At the end of spring term, we reflected on the achievements of pupils and staff, the rich variety of co-curricular activities and events, and the affirmation of our Ofsted visit in February (which now seems a very long time ago!). Now that we reach the end of summer term, we look back on a period that – while troubling at times – has also been inspiring, with hidden talents emerging and the community working together in new ways. The resilience and good humour with which pupils, parents and members of staff have adapted to the circumstances has been remarkable.
For nearly a hundred years, futurists have predicted various forms of remote education. As technology has advanced and with the advent of more and more efficient means of relaying sound and data between pupils and teachers, the case has undoubtedly grown stronger; the potential economic and environmental benefits are incontrovertible.
And yet there has never been anything close to a breakthrough (except perhaps in tertiary education, with distance learning courses). The reason is simple. Education is not just about the accumulation of knowledge and understanding, but about social contact and motivation, camaraderie and collaboration. None of this can be substituted by cameras or other gadgets and gimmickry. Those who claim that a chasm has emerged between the state and independent education systems because of the latter’s technological advantages make a big mistake. It’s the pedagogy and the care that make the real difference to pupil progress and wellbeing, whether teaching in person or teaching remotely. We have never been prouder to provide an outstanding state education.
At Wilson’s we are never complacent; teachers have been planning tirelessly for the autumn term curriculum. Most pupils have engaged fully and enthusiastically with the remote teaching programme, but there will be close support available for those who have struggled. Material from this term will be revisited and assessed carefully, interleaved with new learning to ensure that pupils are stimulated and motivated from the very start of term.
In terms of pupil welfare, the Learner Development Team is continuing to consider the ‘recovery’ strategy for pupils, focussing on the inevitable sense of loss that some pupils will have experienced (loss of routine and structure, loss of freedom, loss of opportunity and social life) and Key Stage Directors are taking the lead with this. We are intending to provide more time for tutors to spend with their form groups in the mornings for at least the first few weeks in September as well as enhancements to the pupil support system.
In the meantime, we wish all members of school community – as well as teachers, parents and young people everywhere! – a very happy, restful and safe summer break.
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Open Evening (video)•
When all this is over (Poetry competition)•
Tackling prejudice and inequality•
Where I'm From (Poetry competition)•
Spring Term 2020
