Page 8 - St Andrews Prep Androvian 2019-20

6 | LOCKDOWN
Fortunately, the technology did cope and it quickly became apparent that, with a few tweaks here and there, the system we had developed would work well to satisfy our original aims. Yes there were teething troubles in a number
of households over those first two
days and I am sure there were heated exchanges as parents had to guide their children and try to work from home but we settled into an effective routine as early as Week Two. “Intense” and “exhausting” cropped up regularly in teacher reflections as the impact of having to guide 15-20 pupils through their individual channels took its toll. In
a classroom, the children can take cues and bounce ideas off each other so much more easily than online and now teachers were having to provide all this to pupils working on a variety of devices – iPads, laptops, PCs etc.
The approach of explaining the aims of the lesson live, then sending them off
to complete the work set before re- convening for a live plenary discussion was widely adopted and provided
a solid structure through which the children could develop. Class Notebook became a valued online resource for keeping a child’s work in a centralised location as well as for marking it in
real time. Children began to enjoy the relative independence and felt proud of the new IT skills they were so clearly developing.
Screen time can take its toll though and there was no getting away from this aspect of the provision. For all the positives of our remote programme, nothing can replicate live face to face interaction and the novelty was wearing thin during the second half of term,
for pupils, parents and staff. During the final two weeks, we took advantage
of a loosening in the restrictions and we welcomed back all year groups at different times to give them the live
interaction they so clearly craved. Reflecting on the provision as a
whole, I am proud to draw many positives from the experience: the way teachers and pupils have adjusted to new methods of working; especially in the way they have embraced technology and upskilled themselves in ICT; the
way in which parents have supported their children and the school while, at the same time, trying to work from home; the understanding of parents
of the broader messages we as a
school promote; the way in which we have shared information without the need for a photocopier; and, for our boarders, or those families with other pressing priorities, the recognition that we as a school are flexible and willing
to go the extra mile to support and accommodate pupil and parental needs. Paul Shouksmith, Deputy Head (Academic)
What has struck us over the past few months, whilst we have been in lockdown, is just how strong the St Andrew’s community and spirit is. The leadership, staff and pupils are genuinely outstanding and committed to everything they do. This is why we love the school and our daughter thrives.
Year 4 Parent