From preserves to perseverance: when kitchen tables became a place for educating the nation
From preserves to perseverance: when kitchen tables became a place for educating the nation
Guest Editorial • Winter 2021
On 20 March 2020, schools across the country closed their doors to all but the children of key workers. In the days leading up to this, I prepared the staff and pupils for the fact that come Monday morning School would be closed and the country plunged into lockdown.
At that point in time Microsoft Teams, One Note etc. were things that belonged to and existed in mid to long-term strategy documents; things which we wanted to bring in gradually. By Monday morning they were the vehicle by which we switched to online schooling. In a short weekend, staff re-learned how to teach, re-planned lessons and thought how to engage pupils (some of whom were just four years old) in a method of teaching and online school never before experienced using technology they had only 48 hours to learn.
I am proud to say that throughout both national lockdowns we provided online live teaching mirroring the normal school day for our pupils.
We committed to teaching every student every day in every subject. This was a bold undertaking but one which sought to ensure all pupils were fully engaged with their teachers and peers everyday at a time when we were all living in isolation. The perseverance shown by staff to totally rethink how to inspire passion and continue to teach and connect with pupils online was not to be underestimated.
The determination and discipline our pupils showed throughout this time was admirable; children who, used to social interaction with peers, suddenly found themselves working in isolation and interacting via a screen. The strength of character shown is to be admired.
As a school we were determined that the pastoral care and wider opportunities offered to pupils would continue throughout the lockdown period. Our online timetable adapted to include practical science lessons conducted in kitchens across East Yorkshire and ensured PE lessons continued in gardens. Alongside this we also continued to run our extensive extra-curricular programme of activities.
However, whilst reacting to the situation we found ourselves in, I also had to ensure that strategic thinking and planning for the future did not falter. Whilst my staff and students adjusted to a new normal, I considered how as a School, we needed to continue to develop once ‘normal’ life resumed. Out of this came our decision to re-brand the School to reflect more closely our educational offer, history, and location. Our School, now known as Tranby, began the academic year rebranded for an exciting future confident in our academic, pastoral, and extra-curricular provision for the post-pandemic 21st century.
To find out more about Tranby Independent School, visit www.tranby.org.uk