Methodist College pupils are ‘strongly encouraged’ to wear coverings in class
PUPILS at Methodist College in Belfast — one of Northern Ireland’s largest grammar schools — will be “strongly encouraged” to wear face coverings when they return to class.
According to Methody’s “return to school protocol”, staff will also be provided with visors to wear on the school premises.
“Where practicable, face coverings must be worn in staff rooms and during adult to adult meetings lasting more than 15 minutes and by adults visiting the school site,” the protocol adds.
“Pupils in all year groups are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when indoors (school buildings, school transport etc) where it is safe and practicable to do so.
“Face coverings are strongly encouraged for activities that entail large numbers of staff or pupils within an enclosed space where social distancing is not possible.”
It comes after Belfast Royal Academy (BRA) announced face coverings will be mandatory for pupils and staff when they return in the coming weeks.
BRA principal Hilary Woods said the decision was made to ensure the safe reopening of the school.
“We want the full education of the pupils to be our priority and we don’t want anything to jeopardise that,” Ms Woods told the BBC.
“We are a large school, we have over 1,400 pupils, 200 staff and due to the nature of our site, it is impossible to maintain social distancing at the recommended one metre.
“Therefore, in order to safeguard all members of the community and particularly our vulnerable pupils and members of staff, we felt this was sensible advice.”
Meanwhile, Education Minister Peter Weir published guidance last week on how schools should prepare for the new school day.