks.

I must take this opportunity to thank my staff - I really don't have the words to express my gratitude.  A colleague gave me a card at the end of today which captured it perfectly.  It said, "It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars".  There has been a galaxy of stars for all to see here today.

The website will continue to be updated frequently, although this will be less frequently emailed out unless for urgent communications.  Thank you for taking the time to stay up to date with us.  We will also be sharing the good things we are working on through our Twitter feed.

Our thoughts and our prayers are with all Minster families, teachers and friends.

Matthew Parris