The principal of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School has announced via video message this week that from September the school will be adopting a “blended learning programme”, implementing a week in, week out strategy in regards to dealing with the return of pupils to the school buildings following the Covid-19 lockdown.

In an ‘end of year’ video message posted to the school’s website on Tuesday, principal Elizabeth Armstrong explained that over the summer months, staff will be planning for the return to school, beginning with the pupils moving into Year 12 and Year 14 on Monday, August 24.

“With regard to the return of other year groups to school, we plan to have a phased return from Tuesday, September 1, beginning with Year 8 and Year 13 moving then to Year 11, Year 10 and Year 9 in the course of that week, to allow for a very important reintegration and recalibration for each year group,” said Miss Armstrong.

She continued: “Currently due to social distancing regulations, we are working on the basis that following this induction and reintegration week, each year group will be divided into two cohorts which will then follow a blended learning programme on a week in, week out basis.

“We will confirm the exact details in early August in order to help your necessary planning,” she said before adding.

“You will be aware that we are in a constantly evolving and fluid situation and we want to take account of the developing PHA and Department of Education guidance in our planning also.

“We’re also awaiting guidance from CCEA regarding GCSE, AS and A2 examinations in 2021 and we’ll update you when that guidance is issued,” Miss Armstrong concluded.