Dear Parents and Carers,

Reminder: School Open Today for Year 11 and Year 13 Students Only – Wednesday 7th January

This is a reminder regarding today’s partial opening of Goodwin Academy due to the ongoing heating issues.

Our heating system has been running continuously and is gradually warming the school building. Engineers visited again and have optimised the system. They are confident that, following a full additional day of heating, the building will reach a comfortable temperature for all students to return tomorrow, Thursday 8th January.

To support today’s partial opening, we have purchased additional electric heaters and hired further units. These have been placed in selected rooms, which are now at a suitable temperature for learning. However, it has not been possible to heat all classrooms sufficiently for a full school opening today.

Therefore, the school is open today to Year 11 and Year 13 students only, as these year groups have priority due to their upcoming examinations.

Year 12 external examinations
Year 12 students completing external exams in Sport, Business, Psychology, Applied Science, and Health & Social Care should also attend today. Additional heating has been placed in all exam spaces to ensure a suitable temperature. Students should arrive 30 minutes before their exam and report to Reception on arrival. A heated study room will be available for Year 12 students between exams. Year 12 students should assemble in the Sixth Form Common Room at 8:35am, where Mrs Mercer, Head of Sixth Form, will explain the plan for the day.

Remote learning
For students in Years 7–10 and Year 12 students without exams, work will be set via Microsoft Teams, and teachers will monitor completion.

Arrangements for students attending today

• Entry: All students should enter via Reception.
• Period 1:
  • Year 11 students should assemble in the canteen.
  • Year 12 and Year 13 students should assemble in the Sixth Form Common Room.
• Year 11 and Year 13 students will attend lessons in allocated classrooms with additional heating.
• There will be no Year 11 tutoring after school today.
• Students may wear their own clothes and should dress warmly.

Free School Meals
All students in Years 7–13 who are in receipt of free school meals may attend between 12:30pm and 1:00pm to collect a warm takeaway lunch.

Please complete the form below to confirm if a meal is required and to select your choice:
[Wednesday 7th January - Free school meal form – Fill in form].

We will provide further updates during the school day today. Thank you for your continued understanding and patience as we work to resolve this issue.

Kind regards,
Mr P. Jones

Headteacher