Primary Children are Back in School

There was a great sense of excitement on Monday as the school gates opened and our Primary students entered the school. After several weeks of confinement and remote learning, the students almost ran in, thrilled to be able to see their friends and teachers again, to play with one another, to be able to run around together. Children in a Reception class, having been given the option of staying in or playing outside, all immediately ran outside to the four corners of the playground and spent the next half hour just playing with each other.  

Remote learning is hard for all students, and nothing replaces face to face learning where the children and teachers can interact with each other in a natural manner. Socialisation plays a big part in learning as it is the way children learn how to react to situations, and it also teaches them social cues, like being ‘happy’ or ‘sad’ by working around their colleagues.  Remote teaching is equally hard for teachers as it is difficult to assess student's understanding online, which can be ascertained in a short dialogue in school.  And we know remote learning is also hard for families who have to juggle their own commitments and support their children daily.

Therefore let us hope that we can stay in school for the rest of the year. Even the weather has been kind for our return today as the Primary students and staff enjoy the wonderful outdoor areas we are fortunate to have in our school.

Liz Wood
Primary Deputy Principal