Education, Sport and Culture

Schools - Update

The Island has now moved into its “Stay Responsible” response to the pandemic and whilst the circumstances on the Isle of Man are positive it is very important to continue some of the effective measures that have helped us get here:

Good hygiene practise remains vital. We should all be regularly and thoroughly washing our hands with soap and water for the recommended 20 seconds and ensuring they are properly dry afterwards. Coughing or sneezing should be done in to your elbow or a tissue – catch it, bin it, kill it! These simple measures will be promoted during the school day and we would encourage you all to do the same at home.

If your child develops symptoms of any illness, they should remain at home. If they, or anybody in their household, develops flu like symptoms, take the online assessment at https://covid19.gov.im/about-coronavirus/symptoms/, call your doctor or the Isle of Man COVID-111 telephone service to discover if testing is required.

Attendance at school will be on a voluntary basis until the new school year in September. Schools remain committed to providing resources to promote and support home learning until the end of the 2019/2020 academic year. If you choose not to send your child back to school, please ensure that they do not attempt to socialise with children who are attending school during breaks and lunchtimes.

To ensure the safety and welfare of our children, we ask that adults do not make use of school grounds during school hours.

If you have any concerns or specific questions regarding your child’s return to school, please contact the school directly.

If you are a student at University College Isle of Man please contact them directly to find out how your particular course will be managed. 

Examinations

As a result of school closures all external exams were cancelled by examination boards both operating regionally and internationally. The following public guidance provides details on how exams have been affected as part of the school closures: 

COVID-19: Cancellation of Key Stage 4 and 5 External Examinations Summer 2020

Free School Meals

Currently, a system is in place to provide food vouchers for children who are eligible for Free School Meals and packed lunches for those attending school. DESC is absorbing the additional cost of the vouchers and the packed lunches.