A HEADTEACHER has told sixth formers how proud he is as they prepare to leave school after lockdown.
Arnold Lodge head David Preston has written to students after their exams, prom and the ‘routines and rituals’ that came with finishing sixth form stopped due to the pandemic.
But he says despite the lack of exams, students have impressed by taking on extra work to show teachers the grades they were due to be given were justified.
Mr Preston said: “The past few months have followed a script we couldn’t have written.
“Normally heading in to the close of Year 13 students would be faced with revision, the pressure and exhilaration of examinations, the sense of freedom once the last examination is finished and the chance to celebrate their time in school before moving on to their next adventure.
“They’d have enjoyed a school prom or leavers’ dinner, a chance to say goodbye to teachers and the opportunity to help close the chapter on this phase of their education.
“When they first found out examinations would be cancelled, I imagine they felt a sense of relief. What I knew at the time – and I imagine they are feeling now – was that an important part of their education journey had been taken away.
“Students have lost the chance to work through the routines and rituals that go with finishing sixth form and the personal development that goes with that. Though we cannot make up for this, I am proud of the way they have handled the time in lockdown and their continued commitment to Arnold Lodge and their studies.
“Since lockdown began, they could have shrugged their shoulders and accepted they would get whatever grades from teachers. Instead, students worked hard and grafted to show the grades they were going to submit were justified.
“I couldn’t have been prouder to see the work ethic put in. Year 13 were role models for what Arnold Lodge stands for.”
