Latest update: the Scottish Government has announced that from Monday, 2nd November 2020 all senior  pupils (S4-S6) are required to wear face coverings in classrooms as well as corridors and communal areas.

Our number one priority remains that pupils are safe when they attend Calderhead High School. Since we returned in August, we have put extra measures in place to keep our community safe. As we return to school after a holiday weekend, I thought I would share with you what these measures are. I have no doubt that before June 2021 we will have added to this list. We are all aware that the three main causes of transmission of this Coronavirus is touching an infected surface and transferring this to our mouths, nose or eyes (Hand Hygiene and cleaning surfaces) or by breathing in droplets from an infected person (2m distance and face covering) or by ingesting tiny infected particles in the air (good ventilation and being outside)

Can I ask for your support in reminding pupils to wear a face covering on school transport, to wear a face covering on entry to school, in social areas and in corridors. To socialise with their friends outside prior to the start of the school day, at interval and at lunchtime. Also, that pupils should stay at least 2m away from staff and they should wash or sanitise their hands frequently throughout the day.

If you have any concerns about your child can I encourage you to contact their Principal Teacher of Pupil Support who will offer not only a sympathetic ear, but great advice gathered from years of experience.

Changes we have made this term

1. Risk Assessment carried out prior to opening in August and reviewed on a regular basis.

2. Face Masks are provided to staff and pupils if you do not have a face covering.

3. Face coverings are required on school transport.

4. Drivers of school transport are required to wear face coverings

5. Hand sanitiser dispensing units at each entrance to the school

6. Automatic Hand sanitiser dispensing units at entrance and exit of all corridors on all floors.

7. Double periods introduced to reduce number of classes pupils are in each day.

8. Double periods introduced to reduce the change overs from 18 to 3 per week.

9. All pupils facing in the same direction in each class.

10. S5 and S6 pupils seated within their own year group in each class.

11. No Senior Pupils travelling to other schools or college for courses, e.g. Advanced Higher, Foundation Apprenticeship, Highers, National 5, Vocational Courses.

12. No Senior Pupils travelling from other schools to Calderhead High School for courses.

13. Perspex screens used in class when one to one staff help is often required.

14. Perspex screens in place in canteen when ordering, collecting, and paying for food using cashless system.

15. Pupils can pre-order and pay for food using Fusion App.

16. No cash tills, money can be added to cards using the revaluating machines.

17. Practical PE is outdoors only

18. No changing rooms in use for PE.

19. PE kit to be worn on the days when pupils have PE

20. As well as in PE changes to the curriculum have been made in Music, Home Economics, Science

21. Changes have been made to the delivery of lessons in all subjects.

22. Desks wiped down at the end of each lesson

23. Library books quarantined for 72 hours

24. Face coverings to be worn in social areas.

25. Face coverings to be worn in corridors

26. From Monday 2nd November, all S4-S6 pupils are required to wear face coverings in classrooms as well as corridors and communal areas. Face coverings can also be worn in class by younger pupils if they so wish

27. Pupils encouraged, if indoors, to sit with pupils from their year group at interval and lunch.

28. 2nd S6 common room opened to allow for better distancing.

29. S4 and S5 are now seated in the large space of the Assembly Hall to socialise in at Interval and Lunchtime.

30. Pupils encouraged to go outside at Interval and Lunchtime

31. S1 pupils can now leave the campus during Lunchtime.

32. 2m distance between staff at all times.

33. 2m distance between staff and pupils.

34. Staff wearing face coverings in senior classes and when they deem necessary in the classroom.

35. Pupils spaced out as much as possible in each class.

36. Pupils encouraged regularly to wash hands using hot water and soap.

37. Visitors limited to only those that are deemed essential to the school.

38. Any visitor needs to wear a face covering and register their contact details.

39. As key workers priority testing for staff or any member of their household if they show symptoms.

40. Regular briefing updates from NLC.

41. Headteacher on call 24/7 if there is a positive test.

42. NLC protocols in place for dealing with a Positive Test, pupil or staff.

43. Pupils encouraged to exit the building by nearest stairway and fire doors to prevent congestion.

44. Pupils encouraged to make their way to class using the stairway nearest their classroom, prevent congestion

45. S6 pupils to use “staff stairs” to make their way to class, to prevent congestion.

46. 100 litres of extra hand sanitiser purchased and available in each classroom.

47. Boxes of tissues deployed in each room.

48. Electronic thermometer purchased to check for high temperatures.

49. Isolation room and protocols set up.

50. Our no shouting policy has been reinforced.

51. We do not have permission for extracurricular clubs to take place.

52. We are not permitted to offer in school study support.

53. Day cleaner, whose remit is to minimise the risk of transmission

54. Protocols for using PPE when dealing with first aid situations.

55. Keep left signs have been deployed around the school

56. Information Posters have been deployed around the school.

57. Pupils have been encouraged not to share equipment, drinks and food.

58. All equipment is sprayed and wiped down after use or left to soak as per regulations.

59. S1 pupils leave class 5 mins early at interval, lunch and end of day to avoid congestion.

60. Staff have been encouraged to ensure their rooms are well ventilated, with the door and windows open.

61. Pupil homework, in most subjects, has moved to a digital platform to reduce the risk of transmission.

62. No assemblies, this is for all year groups.

63. No visiting speakers, e.g. Nil By Mouth, No Knives better Lives, Show Racism the Red Card

64. Higher Modern Studies and History teachers making videos and putting resources on line to facilitate learning for pupils who cannot attend their classes.

65. Video and online lessons for consortia pupils and Foundation Apprenticeships.

66. No Parents’ Nights scheduled before Christmas.

67. InterHouse sporting events postponed.

John Robertson

Headteacher

Calderhead High School