JONATHAN ANDERSON HEADMASTER, MERCHISTON CASTLE SCHOOL

MARITAL STATUS Married CHILDREN Two girls, aged six and two MAIN SUBJECT Geography

It has been truly delightful to have the boys back at Merchiston, and the restoration of the school’s industrious buzz has been most welcome! Our boys have been incredibly helpful with their willingness to adapt to the new routines.

At Merchiston, wellbeing will continue to be the foundation on which we build all future decisions, and we will continue to follow scientific, medical and government advice.

The experience of the last few months has reminded me of a quote: “No plan of operations extends with any certainty beyond the first contact.” In other words, be ready to adapt – we certainly are.

Essential measures have been put in place concerning hygiene control, safe circulation, provision of food, and management of high- traffic areas to name but a few.

With 25 boys completing our quarantine stay in August, we had the opportunity to test some of our practices in advance of the new term beginning, always mindful that procedures would be under constant review.

Our heads of department were involved in planning and helping with subjectspecific considerations. Where safety and wellbeing considerations have meant that a pupil cannot learn in school, appropriate provision is available for distance or blended learning.

Our sport and co- curricular programmes reflect guidance from individual sport governing bodies and existing guidance around distancing. We have been able to continue to offer a selection of sports including cricket, athletics, tennis, hockey, rugby, swimming and football.

Individual music lessons are taking place, and we have explored innovative ways to rehearse ensembles safely.

After the long break, we understood that there was going to be a mix of emotions, perhaps with conflicting feelings including excitement and anxiety, as well as personal stories. We have openly encouraged the boys to take advantage of a session with our in- school counsellor; a no- charge service that we have offered for the last 11 years.

We continually reinforce the guidance to the boys via house meetings, lessons, activities and other channels. And throughout this period, I have stressed that input from colleagues is vitally important.