2021 Welcome Back!

Whilst we knew the start of term would be very different for our pupils, we understand the announcement from the Prime Minister last night moving the country into full lockdown, may have caused some additional worries and concerns. Nonetheless, the College was already prepared to start Spring Term 2021 with the vast majority of pupils distance learning.

Headmaster Mr Howe reassured pupils during the start of term's live streamed Whole School Assembly.

“I suspect that every single one of you will be aware of the Prime Minister’s announcement last night that we will be remote learning until at least half term. Clearly this is not the way that we wanted to start off our new term, but when we consider that over 50,000 new COVID infections are being reported every day and that the death toll is due to rise significantly over the next few weeks, our challenges are minor compared to some of the challenges faced by many families.”

He handed over to the Revd Chris Briggs who prayed for pupils and families at the start of lockdown. He also prayed for local boy Olly, who died in a stabbing incident in Emmer Green on Sunday, and who was known to some pupils in our community. He led a silence to think about him and of those who miss him so much.

Mr Howe then spoke to pupils who are expecting to sit exams in January - the message at the moment is that these are still planned to go ahead, so please keep working hard. In the meantime, we will provide as much clarity as we can about how pupils will be assessed in exam years as soon as we have word from the Government.

Mr Jones followed with a presentation of the Progress Review Awards to pupils who have showed the greatest improvement in engagement with learning and Mr Brown reminded pupils about the Shiplake Kindness Campaign and to ensure we are compassionate at all times.

Mr Jones then talked to pupils about how to access their remote learning, and talked through how the full academic timetable will work.

Mr Howe continued: “There is some unimaginable sadness at the moment for many families and there are undoubtedly many tough times ahead. This is why we have to fight together as a school community to look after each other, and to keep your education going as well as we possibly can.”

“Above all we have been here before. We all know what works best for us and we can make the most out of a challenging situation.

“I would just ask you to set your standards high right from period one. For every pupil, no matter what year group, our expectations have not changed. The only pressure is that you are positive in your engagement, that you care about what you do and you show that through your commitment. That is the way to set your own personal best.

“Together as a school community we will overcome the challenges of the next half term. Please remember the most powerful thing you can be is kind to each other.

Feedback from Day 1

While lots of pupils are now used to remote learning, it has been a very new experience for our Year 7 boys. However, the overwhelming consensus has been that pupils have responded well and have been totally engaged in their first day. Here is what some parents have had to say:

“Shiplake has online learning totally licked. The boys are kept mentally and physically stimulated and the online teaching is second to none. A big round of applause.”

“It was great to see the boys working out online with Mr Crisford this afternoon, star jumps in progress in the garden.”

“Fantastic first day my son has been completely engaged.”

“It has been great to see the smile on my son’s face throughout day one of home schooling. Shiplake online learning is totally on point.”

“I didn’t think that remote learning could be so much fun! My son has been totally engaged and motivated and has really enjoyed his lessons. Everything has been so well organised. Perhaps home schooling isn’t going to be so bad after all! He said to me ‘Mum, I’m so happy. It feels like I’m at school.”

“It’s great to see that sport is included too in their timetable! I was already thinking how I would get my son out of his chair during the next 6 weeks.”

“Overall the day went well! Congratulations! Very well organised.”

“My son has loved today, just being able to talk to other boys is great for him.”

Covid Mass Testing

We were overwhelmed by the response for volunteering for our onsite COVID testing. Thank you so much to all the parents and staff who came forward to offer to help if required. Yesterday before the Government announcement, we tested more than 100 staff ready for the new term. Today we were able to test all key worker children and the remaining staff based onsite.