How Doncaster schools marked the end of lessons due to coronavirus

Schools across Doncaster marked the early end to the term for their pupils by giving them special send-offs.
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Most pupils have now been sent home indefinitely, after the announcement was made that they would be closed to try to stem the spread of coronavirus across the country.

On Friday, many schools marked the end of term for year 11s and 13s with special events.

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At McAuley School, in Cantley, staff tried to give year 11s and Y13s the send-off they deserved as it responded to the closure of schools and the scrapping of GCSE and A level exams this year which was announced on Wednesday.

Guard of honour for pupils at de Warenne AcademyGuard of honour for pupils at de Warenne Academy
Guard of honour for pupils at de Warenne Academy

They held a dress down day, followed by ‘leavers assemblies’, and then handed pupils a surprise party afterwards.

John Rooney, headteacher, said: “I think we all felt shell-shocked that the exams were cancelled but then realised that our students needed immediate support and reassurance. They also needed some way to properly mark the end of this phase of their education. It was a lovely day. It’s not goodbye but see you later”.

He said the school still has plans to have certificate evenings in the autumn term and will even review having a prom later than originally planned.

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At de Warenne Academy, in Conisbrough, teachers at the school marked the closure of the school by forming a guard of honour for their pupils as they left the school on Friday afternoon.

Pupils at McAuley School pictured on their last day during their Surprise Party. Picture: NDFP-20-03-20 McAuleyLeaversParty 10-NMSYPupils at McAuley School pictured on their last day during their Surprise Party. Picture: NDFP-20-03-20 McAuleyLeaversParty 10-NMSY
Pupils at McAuley School pictured on their last day during their Surprise Party. Picture: NDFP-20-03-20 McAuleyLeaversParty 10-NMSY

Dozens of staff lined the path from the school entrance, and applauded the year 11s as they exited the building for what will be the last time for many of them.

The schools opened again today, but only for the children of key workers, from the list created by the Government, including NHS workers, transport workers and teachers. Only a fraction of the usual number of teachers will be working each day, and officials are urging parents only to send their children in if necessary.

Delta Academies Trust, which runs de Warren, has set up a an online home classroom for its pupils. Other trusts have taken similar measures.