Northern Insight talks to Simone Niblock, Headteacher at Durham High School for Girls, about the challenges of 2020.
In a sentence, how would you describe
the year 2020?
In a word: eventful. It has been one of the most testing
and challenging years of my teaching career.
How has the school adapted to the
Coronavirus crisis?
We showed an amazing adaptability and evolution as a
school almost overnight. In March, staff were given two
days’ notice to manoeuvre from in-person teaching to
online learning, and despite the planning that we had in
place, nothing can prepare you for such a sudden shift.
Therefore, I am delighted that, as a school, we have
thrived during these challenging times. It has been an
incredible collaboration between teachers, IT staff,
our facilities team, our marketing department, our
wonderful pupils and their families, all of whom have
shown amazing resilience to come together to help keep
school life as ‘normal’ as it possibly could be during very
abnormal circumstances.
Remote learning can never replace all the benefits of inperson teaching, but adapting to new technology and a
new way of learning very quickly, our entire community
have embarked on the most extraordinary journey in
2020 which has seen us more than meet our pupils’
learning expectations for this year.
What are you currently working on?
We are working on our five year development plan as a
result of what we have learned over the last nine months
as a school. Priorities include addressing and exploring
the use of digital platforms for learning; mental health
for pupils and staff in the aftermath of the COVID-19
pandemic; and how we can further embrace inclusivity
and diversity as a community.
What have you learnt about yourself
this year?
I have learned that I have an amazing well of resilience;
I always knew it was there, but never really needed to
utilise it! This year has also reinforced just how supported
I feel by our entire school community, from staff to
pupils, our Governing Body to families. This year has
required a continued suspension of expectation in order
to adapt successfully to ever-changing circumstances.
How have you found remote working and
how has this affected your staff?
Remote working has been extremely difficult to
navigate, but we have adapted well as a community. We
have learned so much about the power of Zoom and the
possibilities of staying connected in a virtual world. From
video conferencing meetings to online art exhibitions,
from virtual assemblies and services to Facebook Live
concerts, we have kept going and will continue to do
so during this period. Even though we were physically
apart for so long, in 2020 we have never been closer as
a school community.
Working online is extremely tiring compared to meeting
‘in real life’, though. Our staff have adapted extremely
well, but I hope they get some time to relax and recharge
their batteries over the Christmas break.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been
given this year?
The best piece of advice that I have been given this year
is that this, too, will pass. One day, the pandemic is going
to be over and as we return to normality, we will emerge
stronger as a community.
Have you developed any positive personal habits
as a result of lockdown?
Lockdown has reinforced, for me, the art of gratitude.
This year has given me the opportunity to sit back
and reflect, and really appreciate what I have got. I am
grateful for my continuing health, for my family and
friends, and my locality: there are few more beautiful
settings to be ‘locked down’ in than the city of Durham
and its surrounding areas. We are truly blessed to live
and work where we do.
Has 2020 been the toughest challenge
of your career?
This has undoubtedly been the toughest year of my
career. I had only been a Headteacher for four and a half
terms when the pandemic hit! That second year as a
Headteacher is one that I will never forget.
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What will 2021 bring for yourself and the school?
I hope that next year will see the world take a significant step back towards normality. I cannot wait to open our doors
to our wider community again. Whatever comes next, though, I am confident that Durham High School will continue
to thrive and will strengthen its roots as the loving and supportive community that I know it is.