HELEN WILKINSON

Head Mistress, Brighton College Abu Dhabi Q: What is new in the school for the academic year 2021/22?

A: We are delighted that we can enjoy our new Pre-prep classrooms now that work has been completed. We are also very proud of our ‘new look’ reception area which sets the tone for the professional quality we deliver in school. We are also looking forward to opening our refurbished theatre once work is completed in October. All of these improvements will help our pupils to thrive and have the very best we can give.

Q: How is the school coping with the new challenges presented by the pandemic?

A: The adaptability of our pupils and staff has been remarkable in response to the pandemic. The pupils have all responded positively to the challenges and I have been very impressed with the quality of learning which has been achieved despite the odds. We are confident that the new measures will enable us to provide ‘normal’ teaching in the environment we all love: the classroom.

Q: What is the importance of having children back in a classroom setting?

A: Teaching is a highly inter-relational profession and being distanced from our pupils has been hard on all of us. This morning, I saw a teacher meet two pupils for the first time, having taught them online for a year. Their shared sense of excitement at being able to spend time together in person was joyous to see. We need to be together. We learn from one another all of the time. The laughter and comradery that comes from being in class enables us all to grow.