Leamington and Warwick Living Mar - Apr 2022

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ADAPTING TO A VERY DIFFERENT WORLD With the second anniversary of the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic approaching, how have boarding schools responded to the challenges created by COVID-19? Robin Fletcher, CEO of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) and BSA Group, explains... It’s hard to believe we have been living in the shadow of coronavirus for nearly two years. During that time, every walk of life has had to change and adapt to the very different world we’re now living in. Boarding schools have been no exception. When the pandemic first hit, our schools quickly had to put in place strict hygiene protocols for pupil and staff safety, organise remote learning for students unable to return to the classroom due to international travel restrictions, and ensure pastoral support for students and staff, given the added pressures the pandemic would place on mental health and wellbeing. Despite the enormous work required, the whole boarding community acted swiftly to get these measures in place. Two years on, dealing with challenges created by the pandemic is part of the business model for every school, and will continue to be so while COVID-19 remains a threat. Throughout the pandemic, the primary concern for parents has always been the safety of their children. Boarding schools are unique in that they are their own selfcontained communities, so managing any COVID cases could be done more easily than in some environments. To support member schools in this, BSA created a COVID-Safe Charter, which they could sign up to voluntarily. This meant they could provide reassurance to parents and pupils that they had done everything they possibly could to ensure their safety. This was particularly important for international families who wanted to make sure the UK was a safe place for their children to be. COVID-19 has ushered remote learning much quicker than had ever been envisaged. With some students being unable to return to the UK while travel restrictions were in place, schools worked hard to ensure the technology worked for them to continue their studies without compromising the quality of their education. For BSA, online technology has also meant we have been able to deliver a comprehensive range of training to our members virtually. This has allowed us offer these sessions to many international members who would have been unable to participate had the training been run face-to-face. One of the great advances in recent years in boarding has been the development of pastoral care for students and staff. Dedicated members of staff with specialist expertise in wellbeing and mental health have been absolutely crucial during the pandemic, and provided vital support to students and staff separated from their families or struggling with COVID-related anxieties. While there are still challenges, particularly around overseas travel affecting international students, boarding schools have shown throughout the pandemic that they can respond quickly when a new situation arises, and will undoubtedly continue to do so. For more information, please visit: www.boarding.org.uk 20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Experience the Spirit of King's ADVERTISING FEATURE Is an independent education more or less likely to help my child gain a place at a prestigious Russell Group university? The answer to this is very clear, believes Dr Stephen Burley, Head Master of King’s High, Warwick, as he explores what excellence looks like in preparation for Higher Education. “At King’s High we pride ourselves on offering the very highest quality preparation for the myriad post-18 pathways of our students, whether that is an application to Oxbridge, Russell Group, Medicine and Overseas Universities, or to music and drama school, or apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships. “Our Inspire Higher Education Programme has been very important in enhancing our students’ preparation for competitive university places and we also connect them with a Personal Statement Tutor or an Oxbridge Mentor to offer bespoke and tailored support for their applications. “There has been an average 22% rise in the number of our students gaining places at their first choice university: from 2014-2016 an average of 68% of our Upper Sixth cohorts went to their ‘firm choice’ destinations; we are now averaging 90%. In addition, last year, 82% of our students took up places at prestigious Russell Group universities and each year at King’s High up to, and sometimes more than 10% of the cohort gain places at Oxbridge or go on to study Medicine at university. “So, what does excellence look like? – I think that this, ultimately, comes down to a school’s agility and flexibility in responding to the exceptional and exciting variety of student interests. At King’s High we offer excellence in all that we do, and our Higher Education preparation, and successes of our students, whichever pathway they choose, are strongly based on the excellence of the preparation that they enjoy.” Read Dr Burley’s blog in full at kingshighwarwick.co.uk/headblog and book a tour to experience the Spirit of King’s at kingshighwarwick.co.uk/tour Stratford upon Avon School & Sixth Form A non selective popular school for students aged 11-18, in the heart of Shakespeare country. Fully equipped with state of the art modern facilities and the ability to offer an extensive range of GSCE and A level options. Come and view all we have to offer, arrange a tour or join one of our open events by emailing openevents@stratfordschool.co.uk “The advantages of a big school with the feel of a small school” ENGAGE . ETHUSE . INSPIRE www.stratforduponavonschool.com @StraUponAvonSch www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21
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Leamington and Warwick Living Mar - Apr 2022

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