Pupils go back into classroom

SECONDARY school pupils have returned to the classroom but things look quite different than pre-coronavirus.

Tytherington School was among those to welcome year 10 and 12 students back last week, although it has taken children of key workers since mid-March.

Youngsters are in classes of 10 to 12 with social distancing measures and regular hand washing.

Headteacher Manny Botwe said the enforced break left him concerned about the gap widening between students from the poorest backgrounds and the rest. He said: “It feels as though the world is changing at a speed which would have felt unimaginable even a year ago.

“In the past fortnight the following have been huge news stories: the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd, projections of a dire economic recession, the search for a Covid-19 vaccine and a debate about recent comments made by JK Rowling.

“Whatever your political leanings, one cannot deny that we live in tumultuous times. It must be incredibly difficult for young people to process news stories which pose big questions.

“One of the compelling arguments for getting schools back as soon as it is safe to do so is that we are the only institution in society which provides a safe space for young people to explore these controversial issues.”

Year 10 pupil Chloe Smith said: “It was really good to come back to school. The online lessons have been good but you cannot beat having a teacher in front of you.”