We were incredibly excited to have our pupils and educators back in school again, particularly after such a challenging spring and summer. Our enthusiastic and motivated staff spent most of the summer term teaching remotely. Although
this was extremely successful and most pupils made good progress when learning from home, we are delighted to have them back in school.
School leaders spent the summer preparing for the return of pupils and staff in September, and throughout the entire school year we will follow guidance from the Department for Education and our local health protection team (HPT) regarding confirmed cases of coronavirus and school opening or possible closures.
This year’s return to school will come with some new protocols and procedures in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Preparations for the school reopening in September 2020

We gradually integrated pupils back on their first day in September, meaning that the start time for each key stage was different. We made it clear to parents that our school procedures would only be effective if families followed up-to-date government guidance on all COVID-19-related procedures, such as checking for symptoms before coming to school, where/how to get tested in the event of a suspected case at home, self-isolation guidelines and rules for travel. We completed whole-school and location-specific risk assessments, and prepared an action plan for re-opening in September. We also implemented the DfE’s ‘guidance on protective measures in education and childcare settings’
to ensure that we minimised the risk of vulnerable individuals contracting the coronavirus when the school reopened. We also prepared personalised risk assessments for pupils and staff with specific needs and those who are more vulnerable: for example, older adults (that is, people over 60 years old) and those with underlying medical conditions.

While the action plan has altered certain aspects of the school day, our goal is to maintain a normalised but safe environment where pupils can learn and teachers can teach. We have placed a heightened emphasis on sanitation.

A small number of pupils were required to stay at home due to COVID-19-related issues, but we have been able to provide work for them to complete so they do not fall behind with their studies. In addition to this, we now ensure that pupils will be able to access the lesson remotely moving forward.

What enabled a smooth transition?

1. The activities that were done before school closed in July
   • Well-being talks by the school chaplain for each year group
   • Form tutor time team-building activities
   • Whole-school team-building activities
   • Celebration assembly – livestreamed
   • Final assembly – livestreamed
2. The activities that were planned for the week before school opened in September
   ‘Back to school week’ focused on the school values. Meetings were held for both parents and pupils. These were
   livestreamed on the school’s YouTube platform.
3. The activities that were planned for the first week of school
   Different speakers held presentations for the different year groups. The Year 7s had a special talk about the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 by an experienced primary school head teacher. Form tutors discussed the school’s rules and values with their pupils.
   Pupils especially enjoyed the first week of school, as they were reunited with old friends, classmates and staff members.
   They kept saying how great it was to be back at school!

The ‘Back to School’ week programme

The ‘Back to School’ week programme, hosted by Stanborough Secondary School, began on Monday 31 August and ended on Friday 4 September. Various presenters spoke on the school’s values: respect, courage, resilience and excellence. Meetings were held for parents and secondary school pupils at different times from Monday to Thursday, and then the two groups had a combined meeting on Friday evening. Pastor Ray Patrick, the Religious Studies teacher, took the service, which was truly inspiring.

The Well-being and Recovery Curriculum

Stanborough Secondary School experienced many challenges in the last academic year, including the impact of COVID-19. We thank and praise God that He has sustained us. Knowing and understanding that pupils and staff had suffered trauma, loss and bereavement, with associated anxieties and uncertainties, the curriculum leader and pastoral leader worked together to develop a Well-being and Recovery Curriculum for the new academic year.
Stanborough staff and pupils value relationships – it is often said that the school is like a family – so leaders knew that the first task would be to re-build relationships. Leaders also knew that a programme had to be put in place to help pupils and staff recover from their losses (one pupil lost five family members during this time) and to help pupils to value learning and use their time wisely, especially the Year 11s.

The Well-being and Recovery Curriculum is divided into three phases:

1. A holistic approach – the first three weeks of school.
2. Focused recovery – personalised for individual pupils (beginning with SEN pupils and those who are suffering from anxiety and bereavement).
3. Deep recovery – a longer time period is required, as is parental and external agency involvement.

The aims of the Well-being and RecoveryCurriculum are to:

• Create a safe environment and learning space for both pupils and staff
• Acknowledge loss, trauma and bereavement and support pupils in their recovery
• Re-build relationships
• Re-engage our pupils in their learning
• Strengthen the resilience that we know both staff and pupils have (demonstrated during online lessons)
• Assist and support pupils and staff in their well-being
• Create an environment where pupils can express themselves freely and be supported.

GCSE results

The school made a holistic, professional judgement about each pupil’s likely grade, taking into account evidence such as any mock results, other assessments, assignments, performance in subjects such as music, classwork, and homework. We are extremely pleased with our GCSE results this year, and on behalf of the governors we would
like to thank our dedicated and passionate staff for ensuring that our pupils reached their potential.
Ninety-four percent of pupils achieved a grade 4 in 5 or more of their GCSEs. This is compared to 89% the previous year.
A significant percentage of pupils for History (50%) and Music (100%) are high achievers in that they achieved either a grade 8 or a grade 9.

Year 11 work experience

Although work experience was cancelled over the summer due to COVID-19 restrictions, we managed to secure a wide range of jobs last week for our Year 11 cohort. The jobs ranged from learning how to run a hotel, working with disabled adults, or shadowing a furniture designer to assisting teachers. The work experience inspired many pupils to think seriously about a teaching profession, becoming an entrepreneur or running their own business. Many learnt new skills. We can only hope that their dreams and goals will also include God’s mission.

World Fitness Day

Stanborough School values the holistic development of its pupils and promotes the NEWSTART health programme. Pupils are encouraged to keep fit and to pay attention to health principles. World Fitness Day was celebrated on 23 September, with Sam Sears, a personal trainer, coming in to Stanborough School to motivate pupils. He did a series of
different exercises that most pupils participated in enthusiastically.

Pupil Association

Every year the pupils elect leaders for the Pupil Association in a fast-paced simulation of a real-life parliamentary election. The Pupil Association is the voice of the pupils and is responsible for organising social events. It has taken a keen interest in the Week of Spiritual Emphasis programmes.

Community Services Day

COVID-19 and all its restrictions could not quench the missionary zeal that Stanborough School has for service. Friday 9 October saw pupils and staff put their creative skills to work as they made cards for children in Watford General Hospital and packed food parcels for the homeless.
Traditionally, pupils are taken off timetable and serve the community in various ways. However, due to COVID-19, this could not be done. The pastoral leader, Mrs Anderson, assisted by Mrs Mumbo, prepared all the activities and assigned them to each class. The food parcels were delivered to Liz Burns, vice chair of One Vision, at Stanborough Park Church. She was delighted that the food parcels each had a box of cereal and packets of pasta in them, as it was just what was
needed for that week!
The generosity of the Stanborough School community is much appreciated.

Year 11 extraordinary parents’ evening (virtual)

A special meeting was called for the Year 11s and their parents on 17 September. This was a virtual meeting. Pupils were given information about their GCSE subjects, and parents were given advice on how they could support them.

Classwork, homework, attendance and punctuality were discussed, and pupils were encouraged to start revising for their mock examinations. Parents and pupils then had the opportunity to meet with different subject teachers. The Year 11s were encouraged to work hard, as this would ensure their success.

Testimonials from pupils – Year 10

‘I feel very happy and joyful. I feel this way because I get to see all my friends once again!’ Philip
‘I am happy to come back to school because I have missed socialising with people and learning new things as well.’ James

by Kaz James, interim head teacher

originally published in Messenger Volume 125 • 21 – 26 October 2020