Invicta Vlogs
Helping the Community
As we embark upon the final term of our academic year, and we reflect upon the last three months of our provision, it is only right to reflect upon our achievements in what, is a very unusual time in our lives.
You will have seen in our newsletters, the fantastic work of our girls and staff, who have together been producing some wonderful Guided Home Learning. I know you will all, girls and teachers, be missing seeing each other in person, but the creativity and enterprise has simply been flourishing in a very impressive way.
Over the last few weeks, I have been dropping in on Teams sessions from Year 7 all the way up to Year 13 and I have been so impressed. It has really underlined to me, the strength of relationships the girls have with each other, and with the staff, that the humour, kindness and spark is tangible, even virtually. I have also been struck by the quality of work and interaction in the lessons.
Yes, it can be clunky making sure everyone is logged on and the technology is working properly (how many of us have been merrily contributing virtually to a meeting only to realise our mic was muted?), but the quality of explanation, visual demonstration, dialogue and stretch and support is really excellent. I have seen some fabulous work.
There has been a lot of talk in the media about how will the learning gap be made up for the students who are not accessing the school’s provision, or where provision is more problematic because of home circumstances. We are fortunate. We do face challenges but that is not one of them. Girls are working on a meaningful, relevant curriculum; they are engaging readily and they are receiving regular formative feedback and we are able to assess their progress as we would do normally. For this, our thanks must also go to our parents, especially for those of with multiple siblings, younger children and with work pressures at home. Clearly, our girls are receiving the support and encouragement they need to take on the provision and opportunities and keep momentum going. Of course, we will need to think carefully about re-adjustment when we are all together again, but that we will of course do.
As much as the technology has impressed me over the last few weeks and months, I am absolutely thrilled at the way in which our school community has helped one another – both inside and outside of school. I have seen so many examples of where students are supporting each other’s learning, where they are looking after their friends and neighbours with good deeds, music, art, crafts, baking and just generally being there to help. We have even seen examples of where students have helped the course of nature with some ducklings!
I can be nothing but very proud of our students and staff. They are incredible. But as we move towards a new ‘norm’, there is a danger that we could all lose the novelty of helping one another. So, as we reflect on the theme of the week being ‘Helping the Community’, I would love to encourage all our students to think about a very important quote: "Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." (Jim Rohn). As our Virtual School becomes a bit more of a routine for us all, we must now think about our need to get into the ‘habit’ of doing things. I am urging our students to consider this approach as part of their focus this term and to particularly look at how they can continue to help the community. Please watch this space as I am certain that our students will not disappoint! They have never let me down yet!
Mrs J Derrick
Headteacher
