Doing things differently

The school boasts many creative and skills-based clubs, covering an array of pursuits from baking to magic sessions and Lego wars

JOANNA WRIGHT, Headmistress of King Edward’s Witley reveals how the whole school community adapted to – and embraced – remote learning over the past year

Thinking differently has become our new normal. important to ensure that there are a range of live, pre-recorded and Lockdown has taken away the opportunity to do the things semi-independent activities, enabling all pupils to be involved. that we love doing – or has it? Here at King Edward’s We’ve instigated a number of remote physical activities to encourage Witley, pupils have continued with a full programme. Our pupils to remain active and, where possible, get outside and into the ‘normal’ is to celebrate the everyday, full of learning and fresh air. Strava running, cycling, indoor mountaineering and walking activity, in lessons as well as through co-curricular opportunities. clubs have proven very popular. These activities can be done whenever

Lessons have been delivered remotely swapping classroom for the pupils have some free time, during their usual games lessons or at classZoom, proving that teachers can adapt skilfully and swiftly to weekends. We’ve also launched live Zoom fitness classes. teaching through using technology. But what about all the additional Music, drama and art activities have continued online throughout the aspects of school life? The kaleidoscope of activities that inspire personal lockdown period. Pupils have enjoyed engaging with cultural pursuits, development and character-building perseverance are all an integral building on existing interests or taking the chance to try something part of our all-rounder education. new. Magic skills, a teacher-guided Open University astronomy course,

We aim for pupils to develop a habit of excellence. Within a normal investing club, online chess club, a bake-off competition, mindfulness, week, alongside their academic studies, they play sport for physical exercise or pursuit of achievement. Pupils perform in concerts, act on the stage, represent the school or house WE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CHEER in sports fixtures or compete at every level in activities ON THE TOUCHLINES, OR CLAP IN TIME such as chess, climbing and cycling. They’re energised through running on the football pitch, hockey astro or TO THE MUSIC AT LIVE CONCERTS, BUT netball court. By contrast, they also inhabit the stillness we’ve remained connected and purposeful,found in painting, reading, coding and creative writing. Personal development grows through these experiences. CREATIVE AND RESOURCEFUL Every pupil engages in three main areas, exercise for physical health, creativity to learn new skills and service to community Lego wars and remote forest school are a few examples of the nearly to foster a sense of purpose. The activity programme complements the 30 creativity and skills-based activities on offer to the pupils. Pupils timetabled curriculum and enables all pupils to continue learning, select activities based on service and community, involving themselves acquire new skills, grow in self-knowledge and self-confidence. in remote volunteering initiatives; small-scale conservation tasks that

Although lockdown has posed restrictions to the delivery of this they might be able to undertake in their own gardens or immediate wonderful array in the co-curricular programme teachers and pupils areas; initiate charity fundraising challenges; create a weekly school have shown gritty resilience and imaginative creativity, adapting the way community quiz or simply do more to help out at home. that we used to do things in order to ensure that school life continues We may not have been able to cheer on the touchlines, or clap in with its rich variety of co-curricular activities. time to the music at live concerts, but we’ve remained connected and

Far from withering, the programme has flourished amid the purposeful, creative and resourceful. challenges. With more than 40 activities on offer, pupils have been It’s clear, then, that while lockdown has had a tremendous impact on spoiled for choice and have approached the opportunities available to the normal day, it has also drawn brilliance from pupils and staff leading them with enthusiasm. As our global pupil body is drawn from the to some wonderful initiatives and new methods, the benefits of which local area as well as different time zones around the world, it has been will continue to be felt long after lockdown is over and in life beyond.