SCHOOLS

News from Halton Combined School

Jo Hodge (mum to two children who attend Halton Community Combined School) says: “I decided a few months ago, on a whim, to enter my first ever marathon after a lifetime of thinking this would not ever be something I would want or be able to do. I was swayed by a new race being put on in Wendover Woods, which although very hilly felt like home turf so a little less intimidating.

“To give myself a greater incentive I decided to raise money for the SEN department at Halton Community Combined School. Both my children attend the school and my daughter has benefited hugely from the additional support of the SEN team and all the staff. There are so many children, like my daughter, for whom mainstream school presents a number of challenges and I hoped to raise some money that could be spent on extra resources to help those currently at the school but also to keep on helping others in the future.

“Although the race was cancelled as with all other events, I was given the option to run it virtually and send in my evidence to receive my medal. I did this in early April and was so pleased to be able to justify the sponsorship of so many generous friends, family and members of the school community. To date I have raised £2,400 and been totally overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of so many people.”

Chiltern Way Academy - Wendover

Students are continuing to attend at Wendover campus where there is a need - e.g. if parents are key workers. We continue to adapt our school protocols to enable us to socially distance and the students and staff have been excellent at this. Last week we made our own hand sanitiser for use in the school which the students are using regularly.

English, maths and science lessons have continued so we can make sure students are keeping up with the curriculum. Staff have worked extremely hard to ensure students are progressing in these key subject areas as well as building social and life skills. We have also enjoyed sports, cooking and safely lighting campfires whilst learning about nature in our bushcraft area.

Our deliveries of food and vouchers to the homes of students not attending has continued and is well appreciated by our parents and carers. All our staff are working tirelessly to ensure regular contact is made over the week to students and parents/ carers. These phone calls, safe visits and emails have allowed us to be as supportive as possible during this difficult time. Paul Coffey, Head of CWA Wendover campus

John Colet School in Lockdown

All local schools have remained open for small numbers of pupils for many and varied reasons. Two John Colet pupils spoke to Wendover News about their experiences of attending school in lockdown:

Student S found it strange to be in school without other students and that even with plenty of space, it seemed unnatural to maintain social distancing, particularly when it was wet and they had to eat lunch inside but far apart. It was also strange to be with teachers they weren’t familiar with. However, it was very interesting to meet up with and start to make friends with pupils from different year groups or tutor groups.

Student P kept up with the work set for everyone to do during the morning. They tended to have a break around lunchtime and do sporting activities after that which meant that they still had to finish off some academic work at home! “The best thing is no school uniform and that is really weird. As a treat, in poor weather, there is sometimes a Disney film in the afternoon. That is nice.” Making hand sanitiser