Students will bounce back says Banovallum headteacher

All schools re-opened this Monday, ending the trials and tribulations of ‘home education’ for both partners and pupils.

However, Grant Edgar believes the experiences of lockdown could mean students will be more prepared for the challenges of the modern worlds than previous generations.

Mr Edgar told the News: “There has been a lot of talk in the national media about students falling behind (in lockdown), with their earning power being diminished.

“There may be a few gaps but with good teaching, the students will shortly be back on track and by being back amongst their friends they will continue to develop socially.

“Arguably, this group of students will be more prepared for the challenges of the modern world than earlier generations: they will be tech savvy, resilient and self-motivated.

“They will also, I’m sure, have a ‘go for it’ mentality when they emerge from lockdown.”

Mr Edgar went on to reveal the hard work that had gone into re-opening the school safely.

He added: “As a staff body, we were looking forward to the students returning to school.

“It has been the strangest of years and I would hope that all the recent developments mean we can return to normal as quickly as possible.

“A school is nothing without the students and we wanted them to return in a positive frame of mind for their studies.

“It is perfectly to be understandable to be a little nervous.

“Everyone, including myself, will be a little apprehensive about returning to school, but we have done everything to make the school as safe as possible and students and parents should be confident in the measures we have put in place.”

As with all schools, students at Banovallum ill undergo a programme of testing.

That meant in line with many other schools, Banovallum adopted a staged return over the course of the week.

Mr Edgar explained: “Because we have to test the students three times before the home testing begins, we will have a staggered start which means that by Friday (March 12), we will have all year groups back in school with everything pretty much back to normal by next Monday (March 15).

“The students have worked extremely hard during lockdown and I would like to thank parents for their support as well as the various individuals and organisations, such as Sivills who helped us provide technology for the students.

“Hopefully, the development and roll out of the vaccine will mean that by September, we can begin a normal school year.”

This week’s big return to school marked the first stage of the Government’s pathway out of lockdown.

Other restrictions will be lifted over the coming weeks - including the re-opening of non-essential businesses and travel regulations.

Meanwhile, discussions are still on-going about ensuring students are offered every opportunity to make up for lost time during the long periods of lockdown.

The government is looking at various ideas - including opening schools at weekends, reducing the length of holidays and increasing the school day.