Here we are, back in lockdown… but that isn't preventing our pupils from getting on with their studies, developing their artistic skills, keeping fit and even “mixing” with their classmates… albeit mainly in the “virtual world”.
“Everything we learned last year has meant we could quickly readjust when we were advised of the new rules,” says headmaster Alastair Cook.
“Our staff are using lots of engaging and effective ways to teach subjects like art, music and drama, along with D/T design, as well as making sure children are on top of their curriculum studies. We’ve managed to maintain regular assemblies to keep everyone connected – and we haven't forgotten games and physical activities either!”
Keeping the pupils well ahead on their curriculum topics remains a key priority, especially for those looking to move on to the next school of their choice; while, as in the summer term, the Art, DT and Music staff are setting some fantastic projects on Teams for the children to complete over the coming weeks. For example:
- Those in Years 7 & 8 are exploring ideas and images linked to the senior production “Alice through The Looking Glass”, taking inspiration from Surrealism and artists such as Renee Magritte.
- Year 6 students are designing different types of water bottle.
- Year 5 are designing and making toys.
- Year 4 are creating a “Green Book” using recycled and scrap materials.
- Year 3 is exploring the theme of dragons, taking inspiration from the exciting story: “The Snow Book by Vivian French”.
Another Art Competition is also planned, this time on the (very appropriate!) theme of Hope. To link in with school’s Eco Day planned for the end of term, practical activities for Years 4, 5 & 6 will respond to issues of wildlife conservation and environmental awareness. Similarly, the Games staff will be coming up with some activities / challenges for the children and engaging with the children via Teams.
A major benefit for The Downs pupils working online is small class sizes. The maximum is 16, enabling our teachers to provide excellent tuition online, with some classes much smaller than that. In addition, all pupils from Year 3 upwards enjoy daily teacher and peer-to-peer contact.
“School is not just about learning,” maintains Mr Thomas, deputy head of academic. “There are also very important creative, social and welfare dimensions to their education, so we’re working hard to ensure children retain as much contact as possible with their classmates.”
Head of Pre-Prep Mrs Sigley and her team have maintained contact with the younger children through the “Seesaw” learning platform. She says: “Home learning cannot replace ‘normal’ classroom interaction, but Seesaw is helping. It allows children to work at their own pace as well as be in touch with their teachers.
“It’s been wonderful to be able to continue interacting with children directly throughout the day with video, pictures, text and audio messages.”
“Of course, it’s not easy for the children or the teachers,” concludes Alastair Cook, “but they’ve all embraced the technology with their usual enthusiasm to ensure their education won’t be detrimentally affected, and that they will benefit from new and exciting ways of communicating and connecting – as well as gathering and imparting knowledge!”