HIGH SCHOOL
Ms Corinne Borg -Student Support Services
One thing however remained a constant factor for us as a team and that was the student-centred approach. As the student support services department shifted to crisis intervention plan, risk factors for our students started being discussed with teachers, LSEs and the leadership team. Such issues included students’ sense of loss at not being able to socialise or be around their extended families, a decrease in learning motivation, family decisions and transitions as the airports started closing down, as well as being robbed of celebrations which our students could participate in such as the Grade 12 Graduation or even exam results! The demand for support was evident and each member of the department [with the help of other colleagues] embarked on a mission to deliver quality services in counselling, guidance and advice whether related to learning or university study programmes. In simple terms, a whole school approach was taken to offer students provision above and beyond their learning.
As this became the norm, what became evident was the need for our students to have clear, personal goals. This aspect was incorporated into our individual dealings with students and connected itself perfectly with enhancing their personal development whatever grade or section we were working with.
Thus, our support system found itself differing in its mode and manner during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, our main aim from the start was to keep structure and create normalcy for our students during this phase of school shut down
“The health and wellbeing of children and young people contributes to their ability to benefit from good quality teaching and to achieve their full academic potential.” (The link between pupil health and wellbeing and attainment. Public Health England. 2014).
Belonging, Learning and Coping
- Valuing Wellbeing
At the start of the scholastic year, we had planned a range of activities and guest speakers for our students across the three sections, in order to address a range of topics that support our PSHE curriculum. In addition, like any other year, we organised sessions and lessons that were aimed at discussing issues that our student body encounters.
Unfortunately not all of our plans went ahead, as soon we were faced with a new reality – a pandemic which suddenly affected our lifestyles and our time at school. As of March 13th, student support services had to adjust the support and services provided to our students who with little warning found themselves in remote learning.