Head Teacher Update 16/1/21

Dear Parents and Students

Our first week of Online Learning is now complete and I want to thank everyone for the way they have responded to what is an extremely challenging situation. Our teachers have worked incredibly hard to produce materials and present them to you online. I am so proud of our staff and the work they are doing to make things go as smoothly as possible. I am also proud of our students, for the way they have engaged with the learning, and grateful to our parents for the patience and perseverance they have shown.

This update contains information about Online Learning, S2 Course Choice, Staffing, and the latest news from the SQA. It also provides an opportunity for parents to let us know how things are going and to request a contact from the school to provide support. (more…)

Edinburgh Guarantee Opportunities Bulletin

Please click on the link below to access information and the latest career opportunities for our young people in Edinburgh. You can keep up to date with all the latest information regarding career opportunities in our Pupil Support Leaders section of the Web Site.

Edinburgh Guarantee Schools Bulletin

The URL for the new Edinburgh Guarantee Opportunities website is www.edinburghguarantee.org

 

Head Teacher Update 8/1/21

Dear Parents and Students

We are looking forward to re-connecting with students next week, even if it is just online for now. I am writing today to give you an update on some of the things we have been working on, in school and at home, to get ready for our online learning starting next week.

Online learning

As you know, learning will be online for the remainder of January, at least. Therefore, we need to make sure that everyone is ready, knows what to expect and knows how to access their learning. During online learning, our two-week rotas will continue and students will follow their timetables as normal (starting on 11th January with week 2). We will continue to have three double periods per day, although the timings have been changed slightly, as detailed below. (more…)

Head Teacher Update 5/1/21

Dear Parents and students

First of all I should like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and I hope you and your families are keeping safe and well.

Government announcements over the weekend, detailing further measures to restrict transmission of COVID-19, require schools to update their plans for the term ahead. As previously communicated, the new term will begin for most young people, with online learning, on Monday 11th January. However, we now know that online learning will extend at least until the end of January.

The school has identified a small number of young people who meet the criteria for in-school provision, which for those students will begin tomorrow – we have communicated with the families involved.

Later this week, I will provide further update regarding our online learning provision and the implications of recent changes for SQA assessment.

Thanks and best wishes.

Stephen Rafferty

Head Teacher

Update on Key Worker Support 22/12/20

Dear Parent,

Following the announcement of the new COVID-19 restrictions, the arrangements for the start of the new term have changed. 

There will be support for children of key workers at Forrester High School from Wednesday 6 January. Please note that childcare is only being offered during normal school hours. In mainstream secondary schools, the offer is only for S1 to S3. The letter, published on the Council Website today and copied below, provides more information and guidance. (more…)

Head Teacher Update 22/12/20

Dear Parents and Students

Developments over the weekend require considerable change to our previously communicated plans. As you will know, there is to be an extension to the school holiday for students up until 11th January. Online learning will begin on 11th January, with a planned return to school for students on January 18th. However, as was the case during the previous period of home learning, provision will be made for children of key workers and vulnerable learners to continue to attend school. Further information about this provision is expected soon.

ICT to support home learning

Although the majority of young people (S2-S6) at Forrester have a school iPad, we are aware that there may be some who do not have any access to ICT at home. If this might be an issue for you, please let us know by responding to the survey at the address below.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=af6sSGo3tUKfacnke7-5xInQ9ZKCYcJAkBiOEhHKb_pUNzFGWE0wM1RGUVZUSjZMTFlOTDY3U04yRS4u

Changes to assessment arrangements

Due to changes to the start of next term, we will have to alter the timetable for Higher and Advanced High formal assessments. These will be postponed for two weeks, giving young people a chance to prepare and work with their teachers. These assessments will now take place as follows:

  • Week Beginning 25th January
  • Week Beginning 1st February

In addition, we will need to revisit our plans for assessment at all levels. These assessments will need to be carefully planned and distributed to reduce pressure on learners, as far as possible. We will update parents and students in the New Year when timescales are clearer, and plans have been updated.

Thanks and best wishes

Stephen Rafferty

Head Teacher