Headteacher's Blog 5th February 2021

As we come to the end of another week it is a good time to reflect on what has been, even in the current climate, a pretty extraordinary start to the term. I try not to go overboard when talking about Lipson to others as I always fear that it can breed a kind of complacency. I still see us as a school that is improving and there are still so many things that I want us to achieve together so I am never totally satisfied and always want more. However, the last couple of weeks have been amazing. What the staff are doing in such challenging circumstances is quite extraordinary. As well as setting up the online learning for everyone, we are managing our 'Essential School' for some of our most vulnerable students. On top of this we are providing lap-tops and chrome books for families that need them, coordinating food vouchers and have set up a fully operational testing centre on site. The role of the headteacher has never been more diverse, thank goodness I am surrounded by so many brilliant people. 

Thank you to everyone who is contributing to our online learning provision. I have already said how great the staff have been in embracing this but I also need to thank the students who on the whole are engaging really well. As for parents, you are such a supportive and positive group. I know how hard it must be for you all at the moment but I have never felt more supported by the parent body in any of the schools where I have worked and I am quite sure that this goes a long way to making Lipson the very special place that it is. Please keep your feedback coming in, it is essential to us if we are going to continue to improve the provision. We are still learning all the time with this and know that there are some areas where we can still improve but with your help we are determined to do so. The email address where you can raise any issues that you have is lipsonlearning@lipson.plymouth.sch.uk   I have also attached a link to a presentation that Mr Phillips has put together for students and parents to help with the use of Google Classrooms. This can be found by clicking here.

We will try to keep our communication regular and informative. I know that the Heads of Year are putting out their video messages regularly and you will have another one from me to look forward to next week! Messages from the Department for Education you are likely to be hearing at the same time as me but I will do my best to summarise the important bits as I see them. No news yet on the re-opening of schools ( not that we are shut! ) or on the possible vaccination of school staff  (which would seem logical if we really are going to get the schools open again as soon as possible).  Plenty of news though on the Summer exams for Years 11 and 13. They were on, then they were off and now they seem to back on again in some form or other although they are now likely to be marked by teachers. It is a shambles to be honest and is totally unfair on the students but I can assure you that as soon as we have more clarity we will share it with you.

Finally, thank you once again for your efforts and approach to our current situation. What has shone through above all else is just how much our staff care about our students and want to do what's best for them and how much our students care about Lipson and love to be part of our school community. Please look after yourselves and your loved ones. Best wishes,

Martin Brook, Headteacher