We care, we learn, we grow

Final blog of 20/21

Date: 16th Jul 2021 @ 2:25pm

Welcome

Welcome to my final blog of the school year 2020/21.

It’s been a busy and challenging year once again for all involved at Outwood. Another school year that has been affected by the coronavirus and yet one which has provided  many highlights and achievements for our young learners. 

Over the past 18 months, we have all had to make significant changes to the way that we live our lives, even our usage of some words has changed! For example, bubbles, that were once for bath time, are now how we divide groups of people; and masks, once associated with surgeons (and Dick Turpin!) have been worn by most of us at some time or other. We find ourselves part of a very different world to one we knew recently. The Outwood Community is no different and we have all had to adapt to new ways of living.

You will be familiar with the school mission statement of We Care We Learn We Grow. Never has this been more appropriate as a vision and way of working.

We Care

The Outwood Community faced a challenge like never before and needed to respond. The challenge was to (re)design a school that would be the very best it could be, working within the tight government guidelines and still meeting the needs of our young learners and their families. Almost overnight new procedures and protocols were designed and implemented by the School Leadership Team together with the support of the staff and children. Having been involved at virtually every stage of the process I witnessed the fact that the school stayed true to its vision keeping 'We Care' at the centre of the plan. 

Whilst, as parents and carers, we have been unable to enter the school as before I do hope that (like me) you still feel very much part of the Outwood Community and that the school managed to communicate effectively with you. The levels of care provided by Outwood to its community during the pandemic has been truly remarkable and will stand it very well in the future. If you haven't done so already make sure that you follow the school on social media and make a point of sharing what you see. If you are a parent / carer you should be proud that your children attend such a forward thinking and culturally rich school. 

We Learn

The school plan and risk assessments were constantly monitored and adjustments were made along the way where necessary. New ways of working, teaching and learning were established. Rest assured however that all Outwood Community members were factored into the delivery of the school's Covid plan. Your comments and requests will have shaped the plan as it moved forward. Thank you for your contributions and understanding.  

We Grow

As we move to the end of the school year, and the staff and children start to think of the summer holidays I think it is time to reflect on just how much we have all grown this school year. I'd like to think that all of the Outwood Community members have developed their knowledge and skills since September  (in my own case I spent time brushing up on my culinary skills). Lockdown was always going to be a challenge during the winter months but hopefully everyone has come through with a positive story to tell.  From a school perspective there were many. Amongst them we have seen enhanced remote learning capability,  excellent online lessons, children with newly discovered hobbies and interests (on the back of learning), and an exciting new reading programme. There have also been a number of substantial and cosmetic enhancements to the school buildings and grounds.  

In summary, the way the Outwood Community has come together to ensure that our young learners' education continues to a high standard is a credit to all of those involved. Outwood remains a great little school that has shown resilience to overcome all of the challenges it has faced and it continues to grow. On behalf of the Outwood Board Governors I would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. We look forward to another challenging and successful school year just on the horizon.

Regards

Simon Carroll

Chair of Governors

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