A Wrexham headteacher has described how she has adapted the way her school works. This is to ensure children can continue their education during the current coronavirus pandemic.
Firstly, Amanda Williams, headteacher of Park County Primary School in Llay, is transforming the way her school delivers lessons.
Thriving Communities
Amanda graduated from Wrexham Glyndŵr University with an MA in Education which she studied for alongside her teaching work. She said: “The effect of the coronavirus lockdown on schools was unanticipated and instantaneous. Before, schools were busy thriving communities available to all. They were full of animated effervescent groups of people all growing, learning and developing together.
“School buildings became deserted shells. With classrooms and learning areas that were once vibrant, engaging and dynamic hives of activity now lying idle. An array of wonderful learning resources are eagerly awaiting the return of learners to return them to their intended purposes.”
Moreover, Amanda described the massive amount of work she and her fellow teachers are undertaking to ensure children can learn at home.
The “New Normal”
“Teachers are accustomed to being diligent and engaging communicators responding to a continuous assortment of diverse requests with encouragement, empathy and stimulation.
“They are now working remotely and facilitating learning through platforms such as Google Classroom, Seesaw and Dojos. Staff are attempting to predict the well-being and needs of the children, excitedly providing feedback, praise and encouragement where possible.
Amanda and her fellow teachers are working to ensure children can return to school and to try the ‘new normal’.
Committed and Determined
“School leaders are working hard to devise strategies and systems that will allow children to return to their schools as safely as possible.
Schools adapt and accommodate new policies and procedures as, quite often, these are places where change is constant.”
Wrexham County Borough Council’s Chief Officer for Education and Early Intervention, Ian Roberts, added: “I would like to pass on my thanks to Amanda and to all our teaching staff who have continued to adapt to very different teaching circumstances.
“They are all committed and determined to ensure that children across Wrexham are able to learn while at home.
Abigail Schwarz, Senior Lecturer in Education at Wrexham Glyndŵr University added; “The work that teachers and school leaders like Amanda are doing to help keep children educated and to prepare schools for their return is invaluable.
“We would like to welcome Amanda as a guest lecturer on the PGCE and BA Primary Education (QTS) courses to pass on her knowledge. Moreover, as a Masters graduate of Glyndŵr, she can offer insight into academic studies and primary school practice. Our students are in the very best of hands.”
Finally, thank you for reading ‘Headteacher Adapts School to Help During Lockdown’. For more information on the current pandemic, click here.
To read more about Amanda Williams during lockdown, read the Leader Live’s article here.
