Announcements | 4th May 2021

Year 9 immunisation letter

Please click here for a letter from the immunisation team to for year 9 students.

Announcements | 16th April 2021

Update from Abbie Thorrington

Friday 16th April 2021

Dear parents and carers,

The start of the summer term has been hugely positive. The atmosphere around the academy has been upbeat and the students have settled back in well. As the Year 11 students prepare for their final assessments, they are focused and approaching the challenge in a mature and responsible way. It is so good to see the other year groups taking their studies just as seriously, making up for the disruptions Covid has created. 

As I’m sure you have seen in the media, there is a renewed national focus on sexual abuse in schools. The Government have set up a helpline and ordered a review by Ofsted to assess safeguarding in schools around the issue of peer-on-peer sexual abuse, something that has recently been highlighted by the ‘Everyone’s Invited’ website. 

At Ipswich Academy, we take any report of peer-on-peer sexual abuse seriously, with every case being closely and fully investigated. We encourage an open culture and give students opportunities and safe spaces to make disclosures in the event of an incident. We have precise protocols that we follow to ensure that the correct support is given in school and by outside agencies, if required.

Our staff are trained in handling these types of reports and regardless of which member of staff is told, the response will be the same. At Ipswich Academy, we have specialist staff who are able to assist pupils and ensure that any incident of alleged sexual abuse is taken seriously and dealt with appropriately. 

Not only do we support students in the event of an incident, we also educate students about safeguarding, healthy and respectful relationships, respectful behaviour and consent and that sexual violence and sexual harassment is always wrong through the Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) curriculum. We promote an honest, open and respectful culture in school and we feel that having a dialogue around such topics is a key part of ensuring that they don’t become normalised behaviours.

As a reminder, all students will be spoken with during the coming week regarding how they can access help and support if they have any concerns. 

If in the meantime you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Yours sincerely

Abbie Thorrington
Principal 

Announcements | 19th March 2021

19/03/2021 – Letter to close contacts

19th March 2021

Dear Parent/Carer, 

Following on from my correspondence earlier today, we have been notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

Your child has been identified as a close contact of the confirmed case. In line with the national guidance your child is advised to self-isolate for 10 days since the last contact with the confirmed case. The date of last contact with a confirmed case is day zero. The 10 day self-isolation period will end on Monday 29th March.

If your child is well at the end of the 10 day period they will be able to return to school after the Easter break. Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 10 day self-isolation period. 

Please see the link to the PHE Staying at Home Guidance: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Work to be provided whilst students are isolating

For today, students should work from their Knowledge Organiser and existing work on Google Classroom. By 3.30pm today students will be sent an email with further information relating to the work that is going to be provided for next week. 

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19 

If your child develops symptoms arrange for a COVID test. This can be done via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119

If their test is negative they must still continue to self-isolate for the 10 day period, regardless of the negative test result.

If their test is positive they will need to self-isolate for 10 days from the date when their symptoms start. All your household members must self-isolate for 10 days. 

The date of symptom onset is day zero.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection.

General COVID information

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

•recent onset of new continuous cough or

•high temperature or

•a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. If you are concerned about your child’s health or the health of anyone else in your house please seek advice from your GP or NHS 111 by phoning 111. 

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19:

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds 
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • wash your hands as soon as you get home
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ 

As always, if you have any questions then please do not hesitate to get into contact. I thank you again for your support. 

Yours sincerely

Abbie Thorrington

Principal 

Announcements | 18th March 2021

18/03/2021 – Letter to close contacts

18th March 2021

Dear Parent/Carer, 

Following on from my correspondence earlier today, we have been notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

Your child has been identified as a close contact of the confirmed case. In line with the national guidance your child is advised to self-isolate for 10 days since the last contact with the confirmed case. The date of last contact with a confirmed case is day zero. The 10 day self-isolation period will end on Sunday 28th March.

If your child is well at the end of the 10 day period they will be able to return to school after the Easter break. Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 10 day self-isolation period. 

Please see the link to the PHE Staying at Home Guidance: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Work to be provided whilst students are isolating

For today, students should work from their Knowledge Organiser and existing work on Google Classroom. By 3.30pm today students will be sent an email with links for their lessons to access via live streaming. These will run very similar to the most recent lockdown, students need to click on the allotted link when they would normally have the lesson in school. Lessons will run live from 9.00am on Friday 19th March, week 1. 

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19 

If your child develops symptoms arrange for a COVID test. This can be done via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119

If their test is negative they must still continue to self-isolate for the 10 day period, regardless of the negative test result.

If their test is positive they will need to self-isolate for 10 days from the date when their symptoms start. All your household members must self-isolate for 10 days. 

The date of symptom onset is day zero.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection.

General COVID information

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

•recent onset of new continuous cough or

•high temperature or

•a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. If you are concerned about your child’s health or the health of anyone else in your house please seek advice from your GP or NHS 111 by phoning 111. 

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19:

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds 
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • wash your hands as soon as you get home
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ 

As always, if you have any questions then please do not hesitate to get into contact. I thank you again for your support. 

Yours sincerely

Abbie Thorrington

Principal 

Announcements | 18th March 2021

Letter to year 8 close contacts

18th March 2021

Dear Parent/Carer, 

Following on from my correspondence yesterday afternoon, we have been notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

Your child has been identified as a close contact of the confirmed case. In line with the national guidance your child is advised to self-isolate for 10 days since the last contact with the confirmed case. The date of last contact with a confirmed case is day zero. The 10 day self-isolation period will end on Friday 26th March.

If your child is well at the end of the 10 day period they will be able to return to school on Friday 26th March. Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 10 day self-isolation period. 

Please see the link to the PHE Staying at Home Guidance: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Work to be provided whilst students are isolating

For today, students should work from their Knowledge Organiser and existing work on Google Classroom. By 3.30pm today students will be sent an email with links for their lessons to access via live streaming. These will run very similar to the most recent lockdown, students need to click on the allotted link when they would normally have the lesson in school. Lessons will run live from 9.00am on Friday 19th March, week 1. 

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19 

If your child develops symptoms arrange for a COVID test. This can be done via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119

If their test is negative they must still continue to self-isolate for the 10 day period, regardless of the negative test result.

If their test is positive they will need to self-isolate for 10 days from the date when their symptoms start. All your household members must self-isolate for 10 days. 

The date of symptom onset is day zero.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection.

General COVID information

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

•recent onset of new continuous cough or

•high temperature or

•a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. If you are concerned about your child’s health or the health of anyone else in your house please seek advice from your GP or NHS 111 by phoning 111. 

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19:

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds 
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • wash your hands as soon as you get home
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ 

As always, if you have any questions then please do not hesitate to get into contact. I thank you again for your support. 

Yours sincerely

Abbie Thorrington
Principal 

Announcements | 15th March 2021

15/03/21 – Letter to close contacts

15th March 2021

Dear Parent/Carer, 

Following on from my correspondence yesterday afternoon, we have been notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

Your child has been identified as a close contact of the confirmed case. In line with the national guidance your child is advised to self-isolate for 10 days since the last contact with the confirmed case. The date of last contact with a confirmed case is day zero. The 10 day self-isolation period will end on Sunday 21st March.

If your child is well at the end of the 10 day period they will be able to return to school on Monday 22nd March. Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 10 day self-isolation period. 

Please see the link to the PHE Staying at Home Guidance: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Work to be provided whilst students are isolating

As per my communication yesterday, students should work from their Knowledge Organiser today and existing work on Google Classroom. By 3.30pm today students will be sent an email with links for their lessons to access via live streaming. These will run very similar to the most recent lockdown, students need to click on the allotted link when they would normally have the lesson in school. Lessons will run live from 8.45am on Tuesday 16th March, week 1. 

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19 

If your child develops symptoms arrange for a COVID test. This can be done via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119

If their test is negative they must still continue to self-isolate for the 10 day period, regardless of the negative test result.

If their test is positive they will need to self-isolate for 10 days from the date when their symptoms start. All your household members must self-isolate for 10 days. 

The date of symptom onset is day zero.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection.

General COVID information

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

•recent onset of new continuous cough or

•high temperature or

•a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. If you are concerned about your child’s health or the health of anyone else in your house please seek advice from your GP or NHS 111 by phoning 111. 

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19:

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds 
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • wash your hands as soon as you get home
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ 

As always, if you have any questions then please do not hesitate to get into contact. I thank you again for your support. 

Yours sincerely

Abbie Thorrington

Principal 

Announcements | 11th March 2021

Home testing information

12 March 2021

Dear parent/carer,

I would like to first congratulate all students on how they have conducted themselves throughout the lateral flow testing programme, their level of maturity and positivity has been incredible. As per Government Guidance, now that students have performed the lateral flow under trained supervision in school, they now have home test kits to test themselves at home. The home test kits will again help to reduce the spread of the virus. 

Testing students at home:

We would like them to take their tests before school on Monday and Thursday. Preferably this would be in the morning before going into school. However, we understand that for some people this may be challenging. Therefore, tests can be taken the evening before school if needed. 

Tests are free of charge. Students will receive a pack of 3 tests in a box with a leaflet on how to take the test and report the results.

You need to report test results.

Taking the test:

Students have a leaflet with instructions on how to do the test with the kit. There is also a useful video to show you how to take the test here.

Help and support is available, including instructions in different languages on how to test and report the results and a video showing you how to take the test.

There is no need to keep used test equipment after the test result has been reported. You can put it in your normal bin (household waste).

This does not replace symptomatic testing. If you have symptoms, you should self- isolate immediately, book a PCR test and follow national guidelines.   

What should you do after the test?

The result of each test needs to be reported to both school and NHS Test & Trace. To report results complete this Google Form:

https://forms.gle/QksnBjg1pRTdCTrj6

Once you have submitted the Google Form, you will be presented with the link to report to NHS Test and Trace, this must be done for all test results. 

If the test is positive:

If anyone tests positive you, your household, any support bubbles you are part of should self-isolate immediately in line with NHS Test and Trace guidance for 10 days. 

You need to report your result to both NHS Test and Trace and Ipswich Academy. You should complete the Google Form above, call us on 01473 550040 or email us at info@ipswichacademy.org.uk if the test is positive, without delay (even if this is a weekend).

You should order a confirmatory PCR test if you are testing at home.

If the result of the test is unclear (void) you should do another test. 

Negative and void results should be reported to both NHS Test & Trace and school.

If you or anyone in your household gets symptoms of the virus you should follow national guidelines on self-isolation and testing. 

Why take part:

Over 85% of students have consented to testing which is fantastic, however taking part in testing is voluntary.

I am strongly encouraging all students to take part. Testing at home will allow your child and other students to attend school as safely as possible.

If you would prefer for your child to be tested at school, please email us at info@ipswichacademy.org.uk

Thank you for your support.

Yours faithfully

Abbie Thorrington
Principal

Some frequently asked questions 

Can my child take the test themselves?

Students aged 12-17 should do the test themselves with adult supervision. The adult may help the [pupil/student] to take the test if they need support. 

Students aged 11 must be tested by an adult and the adult must report the result. 

Reporting problems or issues with testing

If there is an issue with the test kit, for example something is missing, please report it by calling 119 and please also tell the school. 

If an accident or injury happens whilst using the test kit, please seek medical care by calling 111 (or 999 if it is an emergency). Please also report what happened using this website:  https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/  

What type of tests will be used?

We will be sending home Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests. They are a fast and simple way to test people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, but who may still be spreading the virus. 

The tests are easy to use and give results in 30 minutes. 

Further information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-lateral-flow-antigen-testing-for-people-without-symptoms 

Are LFD tests accurate?

Lateral Flow Devices identify people who are likely to be infectious. These  

individuals tend to spread the virus to many people and so identifying them through this test is important.  

These tests have been widely and successfully used to detect COVID-19 in asymptomatic individuals and are approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The speed and convenience of the tests supports the detection of the virus in asymptomatic individuals, who would not otherwise have got tested. 

The tests are highly specific, with low chance of false positives. They are also very sensitive and are able to identify the majority of the most infectious yet asymptomatic individuals. Extensive evaluation has been carried out on the tests and it shows that they are both accurate and sensitive enough to be used in the community for screening and surveillance purposes.  

It is important to remember that these tests are only an aid to help stop the spread of the virus and you should continue to follow other guidance such as on wearing face coverings and social distancing.  

What does it mean if my child has a positive result?

If your child has a positive antigen LFD test result they, their household and any support bubbles they are part of should self-isolate immediately in line with NHS Test and Trace guidance for 10 days. You need to report your result to both NHS Test & Trace and your school.

You should order a confirmatory PCR test if you are testing at home (confirmatory PCR tests are not needed if the test was conducted at the Asymptomatic Test Site at school). 

You can book a test here. 

What does it mean if my child has a negative result?

A negative result does not guarantee that your child is not carrying the virus. So, you should continue to follow social distancing, and other measures to reduce transmission such as wearing a face mask and regularly washing your hands.

What if my child has a void result? 

If the result of the test is unclear (void), they should take another one. If the next test is also void, your child should take a PCR test. You can book a test here. 

All test results need to be reported to both NHS Test & Trace and school.

Do I need to send the test to a lab?

No. The LFDs supplied do not need to be sent to a laboratory to get a result and can give a quick result in around 30 minutes. Guidance on self-testing is contained in the ‘Instructions for Use’ leaflet, which comes with the test kit. There is also a useful video to show you how to take the test here.

Can I or someone else in my household use a test kit sent home from school?

No, however whole families and households with primary school, secondary school, and college age children, including childcare and support bubbles, will be able to test themselves twice every week from home. This testing can be accessed through the following channels: 

  • get a rapid test at work, through workplace testing. Ask your employer for more information
  • attend a test site to get tested where you will be able to see how to take the test or pick up tests to do at home (you can find your nearest test site via the postcode checker www.gov.uk/find-covid-19-lateral-flow-test-site or check your local council website) 
  • collect tests to do at home, find your nearest collection site COVID Test Finder (test-and-trace.nhs.uk) 

If these options are not possible, there will be a supply of rapid tests for order online for people who need them the most. More information can be found on www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests 

There is more information available about testing for households and bubbles of students.

How will personal information and test results be shared?

When your child takes a Lateral Flow test, you need to report the result. This is so that their test result can be traced, which means that you need to share some information about your child.

You need to tell the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC):

●  your child’s name

●  your child’s test result

●  the reference number on the test Kit

You will also need to tell your child’s school or college their test result. 

Under UK law, your child’s school or college can collect and store test result data because it is in the ‘public interest’. This means that your child’s data helps us to stop the spread of the virus, and to keep your children in school. For example, we will tell your child to self-isolate if they get a positive test result.

Schools and colleges will only share information with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) if the test kits used are found to be faulty. If this happens, DHSC will use our information to contact people who used the faulty tests, so that they can be tested again. This will ensure that testing is accurate and helps keep us all safe.

When you report test results online, you are sharing information with DHSC. They may share the information with your GP, local government, NHS, and Public Health England. This is so that they can offer your family health services and guidance if your child needs to self-isolate. They might also use your child’s data anonymously (without their name or contact information) to research COVID-19, and improve our understanding of the virus.

For more information on how personal data is used for testing please see the detailed privacy notice. 

Announcements | 11th March 2021

Letter for parents of close contact of a confirmed COVID case

Dear Parent/Carer,

Following on from my correspondence yesterday afternoon, we have been notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

Your child has been identified as a close contact of the confirmed case. In line with the national guidance your child is advised to self-isolate for 10 days since the last contact with the confirmed case. The date of last contact with a confirmed case is day zero. The 10 day self-isolation period will end on Saturday 20th March.

If your child is well at the end of the 10 day period they will be able to return to school on Monday 22nd March. Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 10 day self-isolation period.

Please see the link to the PHE Staying at Home Guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms arrange for a COVID test. This can be done via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

If their test is negative they must still continue to self-isolate for the 10 day period, regardless of the negative test result.

If their test is positive they will need to self-isolate for 10 days from the date when their symptoms start. All your household members must self-isolate for 10 days.

The date of symptom onset is day zero.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection.

General COVID information

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

•recent onset of new continuous cough or

•high temperature or

•a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. If you are concerned about your child’s health or the health of anyone else in your house please seek advice from your GP or NHS 111 by phoning 111.

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19:

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • wash your hands as soon as you get home
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Work to be provided whilst students are isolating

As per my communication yesterday, students should work from their Knowledge Organisers today and existing work on Google Classrooms. From Friday 12th March, teachers will be uploading work for students to complete daily on Google Classrooms.

As always, if you have any questions then please do not hesitate to get into contact. I thank you again for your support.

Yours sincerely

Abbie Thorrington

Principal

Announcements | 8th March 2021

Year 11 update

08 March 2021

Dear Year 11 students, 

Following on from the Ofqual announcements and subsequent assembly last week, I felt it important to write to you all to update you on the very latest information. 

  • Teachers can use a range of evidence to make a judgement of the grade they are performing at.
  • Students should only be assessed on what they have been taught. Centres will need to provide accessible questions and tasks for lower attaining students and appropriately demanding questions and tasks for higher attaining students to support higher grades.
  • Every student will have the right to appeal their grade.
  • Students will receive their results for GCSEs on the 12 August.
  • Ofqual will put in place the technical framework needed to implement the arrangements for students completing vocational qualifications.

We are still awaiting further exam board clarification on the evidence body we will be using to assess students and how we will be assessing students in school between the information being released and 18 June. Once I have this information and Ipswich Academy’s internal quality assurance processes in place I will share this with you. 

The grades will be evidence informed. We will only be able to submit a grade for a student if we have sufficient evidence that they are working at that standard. 

All staff are very much looking forward to welcoming you back on Wednesday 10 March as you go into your final months as Ipswich Academy students. You all need to prepare yourself for the last uphill push, as staff we will push you to reach your potential, you need to show the willingness and determination to reach the top.  

Do not give up Year 11!  You have been on an incredible journey, keep working hard and know that every piece of work you complete will still make a difference.

Yours sincerely, 

Abbie Thorrington
Principal 

Announcements | 25th January 2021

Year 10 Virtual Parent Consultation Evenings

Last updated January 25, 2021