Back to Class...with Victoria Brooke

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 Victoria Brooke, a PE teacher at Outwood Grange Academy. 

Outwood.com: Hi Vicky! Thanks for being able to find time to speak with us during what is surely a very busy time for you I am sure, so I will get straight to it.

It is September and students are back in schools, so how did you feel in the lead up to the start of the new academic year?

VB: “Hello, I am excited to take part and leading up to my return to the academy I felt very supported and reassured that every measure was being taken to keep both staff and students safe and comfortable. 

“The inset days were brilliant and credit should be given to all involved for pulling out all the stops. They just made me more excited to welcome the students back.”

That is a fantastic start then. Numerous people we have spoken to have mentioned that the communication of and implementation of the safety measures was a major factor in reassuring them before returning. Could you perhaps highlight one thing that excited you most about returning?

“In general, I was most excited about seeing the students again. I was excited to get back into some routine and meet my new classes. 

“I couldn’t wait to talk to them about their experiences during this crazy time and then make sure they were all safe and well. 

“To be honest, in my experience anyway, I expected more students to be apprehensive and cautious however most seem to have taken it in their stride and are just getting on with it.”

That’s a very resilient approach for them to take! Overall then, is being back in the academy as good as you were hoping it would be? Have there been any highlights?

“Definitely as good as I thought it would be. To move away from the students, I have to praise the academy because the PPE and measures inputted by the school are really good and they have gone above and beyond. Seeing that all in action has been a real highlight since returning.”

Sounds like a brilliant, and safe, start to the term! What are your hopes or expectations for the rest of the term then?

“Like everyone I speak to, I hope we can take the new normal and apply it consistently for as long as required without staff, students, or parents getting complacent. Then we can hopefully move past this era back to more ‘normal’ times as soon as possible.”

Very true, Vicky. It’s important to stay focussed! Thank you for your time and speaking with us.