As we check in to see how our NQTs are getting on amid this time of national crisis, we talk with Samantha Wilson, English teacher at Outwood Academy Newbold.

Outwood.com: Hi Samantha, thanks for talking with us again! Obviously it’s a very strange time at the minute. So first, how were you getting on, prior to the closures, with the latest phase of your NQT year?

Samantha Wilson: “Hello, nice to speak again. I was absolutely loving the latest phase of my NQT year as I feel this was when I was at my most confident! 

“I was learning more, felt confident with marking and my Y11s and other groups had made so much progress since September. I was such a proud NQT. 

“I'd undergone two timetables changes but it just meant that I had the opportunity to teach new groups and adapt my teaching for a variety of levels across year groups.”

Sounds like things were really going well for you then, which is great to hear. So what about since the closures then? How have things been?

“The closure of schools has been really hard, especially saying bye to the Y11s after the announcement of the suspension of exams. Our head made the correct decision to partially close to Y7,8 and 9 last Tuesday which was strange but necessary. 

“Y11 were rightfully so upset and I was really sad marking my last set of mocks, knowing that we won't be able to SRT them together and tell them how much progress they've made. 

“There were lots of tears on Friday as it was potentially their last day in school and lots of emotional Google Classroom messages from them but our head is brilliant and has promised them a day together and a final goodbye after this is all over. They WILL get their deserved goodbye!”

That sounds like a very emotional time. It must have, and still is difficult I imagine. Personally, how are you coping with the current situation?

“Well I was in school Monday and Tuesday (23/24 March) to help with the childcare for children of key workers and vulnerable students. 

“Monday was quiet as the staff at Outwood Academy Newbold are absolutely incredible and came up with really lovely activities for the students to do. On Tuesday, we led a session as an English department, well, three of us, where the students made their own Happy Newspapers. 

“They researched positive stories, decorated their paper and some of them put really lovely things in about their head Mr. Roberts - who is the best and is continuing to put students first throughout this pandemic! 

“Now I won't be in for a bit as we have a staff rota, so will continue to check work on Google Classroom. 

“We also keep in touch as a department via Google Meet which is lovely - it's a boost for those in self isolation too! We will continue to do this via the closure and all have a little project to keep us going and busy - mine is to redesign the Y9 Blood Brothers SOW.”

That is very positive. Sounds like you are all managing well and have organised things perfectly. Love the Happy Newspapers idea! Overall then, do you feel you’re still being well supported as an NQT despite the current circumstances?

“Definitely, Outwood Academy Newbold has the most supportive body of staff. It's been really hard for everyone but people have been a reassurance for each other and have been really encouraging. 

“The English department at OAN are incredible, when things looked really rubbish last week we were there for each other and will continue to be. 

“The guidance from my NQT mentor and the school's co-ordinator has been great, especially when they don't really know what is happening. 

“OGAT's Twitter community is also lovely as well - it's so nice to see people putting positive little messages and supporting each other.”

Again, that is so brilliantly positive. Well thanks for your time, Samantha!