OPEN DAYS
An open and shut case? AS EDUCATORS CONTINUE TO FEEL THE AFTERSHOCKS OF THE PANDEMIC, WHAT SHOULD YOU BE LOOKING FOR IN A PROSPECTIVE SCHOOL?
ow that the worst of the pandemic is passed (keeping everything crossed of course), does that reset the clock behaviours when they visit prospective schools – oohing and aahing over their centrepiece science demonstrations and well-manicured sports fields (hosepipe bans permitting), nodding dutifully at head teachers’ expositions of their ethos, expectations and areas of excellence? N regarding open days? Should parents go back to learned
Or should families now be expecting something different? During the past two years, parents had to adapt in ways that would previously have seemed unimaginable, with many juggling full- time jobs while ensuring their children continued in full-time education. Schools, too, have been stress-tested in just about every educational area, from becoming fluent in the language of online meetings, to finding imaginative ways of restructuring the curriculum so it works for every pupil, either in school or at home.
Some haven’t just embraced technology, but given it a desk of its own. Just before Covid-19 struck, neat little robots started appearing in a few schools dotted around the country. Officially designated AV1s by their creators, but humanised – or nearly – with names like Elmo (from the chipper Sesame Street character) and Hope (as that’s what they offer), they bring the full classroom experience to children who can’t attend school in person, often for medical or mental health issues. They sit on desks, acting as the eyes and ears for the child, letting them answer questions, follow the work and – because they’re portable – keep up with friends at playtime. While robots aren’t yet standard in every school (more’s the pity), consistent education certainly should be. The last time that progress and results were officially recorded was back in 2019. Thereafter they remained frozen in time for almost two years. Schools have been stress- tested in every educational area
18 AUTUMN/WINTER 2022
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