Dear <<Salutation>>

I hope you are all keeping well during this strange time. I want to start by saying a huge thank you to all of you, especially those who have sent in such supportive letters. I realise it is a worrying time, but we are most impressed by the generally calm response from our superb boys. Also, thank you to the teachers who have responded so well to what we have asked them to do in terms of preparing themselves and the boys for remote learning.
 
I was particularly taken by one email, which reminded me how important our (collective) response is to this current crisis. It said: “The boys will remember and learn from the leadership which is being shown in adversity. We look forward to working with you to ensure that the boys do not simply survive this episode, but that they emerge stronger from the experience.” These are stirring words, and we will work hard to make this happen. 
 
Lastly, a huge thank you to those of you who will be working in frontline and other key services to try to keep us all safe. We are hugely grateful, and we know that many of you will face difficult times. Please let us know what we can do to support you and we will continue to educate the sons of those key workers.
 
We will continue to provide bulletins, so that you are able to keep in touch with what is happening. We will also send regular communications as and when we need to.
 
We hope that your son is able to access the remote learning, but please do bear with us, and communicate with his tutor if you need to. The aim in the first week, is to take it slowly, so please help your son to do the work, but not feel anxious if it doesn’t go exactly according to plan.
 
All the very best.

Languages Options
Unfortunately as you will be aware, we have had to cancel the Languages Information Evening on Monday. Please refer to the information here which will help your son make his decision as to which two languages he wishes to study in Y8.  Parents should notify us of his preferred two choices on this form by Tuesday 31st March, as well as indicating a reserve choice. Please note that his reserve language will need to be different from his preferred choices, otherwise we will have to ask you to complete the form again. If you have any further questions please contact Mrs Faulkner kfaulkner@bedfordschool.org.uk

General Resources
We hope that you find the attached list helpful. It is a list of lots of different websites and resources which your son can access from home. This should help provide some enrichment if necessary.
 
Remote learning for PE and Games
The PE department has asked if all boys could please try and get hold of a tennis ball to use at home. They will need this for their remote learning programme. Thank you.
 
Physical Activity at Home
In line with the recommendations from the World Health Organisation, the Bedford School PE Department believes that all boys should do at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. This activity can include general play, games, sport, recreation or planned exercise.
 
With this in mind,  the PE department will be posting (on Firefly and other platforms) age appropriate activities that will be suitable for inside the house and outside in the public domain. The aim will be to give all boys accessible, varied and enjoyable exercise options. Department members will also be available, via email and other school systems, to answer any questions or give advice around exercise, athletic development, nutrition and wellbeing.