Headteacher Caroline Barlow yesterday praised the “Herculean efforts” of teachers, support staff and parents in ensuring both the school site and the students were ready for a return to College.
As ITV Meridian based their education report from Heathfield Community College, students of all year groups began their autumn term with lessons on the new routines and habits that will keep the College working well for everyone. Extra handwashing facilities, cleaning, hand sanitising stations in every room, social time zones and one-way systems are among a plethora of routines which ensure the College operates to guidelines and is able to focus on the core business of learning.
Students enjoyed an introductory session with their form tutors as well as an assembly with the Headteacher which helped them to understand the new systems and set the tone for the start to term; a reminder of our ethos and expectations after an extended break from the building.
Teachers reported students focused and keen to learn. Attendance was high as usual. The students who spoke to the Meridian reporter verbalised their determination to get back to work, the reassurance they felt they had received and their empathy for the range of emotions many will be feeling at this time. Well done to Lizzie Pemberton, Helena Permaul, Errol Munoz, Tom Large, Evie Changleng and Oliver Foy for having the confidence and eloquence to speak to camera on their first full day. Filming always gets cut to fit a short, edited piece in these circumstances but they were all fantastic ambassadors for the College.
The strength of our College is rooted in its ambition to succeed alongside a powerful sense of community; this will ensure we take care of everyone, making sure all are able to achieve their very best whilst we adjust to a new way of working. That is a genuine source of pride to us all.
It is good to be back!