One key insight, perhaps just a fortnight in, was


that the previous 30 years of educational research, indicating that remote teaching was the future and that, one day, all children would learn from home, was rubbish. Yes, what we did worked and the students made great progress, but the experience only cemented the fact that learning is a social activity. Besides the visual cues that teachers respond to in the classroom, the spontaneity that can take learning in an unexpected direction, we found out quickly that most children are not built to sit in their bedroom for most of the day without meaningful face-to-face contact with other human beings. When schools were closed again in January,


we kept everything that had worked before but made a number of improvements. Time away from screens was very important, as were opportunities to take part in weekly competitions, stay in touch with one’s tutor and remain connected with school via assemblies. Online learning can be a solitary experience and it is easy for a child to lose sight of the fact that they are an important part of a greater whole.


And that is why the past academic year has


been built around interaction. We’ve prioritised sport and other activities as much as possible when the children have been in school, and found ways of making them work within the Government guidance, rather than taking a ‘Computer says No’


ALL THINGS BUSINESS 23


approach whenever a diffi culty arose. Year group bubbles did not prevent competitive matches within school; wearing masks around the site did not hinder meaningful Tutor Group time; restrictions on travel couldn’t stop Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, CCF activity days or, eventually, outdoor residential trips. When one remembers how vital all of these experiences are to a young person, one fi nds a way of making them possible. Our success in maintaining pupil welfare and progress may be just


a silver lining within a global pandemic, but I will forever be proud of what the students and staff of Wellingborough School achieved in the most exacting of circumstances.


Find out more about Wellingborough School at www.wellingboroughschool.org


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