Pupils get back to learning after three snow days off

Vale Primary head teacher Gary Hind said it was good to see the children back and to get back to normal, but agreed with Education’s decision to shut the schools.

‘It was very snowy, very icy. As staff were talking this morning, we agreed the decision was right and parents have been very supportive.

‘The main consideration is the safety of the children and that’s what came through with them getting to and from school.

‘In terms of the time lost, it’s one of those decisions where it isn’t taken lightly,’ he said.

The snow days occurred the week after half-term and some secondary head teachers were concerned about the lesson time that was missed, particularly for those who have upcoming exams.

Elizabeth Coffey, head of the Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre, said Year 11 and 13 students were prioritised and teachers could keep pupils up to date through online portals.

‘Missing learning time is always a concern, however, there is little benefit in trying to overcompensate or get too stressed about things we are not able to control.

‘We did have an IB oral examination that was conducted using Skype.

‘We have had to postpone a GCSE practical examination as the examiner could not get to the island today,’ she said.

Mrs Coffey said it was also important to ensure students did not stress too much about the time they were missing.

‘Many of them, particularly the older students, would have been working independently and if they have not made best use of their time, then they will know this themselves,’ she said.

Blanchelande College students were in a similar situation of being able to access work remotely and principal Robert O’Brien said pupils were set tasks to do at home.

‘We used the opportunity to fully utilise the Microsoft Teacher Dashboard, which enables pupils to receive and submit work online, and ask their teacher questions – that seemed to work well.

‘Pupils in Years 10 and 11 were set work in all the subjects they had classes in each day, so although it wasn’t the same as being in school, the students received best input given the circumstances,’ he said.

Mr O’Brien said students enjoyed the snow but appeared pleased to get back to their normal routines.

‘Everyone seems a bit sleepy today, but pleased to be back.

‘Everyone had fun building snow men and sledging, but I think after three days we’re all glad to be back to normal,’ he said.