As the new academic year begins, we have managed to grab five minutes with some busy members of the Outwood Family to discuss how they have found getting back into the classroom and being together again with students.

This time we sat down with Julia Pinder, Vice Principal at Outwood Academy City, who began her Outwood journey back in 2006 at Outwood Academy Adwick.

Outwood.com: Hi Julia! Thanks for chatting with us during what is a very busy time for you I am sure, so I will get straight to it.

It is September and we are back in the classroom! How did you feel in the lead up to the start of the new academic year?

JP: “Hello, it’s great to take part in this feature and chat to you! As we approached reopening, I felt very happy to be honest as clear information was being consistently provided from the Trust and the academy about the steps being taken regarding safety measures being put in place and what was to be put in place.”

That all sounds very positive and must have been reassuring for you over the summer. So when September arrived, what were you most excited by as the new term approached and what were your expectations?

“This is an easy one to answer because I was just absolutely brimming with excitement to see the students again. I love being in the classroom, engaging with students and seeing them engaging with the lesson and the subject, it makes me come alive.”

“In a more general sense, I was so excited to get back to teaching, it is what I love and I expected everyone else would be pleased to be back too. That was the feeling I got from my discussions with other staff members over the summer.” 

High excitement fuelled expectations then! So how has the start of the new term gone in terms of meeting or even surpassing your expectations? Have there been any highlights so far?

“Oh my expectations have been surpassed, absolutely. What has been really pleasing is that despite all the uncertainties during this unprecedented time, the behaviour of students has been exemplary. It is brilliant to witness.

“As for a highlight, it has to be being asked by a student if you could keep an atom in your pocket. It was a great question and just made me smile.”

That is a lovely question! So to finish, what are your hopes or expectations for the rest of the term after a positive start?

“My expectation is simple. We will overcome this and continue to do whatever it takes to ensure children receive an excellent education.”

Brilliant response. Thanks for your time, Julia.