FIONA COLEMAN Headteacher, Newcastle Preparatory School
How has the school adapted to the Coronavirus Crisis?
If this recent pandemic has taught us nothing else it is that we can all be inspired to learn new things, even in the most difficult and challenging of situations. When the first announcement of lockdown came in March, our plans for further developing our virtual learning platform accelerated and we have not looked back since. The challenge of delivering blended learning from Nursery to Year 6, inspired us all to work harder, find solutions and think outside of the box. Our whole school discovered new talents including the power of technology to help make things happen. But it was the human touch behind the technology that continues to shine through with teachers and parents working together to help children continue to learn, to engage and to succeed.
What are you currently working on?
With closure number 2 coming into force at the beginning of January it is once again all hands on deck to roll out remote learning for our children who are at home whilst also remaining open for our Key workers and vulnerable children. The key throughout this period and beyond has been to widen up communication channels between parents and children so that people feel supported and they know that school is still there to offer support and guidance. The partnership between home and school was vital during 2020 and will be something that we are continually working on as we enter into 2021.
What have you learned about yourself this year?
It goes without saying that this year has been a year of challenges and it has reinforced what I already knew. That a good leader, leads through example and is only as good as the team that surrounds them. I am extremely fortunate to be part of a strong team who I can rely on when the going gets tough and who are willing to go that extra mile. I also learnt that self-care is extremely important and by taking that time to exercise, lead a healthy life-style and switch off every now and again, has meant I have had the energy and resilience to face whatever comes my way.
Which regional businesses have you admired in their responses to the pandemic?
It is difficult to single out any one business as I am full of admiration to everyone in our local sector who have adapted creatively to the serious challenges which they have faced. However, I am particularly proud of the way my colleagues within Senior Schools have coped with the enormous challenges they have been faced with, including introducing flow testing on a large scale and responding to the ever-changing policy regarding public exams. The resilience and determination that they have shown, working tirelessly for the benefit of their school communities has been next to none.
What can the education sector learn from this difficult period?
There are many lessons to be learnt including that schools are a vital part of the community within which they are placed. The unpredictability of 2020 has taught us that the support of others and collective endeavour has been more important than ever. School communities have flourished during this time where people have gone out of their way to show kindness, empathy and understanding towards one another. From supporting our most vulnerable to addressing inequalities within the system; these actions have re-affirmed that change is possible if we speak with one voice. The Pandemic has also taught us to re-evaluate what is important in life. It was recognised early on that it was an impossible task for families to balance the demands of work with home schooling and something had to give. The need to slow down and take stock has led us all to question the value of a knowledge – based curriculum driven by targets.
Helping children to cope with life, including its ups and downs came to the forefront during 2020. The education sector will need to respond to an increased demand to support our children and their mental health both now and into the future. Providing a broad and inspiring curriculum with plenty of opportunities for enrichment, problem solving, collaboration and simply having fun, is a priority.
Any New Year hopes or resolutions?
I will not be alone in hoping that the vaccine continues to be rolled out and that it enables us all to return to some sense of normality. I also hope that our heightened sense of what a fragile world we live in leads to some positive changes right across society.
What does the School have planned for 2021?
Education for social responsibility will be our focus for 2021. Taking into consideration what we have lived through in 2020, it is essential that our children continue to develop their understanding of the global world. NPS will be encouraging and facilitating our children to have an understanding of the challenges of the future and as school we will be looking at ways that we can make a positive impact on the world we live in.
