In this article, I will be sharing my thoughts and ideas on how schools can successfully and safely reopening following a period of distance learning Managing the move back into the physical building, supporting staff with clear directions and above all making this process as safe as possible.
Time to return to the 'new normal'.
To see how the school can open with a balance of safety and fun, click here to see my article on the TES. A different perspective highlighting the safety procedures followed was created for COBIS, showing how we reopened after lockdown. It was a privilege to also offer advice to other local and international schools in Slovenia, out reopening advice and processes were shared through Total Slovenia News.
Our school opened safely and successfully in May 2020 and student attendance was over 95% for the first 4 weeks of the summer term.
Successes
Our parents, teacher and students have all embraced this opportunity to be creative and innovative at home and creating new learning environments.
The teachers have taken this opportunity to try out a range of ideas and different ways of teaching, including:
Baking Tutorials
Exercise Challenges
Early Years Stories
Language Lessons
MEPI Trials
Our leadership team have been involved by creating activities and examples to use such as Winnie the Witch, Storytelling, and Trick shots.
Challenges
We have faced many challenges during this pandemic as many of the elements involved in this situation were new to everyone. The length of time away from school, social distancing, exam procedures by (CAIE) Cambridge Assessment International Education, travel restrictions etc.
During online learning we have faced these main areas:
New technology platforms/new skills needed
Reliability of technology
Lack of face to face interactions
To move from lessons in a classroom to online using new software was a challenge. Using the popular Zoom platform like many schools, our teachers worked with students on how this can be used and over the past few weeks this has improved, and everyone has slowly become more familiar with how to use it. Any new software can take time to understand and this has been a very worthwhile learning curve for all of us.
Reliability of technology is a hurdle that many of us face day to day. During this time of using more technology, and for a longer period of time, has led to new solutions and ideas to overcome potential problems. The length of the Zoom conferences were evaluated, how to log in and create sessions, sharing links and our Online Learning Policy were all created. Bandwidth, signal and availability of devices are all areas that we have had to navigate and work with, even when everyone is free and ready to learn, the technology can sometimes be a barrier when used regularly.
Lessons Learned
During this time, we have learned so much from going through the process of following guidance, planning ahead and collaborating with others who have been through this challenge.
My top five tips for those planning a return to school are:
Student wellbeing and safety should come first in every decision.
Include staff in the consultation process.
Encourage fun and exciting learning opportunities for all students with an enhanced timetable of lessons and blended learning.
Communicate out early the plan to return and amend it as and when needed, including updates after the reopening.
Create a solid checking process to ensure that everything you said you will do has been done.
Published by Paul Walton. @paultwalton
Principal, Educator, Leadership Coach.
Comments