Key Moments – Lockdown Learning

Lockdown

“Adversity drives creativity, and creativity drives community.” (Mr Jeremy Walker)

When pupils and staff returned to St Peter’s in September 2019, no one could have predicted the academic year that lay ahead. In March 2020 schools closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and a programme of remote teaching and learning began. Despite the uncertainties and challenges we all faced, the St Peter’s School community responded with resilience and compassion, determined to overcome adversity with creativity and remain connected throughout lockdown.

St Peter’s 2-8 Staff at St Peter’s 2-8 were able to ensure continuity of education for all children during lockdown. They developed an outstanding online remote learning package over the Easter break that was wholeheartedly praised by parents. Then the staff in four year groups had to develop a new curriculum for the partial re opening of schools that was completely different to the normal way of teaching at St Peter’s 2-8. The remote learning package at St Peter’s 2-8 sought to emulate the inspiring and innovative thematic curriculum usually enjoyed by the children in school. From measuring trees to creating potions, children were encouraged to explore the world around them at home and used their surroundings to actively inspire their learning.

Lockdown LEARNING

St Peter’s 8-13 Remote learning in the summer term was delivered to all pupils at St Peter’s 8-13 using Microsoft Teams. Teachers spent their Easter holidays learning vital new skills to ensure an exceptionally high level of learning whilst pupils were at home. Sports challenges, music concerts, drama workshops, clubs and activities, including dance club and cookery club, were all delivered virtually, to ensure that children could continue to develop their skills and interests. The teacher was ‘live’ throughout every online lesson, to provide support and guidance, not just at the start of a lesson or merely uploading work. Children used objects and resources available at home to explore important themes from natural disasters to mental health. They composed music, created collages, designed video animations, produced silent movies, devised shadow puppet shows, baked WW2 recipes, made LEGO structures to represent earthquakes, and even recreated nerve cells using clay!

St Peter’s 13-18 For pupils at St Peter’s 13-18, lockdown brought the cancellation of GCSE and A Level exams, transforming our approach to learning. The teachers and pupils responded admirably, and a full programme of remote learning was provided throughout lockdown. Even though pupils were learning from home, they enjoyed access to remote lessons across the full curriculum from Chemistry to Classics. Fifth Form participated in a Virtual Exploration Week and the Sixth Form Enrichment programme was also enhanced, with activities adapted for home learning. The time available for tutoring was significantly increased, with fewer pupils per Tutor and more time for one-to-one discussions, and Lessons for Life were introduced for all.