Invicta Vlogs
Another Term, Another Lockdown!
As we embark upon the next half of the Autumn Term, there is inevitably a feeling of here we are again, another national lockdown! It has undoubtedly brought back memories of quiet roads, rainbow posters and clapping for the NHS, as well as the summertime walks.
Last time, there was a very strong focus on the work of Key Workers, many of whom were in the emergency services.
I read a great article that reflected on the work of the emergency services; a vital part of our society. It referred to the fact that if you have ever had to use one of the services, you will know the feeling of overwhelming relief, when they turn up in the middle of the crisis - you feel that someone is coming to take action and help. Emergency moments are often shrouded in uncertainty and we look to the ambulance, police, fire crew to bring hope, reassurance and even some humour to the situation - even when nothing about it is very funny. However, you can never underestimate the role of humour and laughter - even in a crisis.
The fire brigade, police and ambulance service are the traditional 3 emergency services. Their role is to:
· be there when things get difficult;
· bring about justice;
· restore order;
· heal what is hurting;
· use their training to find the best way to deal with a situation.
Schools have more common with the emergency services than many of us think. Our work in the current pandemic has highlighted that we are doing that too! We are keeping young people in school, helping them navigate change, confusion and a new normal, whilst helping students manage their learning at the same time as keeping them safe and well.
The article I read, explained that many schools are fighting for the hungry to be fed, those who have little, to have the necessary equipment and the disadvantaged to have the same opportunities in life as the advantaged. Many schools nationally, are bringing order out of chaos, finding systems and solutions, bringing hope and humour and they are doing it every single day. Schools are using our training of dealing with young people, knowledge acquisition, teaching and learning, strategic planning, logistics and people management to re-organise our learning to be face to face, online and most of the time these days, both at the same time!
The difference is that we are doing this every day and will always do this, beyond the pandemic! The traditional emergency services respond to things in the moment, bringing a resolution in a time of crisis; we are incredibly grateful for that. In the same way, teaching and learning is vitally important - not just in the short term but also in the long term. People who are at the receiving end of our service will not ever forget it; we respond in the moment and help shape lives. I have mentioned this before, but we are always thrilled to hear how our teachers are thanked for their inspirational teaching.
As we prepare for the next few weeks, facing the unknown, responding to rapid change, facing an unfolding situation, we will do so knowing that we can do this; it may not be comfortable but as we look in on the situation, we can confidently say ‘we will do our best at all times’. What does reassure me is that our school community really do ‘pull together’ and as such, I know we will alright.
The article concluded by suggesting that perhaps, there is room for a fourth emergency service – education! I certainly do not want us to be considered as an emergency service, but I do want us to be thought of as an essential service – one that provides our students with safety, security and most importantly enjoyment of learning. This should and is, at Invicta, both academic and personal development learning. So, as we embark upon the next 6 weeks with Mock Examinations, Oxbridge Interviews, 16+ Open Evening, Taster Day, and RAG Events to name but a few, we will do this with a focus on providing order, systems and solutions, as well as bringing hope and humour to what we know will be a challenging term for so many, in many ways. Unfortunately, we will not be able to do everything we planned and as such, this is both disappointing and frustrating, but what we will do, is be positive and proactive in our approach to dealing with the second ‘lockdown’, whilst supporting those that are in much greater need than us. We will use this term to work together on our charitable causes. Please do look out for our BOSS Enterprise initiatives, the Guide Dogs for the Blind and our RAG Events. It would be wonderful to know that we will use this time to turn a negative into a positive. Despite the ‘lockdown’ we have a lot to look forward to!
Mrs Derrick
Headteacher
