Since the nationwide lockdown began back in March, our students have been provided with comprehensive online resources and support from our teachers.

With COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions gradually easing, the school have followed government recommendations by inviting Year 10 and 12 students to resume learning at the Upper Academy as they approach examinations in the next academic year.

With student safety being the main priority, comprehensive health and safety measures have been put in place that include; 2 metre social distancing in classrooms, one student per desk and individual resources kept on site. Students have worked in consistent groups with an assigned member of staff and have had access to breakfast and lunch, allocated toilets and outside spaces.

As we end the first week 65% our students have taken the opportunity to return to school and the feedback has been really positive:

"I'm so happy to be back at school, I'm happy to be back working and socialising with my friends, at a safe distance." Maria.M - Year 10

"I like to be back at school as we get to do the core subjects. I also like the fact I can see my friends and my teachers." Bianca.I - Year 10

“I’m pleased to be here as its better to do work in school than at home as I’m more engaged here.” Jack.S - Year 10

 “We have been provided with an easy system to follow which helps us keep safe in these difficult times. I feel really supported with my learning & the classrooms feel like a normal class but with less people." Grace.G - Year 10

“My teachers have been supporting me and providing resources to ensure I am not falling behind. I am happy to return back to sixth form as I am able to ask questions or gain further explanation on things I may be struggling with.” Toke.I - Year 12

“It is refreshing to see my friends again after a long period in lockdown. I am finding it really helpful to have face-to-face contact with teachers to help my learning.” Samuel.E - Year 10

"It's good to be back in school, it makes learning easier. It's really nice to be outside with my friends at lunch and break times." Jashelle.M - Year 10

“It’s nice to be back at school. The video lessons are great because you get the opportunity to learn new skills from all our subjects but still have a teacher in the class if I need help.” Crystal.C - Year 10

"You have distractions in the comfort of your own home, the schools learning environment helps you concentrate. I like being put into groups so you know where you are." Andreea.S - Year 10

“It feels good to be back and socialise with my friends but also to be back in a learning environment.” Ioana.L - Year 10

Staff members at The Academies have really missed the students over the last few months:

"It has been quite exciting to have the students back and being able to talk to them about their lockdown stories! You start to miss them shortly after, and it has been lovely to be able to reunite and give them some normality and routine!" - Miss Yasin

“I have missed teaching and being around students desperately; engaging with students and furthering their education makes getting out of bed an absolute pleasure; I think we are mostly deeply communicative as individuals (perhaps more so than we realise), so to have some of that communication denied to us has been very difficult and I believe it has taught us all the importance of being around others, sharing ideas, thoughts and enjoying other's humour and their physical presence.” - Mr Iredale

"I have missed the students. There really is no substitute for seeing them face to face." - Mrs Durrant

"Over the course of lockdown I have missed teaching my classes terribly. Now that we are back it has been great to see the student's enthusiasm to learn and their excitement to see their friends." Miss Aldridge

The Academies continue to offer remote learning resources to support students via work packs and weekly shared recorded lessons.

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