FIRST LESSON BACK AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH ACADEMY HAS LASTING MESSAGE ON LEARNING TO LIVE WITH PANDEMIC

DAY INCLUDES PASTORAL SESSION, FOUR NORMAL TUTORIALS – ENDING WITH PRINICPAL CERTIFICATES AND AN ICE LOLLY

ATHERSTONE pupils returning to the classroom from Covid-19 lockdown were handed a vital first lesson with a "lasting" message on a subject that has impacted on their lives for the last three months.

Year 10 students at The Queen Elizabeth Academy went through the school gates readying themselves for the usual tutorials on English, Maths, Science and Humanities.

But their opening face-to-face time with teachers turned out to be something must closer to home – a pastoral session on "making sense of the pandemic".

The school reported that the discussion had proved an "excellent" starting point for the first day back for those siting GCSEs next year.

Images posted online by the school showed "safer distancing and outstanding hygiene" were observed throughout.

Before arriving at the Witherley Road education establishment, academy principal Neil Harding had stressed "anxious" parents and carers would "not be held to account" if they decided against allowing students to get "in school" tuition ahead of the summer holidays.

A raft of protective measures for the Year 10 pupils had been prepared – although only a quarter of the numbers are being allowed in the building at any one time by new Government rules.

Returning pupils had been alerted to the effects of detailed measures which saw a one-way system around the academy, a strict hygiene regime in place, two-metre social distancing, break times taken in the classroom, bring-your-own-snacks, and then litter taken home.

Resources packs, which include a pen, pencil and any other equipment required, will become the exclusive property of each child.

Regular temperature checks are to be taken, including on pupils entering the building.

The academy has stated it is "very unlikely" it will be opening to any other students for the remainder of the academic year, instead continuing to provide home learning resources until students are invited back.

There were three bonuses for students in school yesterday – one agreed beforehand was the relaxation of the dress code with no need to wear academy uniform but "smart casual and sensible footwear".

Two occurred during the day – the awarding of principal certificates and a complimentary ice lolly.

The school enthused: "All awarded completely hygienically to very happy students after a great day back in school meeting teachers again."

And Mr Harding added: "Thank you to all colleagues and parents for supporting wider opening."

Off campus, the weekly awards for 'home learning heroes' went to Shashwat Bhatt, Matthew Hitchman, Joseph Birkett and Harlee Douglas.