School remains as busy and exciting as ever, at least in the sense of learning as Henry’s moved everything online from Monday. The government school closures which have taken place across the country have not deterred our ambitious, professional and dedicated teachers from delivering online lessons following the school timetable exactly as it would have run had everyone been in school.

Utilising Microsoft teams, students have been logging on ready to continue learning, starting with tutor time and a daily check in with their  Form Tutor  at 8.30am, before quickly heading to lesson one. It has been amazing to see how quickly teachers have upskilled, adapted and prepared for the new challenge.

Headteacher Mr Slack said, “I am delighted with how the first few days have gone. Our staff have been simply outstanding and have been delivering top-quality engaging lessons. We continue to go the extra mile and to maintain learning in such a difficult climate has been an incredibly positive experience for all of our community”.

The activities students have been undertaking are broadly the same, with technology exploited to its full potential. Social Media is continuing to showcase the incredible work that has been going on, given confidence to parents and the local community that although our buildings are closed, learning very much continues.

Some of the incredible activities and learning that has taken this place this week includes:

• Peer and Self-Assessment essays taking place in English
• Art and Photography project work continuing at home
• PE and Games setting regular ‘video’ challenges
• Year 10 experimenting with melting ice in Physics
• Amazing design work taking place in DT
• Food Preparation and Nutrition continuing but from student’s kitchens
• Whole School Assembly with Mr Slack, watched by 500 students in Tutor time on Tuesday morning and then broadcast onto YouTube
• Year 7 Outdoor Ed. Club, streamed from Mr Meynell’s allotment
• Daily ‘Health and Wellbeing’ updates from our Deputy Head (DSL)

Feedback from parents has been overwhelming, many noting that the continuation of teaching and learning in such a direct and positive way is both incredible and a testament to the outstanding staff.

“Amazing response from Mr Slack and all the teachers at this outstanding school. I am blown away by the commitment and diligence of Henry’s staff at this exceptionally difficult moment for our children.”

“Thank you to all the teachers for trying keep some normality during these unsettling times.”

“This is brilliant! – thank you to all the teaching staff. Your dedication and support is unwavering as always. We really appreciate everything you are doing”

“Well done to your staff for adapting to the online teaching in such a short period of time. As we are also “working” from home, the teachers enthusiasm for the lessons and engagement with pupils is coming across loud and clear.”

Please follow our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube Feeds to get daily updates on e-learning at Henry’s.