For our first 'A Conversation With...' of 2021, we had a chat with Deputy Head Academic, Mr Paul Jones about the work that has been going on behind the scenes to ensure education standards remain high during lockdown, and advice for pupils for keeping on top of their academic studies remotely. When life gets back to 'normal' Mr Jones is looking forward to getting on the river with his new paddleboard and watching Welsh Rugby live in the Principality Stadium.
How long have you been at Shiplake and what is your role(s)?
Unbelievably, I have just started my ninth year at Shiplake and this is my fourth school. I am currently Deputy Head (Academic) having previously been Head of Lower School and Director of Music. Ultimately, I am responsible for the learning of the pupils and all elements of this core aspect of College life. I absolutely love my job and as part of the Senior Leadership Team, the role is very diverse. I know it's a cliche, but no two days are the same and this is the reason I chose to change career and become a teacher.
What in your view is the best thing about Shiplake?
This is an easy question to answer and the best things about Shiplake have really come to the fore during the last two weeks: the care and attention given to every individual pupil and the exceptional dedication of the staff. Shiplake is also an incredibly friendly place to work and we all have a genuine interest in every pupil doing their very best.
What has Shiplake put in place to ensure pupils are getting the same standard of education they would have on site?
Having reflected on everything we learned during the last lockdown, we are delighted to offer pupils a full remote timetable. Pupils will get every lesson with their teachers and they will also be able to enjoy the full range of co-curricular activities as if they were on site. We are still very conscious of the screen time of both teachers and pupils and we will continue to review this. We have also worked hard to establish what makes an effective 'live' lesson during our staff training sessions. A live lesson is definitely not an opportunity for the teacher to talk for the duration of the lesson with the pupils simply staring at the screen! Instead, all live lessons will require the pupils to interact with their teachers and will involve some independent or small group work. This also allows the teacher the chance to check the progress of all pupils and to provide feedback to individuals. Most importantly, it also gives teachers the chance to greet and check to see how pupils are feeling during the day.
What were the highlights of the last lockdown that you have continued into this lockdown?
The agility and creativity of our community with our Virtual Prize Giving being the best example of this! Having embraced a range of new technology during the last lockdown, teachers are now far more proficient with delivering high quality remote lessons. Colleagues have become skilled with a range of new equipment and software such as Jamboard, a shared virtual whiteboard and Screencastify which is being used to pre-record worked examples and important instruction. Indeed, many colleagues have taken the time to earn their ‘badges’ using this software and are happy to share their wisdom. Expertly demonstrating one of the Shiplake Seven, colleagues have also remained creative as we have approached this lockdown. As well as continuing to enjoy events such as live streamed lectures with visiting speakers, live assemblies and virtual lunchtime concerts, we will continue to look forward to events such as live drama competitions, live circuit training with the Lower School and bingo evenings with the Headmaster.
What's the current situation with examinations?
A very good question and probably depends on the day! There is a lot more guidance still to come out but at the moment, we know that many exams have been cancelled and we are awaiting clarification of the alternative arrangements. Like many independent schools, large numbers of our pupils are studying for international IGCSEs (English Language, English Literature, French, History, Maths and Spanish) and A-levels (Geography and Media) and we know that these exams are still going ahead. The alternative arrangements are also likely to involve some form of externally set exam or assessment so our pupils have plenty to work for and the message to them is very clear: keep going! Our teachers responded brilliantly to last summer's centre-assessed grades process and I feel very confident that we will again do all we can to ensure our pupils are awarded the grades they deserve.
What advice would you give pupils on keeping on top of their academic studies while they are learning remotely?
It is vital that pupils keep to a routine and this should be relatively straightforward with our live assemblies, chapel services and house meetings ahead of a full academic day. Between consecutive lessons it is important that pupils take short breaks and remain active, even if this is simply popping downstairs for a drink of water and a snack. Pupils, particularly those in the senior years, will need to schedule some time in the evenings for ensuring that all prep is completed. It is also important that pupils enjoy longer breaks away from their screens, particularly during the long lunchtimes in order to enjoy some daylight at this time of year. Regular exercise is also crucial in order to maintain good health and therefore academic performance. Walks at lunch time, the Saturday Shiplake Park Runs on Strava and the timetabled games sessions will help with this and will also ensure that pupils sleep well, another key aspect of academic performance.
What have you been doing in your spare time during lockdown and what would you usually be doing on weekends?
Weekends are usually fairly busy in the Jones household. As well as my own Shiplake commitments, both of my children usually have football matches on a Saturday morning. The sporting theme continues on Sunday with my daughter playing netball with the Shiplake Stars and my son playing for the U13s at Rams RFC. I am the Head Coach of this team and we bring home a lot of muddy kit. However, now that there is no youth sport, all of the family will be out for the Shiplake Park Run on Strava followed by some valuable time together with lots of coffee, reading and box sets.
What are you looking forward to most when life gets back to 'normal'?
My wife and I treated ourselves to another paddleboard for Christmas and I can't wait to get back on the river when it gets warmer! More importantly, the ability to travel, the chance to see family and friends in person and watching Wales at the Principality Stadium.
Have there been any lockdown silver linings?
The biggest silver lining is that with each new challenge, our community has responded brilliantly. With further references to the Shiplake Seven, teachers and pupils have proven themselves to be open-minded, motivated and determined to do well. As we say at Shiplake, ‘challenge creates character’ and we feel confident that we can continue to provide academic continuity for all, whatever the next few months may bring.
What does the future hold for Mr Jones?
Having completed my Masters in Educational Leadership last summer, I might consider some further study. I definitely benefited from the first lockdown to find the time to finish this so I may need to wait for the next pandemic!
