Solway Community School is at the heart of the community in Silloth. Established over 50 years ago, we have a reputation as school where students of all abilities excel. Our big strength is our small size – everyone knows everyone else; yet we are able to provide a wide range of courses to match learners’ strengths and interests. We know everyone – and we help them develop into unique and self-confident individuals.

6^th April 2020

Dear Parent / Carer,

Prior to the school closing due to the current pandemic, we had undertaken a review of the school uniform policy. As part of this, students were asked their views on the current uniform and what improvements or changes they would like to make to it. We were delighted with their sensible response and following this, we have taken on board their mature and well expressed views.

The main points made by our students were:

• We think having a smart school uniform is important.
• If our uniform were smarter we would take more pride wearing it.
• We are dissatisfied with how smart our current uniform is, in particular the polo shirt.
• We want to feel proud of our appearance when in school and representing school on visits.
• Other school’s uniforms are smarter than our own; in particular, we think blazers make other schools look smarter.

• A choice of wearing a blazer would be good.
• Everyone should wear a school tie which should be uniform in length as currently ties look scruffy.

Taking the students’ opinions into account, we have also debated possible changes with governors and senior leadership in school and as a result we will be asking all students to wear a shirt and tie rather than a polo shirt from September. This presents a much smarter uniform and one the students can take greater pride in wearing. Even in these unprecedented times staff are working hard to move forward with making improvements with our school and this change is part of that. This is the only change we are making from September, as we recognise we are currently dealing within unprecedented circumstances. Other expectations detailed below concerning school trousers and skirts remains as it has always been:

• Black school shoes (NOT trainers)
• Tailored black trousers (NOT tight fitting or leggings) or black skirt (pleated / half pleated / straight – NOT tight) of respectable length
• White shirt
• School tie
• School jumper (with logo)

Further to this, in September we will begin a consultation with parents, students and staff about the introduction of a school blazer in the Spring term. In this consultation we will be asking parents to give us feedback on students having the choice of wearing a new blazer alongside or in addition to the current school jumper. This consultation period will also give students the opportunity to show they can wear the current school tie in a smart fashion before a possible introduction of a clip-on tie. Further information of how you can give feedback in this consultation will be shared in September.

This consultation was begun before the current pandemic forced the closure of schools; however, we continue to work hard to make sure our school is moving forward where we can, and look forward to picking this up with all stakeholders in September.

Yours sincerely

Tom Hailwood

Deputy Head

 

Kooth

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Safeguarding & DA flyer for Cumbria residents

Letter to Year 11 Parents, Carers and Students

Below please find a letter to parents, carers and year 11 students.

For the full letter including statement from Ofqual, please open this link: letter to parents, carers and Year 11 students

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Attached some very useful wellbeing tips that might be of use to parents and students.

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