Letter to Parents

Kirkwall Grammar School
Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1QN
Tel: (01856) 872102 Fax: (01856) 872911
Email: admin.kgs@glow.orkneyschools.org.uk
Website: www.kgsorkney.co.uk
Head Teacher: Mrs Sheila Dick
26 March 2012
KGS School Week Structure Consultation
Dear Parent/Carer
Thank you for the responses to the Consultation Paper issued in February on the School Week Structure at
Kirkwall Grammar School. The consultation raised a number of issues which have all been considered since
the collation of the responses, which are available to view at the KGS office, on the KGS website and also on
the OIC website.
There were 206 Consultation Questionnaires returned, of which 126 were supportive of the proposal, 51
raised concerns and 29 had mixed views. In addition, there were meetings with pupil focus groups from each
year group which were broadly positive and public meetings which were attended by 35 parents who made
suggestions for amendments to the proposal. Overall there were more positive than negative responses but
it was felt that the points raised were valid and that a number of amendments suggested would alleviate the
concerns raised.
The reasons for the change remain: the Scottish Government requires that there is curricular provision for
Physical Education (PE) and for Religious and Moral Education (RME) for all year groups. Under the present
period structure at KGS it is impossible to provide this. In addition, Curriculum for Excellence provision is
moving in session 2012-13 into S3 and this requires change from the conventional two year S3/4 Standard
Grade. Pupil will now complete a broad general education during S1-S3 and in S4 move into the Senior Phase.
It has been necessary to review the S3 curriculum so that there is a smooth transition between S3 and
Senior Phase.
A copy of the amended school week structure is appended to this letter, with a rationale. Please note that,
having monitored the arrival of the buses, there will be no requirement for the morning departure times to
change. Clearly this new structure does not address the issues which would be part of a consultation on a
Monday late start. As previously stated, preliminary work on the Monday late start suggested that the wide
ranging nature of the consultation would take some time to complete and it was felt that it was essential to
review the structure for KGS to start in June 2012. It should, however, be noted that the change to the
33-period week would be required in any event to support a Monday late start. I assure you that the future
consultation will be a full and fair one.
PTO

Once again, thank you for your valuable responses to this consultation so far. It is a major undertaking to
alter the school working week. It is expected that this timetable will be introduced on 4 June 2012. I
invite you to comment on the attached structure by completing the comment slip or by telephoning the
school.
Yours sincerely
Sheila Dick
Head Teacher

Kirkwall Grammar School Week Structure March 2012
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