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SCHOOLS ARE BACK : LOOKING FORWARD WITH OPTIMISM
by Richard Halpin , Deputy Headteacher ( Birkenhead School Prep )
Whilst some within the education sector and beyond speculate about a damaged generation shackled by the impact of Covid-19 , blighted by the long term effect of time away from the typical learning environment , Birkenhead School looks forward with optimism following the recent periods of lockdown and remote learning . Until recently , the phrase ‘ remote learning ’ was a relative stranger to many , left to university students studying online courses from afar , but recent times have dictated a close and committed association with this strand of learning with pupils , parents and teachers fully immersed in its practice .
The daily menu of live lessons throughout the age range from Little School through to Senior School alongside the use of bespoke online learning platforms have enabled Prep pupils at Birkenhead School to embrace and thrive through the social and educational challenges thrust upon them . A supportive and dedicated parent community have worked tirelessly to manoeuvre their ongoing work commitments to reinforce the continuity of education at home at a time when general uncertainty and worry dominate the landscape . The idea of community and coming together , so core and central to the School ’ s philosophy , have rarely felt more pertinent than these last twelve turbulent months . As a HMC School ( Headmasters ' and Headmistresses ' Conference ) that feeling of community is also felt beyond the School gates as its close and collaborative association with a broad collection of leading independent schools , both nationally and internationally , serves to benefit and support pupils at Birkenhead .
As we look forward to the roadmap ahead and the prospect of lifted restrictions , there is much to eagerly anticipate in the months and years to come . Within education , we often question and consider what will we learn and what will remain with us from this unique period of time . There is little question that resilience emerges as a popular forerunner . Resilience has long been talked about across all aspects of life as a desirable skill to have in the modern world . Some schools attempt to manufacture scenarios where this is examined in a bid to develop its presence within their students . Birkenhead School ’ s commitment goes beyond this with its Future Skills and Beyond the Curriculum programmes in Prep and Seniors featuring each week in the School timetable . Philosophical enquiry , problem solving and effective communication are focus modules within Future Skills where Prep pupils enjoy the opportunity to develop their lateral thinking in practical and theoretical scenarios . Such experiences help to provide pupils with the necessary tools to embrace challenging situations . The reality of the pandemic has demanded resilience and perseverance from all of us and for this reason , along with the development of key skills around the use of technology , offers cause for optimism both in the short term and the future prospects of this generation .
However innovative and engaging remote learning may have been , it remains no substitute for the face-to -face classroom environment where children flourish . The Government has promised funds to assist with Covid catch-up , but Birkenhead School ’ s ongoing commitment to small class sizes and an independent and inspiring curriculum enables the cementation and consolidation of understanding and the grouting of any gaps . This approach allows genuine extension to prosper through our bespoke Eureka Academic Extension Programme where all pupils are challenged to extend themselves to realise their academic potential . As the Summer Term approaches , further enrichment and co-curricular opportunities will come to the fore as Prep pupils look to the near future . Whether it be residential trips , sports days or showpiece drama performances , the months ahead will see a devoted staff committed to bringing normality back to Prep and celebrating the stoic effort of this unique School community .
With the reality of mental health challenges being prominent during the various lockdowns , opportunities beyond our broad and balanced curriculum are treasured by pupils from Little School through to those ready to head off to university and beyond . A fleet of co-curricular clubs and activities litter the weekly diary with a keen and dedicated staff on hand to inspire before , during and after the typical School day . From Nature Club , Cookery sessions , Media activities and an array of Sports clubs in Little School to Climbing , Debating , Sports Clubs and Dance and Drama to name but a few in Junior Prep , the varied diet of cocurricular provision satisfies and extends the appetite for knowledge and experience beyond the classroom . Such opportunities foster not only a love of learning but also the chance to explore and develop interests in areas that the children never thought imaginable . This holistic approach will be vital in the months and years ahead as we continue to develop young men and women for the rigours of the modern world . A modern world where competition is reality . Through Sport and Music , Prep pupils embrace the opportunity to compete both in School and beyond its campus in a whole host of competitive fixtures and events in a variety of different sports throughout a typical week in School . Here , they not only get to travel across the North West of England competing in matches and competitions , but they are also acquiring valuable skills and experience of working as part of a team and the important life-lessons that can be gained through success and failure within competitive sport .
With the necessary constraints of the Government ’ s message of ‘ Stay at Home ,’ our vantage points may have felt repetitive and monotonous in recent months . As the pupils return to our site in Oxton , they can look forward to the continued investment by the School into creating and developing a stimulating and inspiring learning environment . The School ’ s leadership team and Governors recognise the importance of investing in future projects and developing the leafy campus for the whole School and local community to enjoy . Whether it be the creation of a new and exciting library and dynamic teaching space in Seniors , a modern ICT and library development in Prep or the planned significant investment in a state-of-the-art second Sports Hall , Birkenhead School strides forward in the knowledge that its community is well-placed to tackle the postpandemic world with pupils who are not damaged but ready to look forward with new skills and attitudes in their armoury .
Birkenhead School is hosting a series of Open Events for families interested in finding out more about the School : Prep Virtual Open Evening , Thursday 29th April , 6pm ; Seniors Virtual Open Evening , Thursday 6th May , 6pm ; and a Whole School Open Day ( Nursery to Sixth Form ), Saturday 12th June . See www . birkenheadschool . co . uk for further information .
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