As part of our new feature, we are talking with members of the ̨��swag Family and finding out how life has changed for them since the school closures announcement.

This time we chat with Alec Bower, Assistant Principal at ̨��swag Primary Academy Ledger Lane.

Read on to see how Alec’s day to day life has been changed due to the social distancing measures taken by the Government.

[̨��swag.com] Hi Alec, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. We appreciate you’re busy, so let’s get to it! Things have been turned upside down recently, for reasons we are all too aware of. So, for you what has been the most difficult aspect of the lockdown period for you and your work?

“The most difficult aspect for me is not being able to teach my class in a traditional capacity. Some children require additional support or guidance when it comes to their learning, so I've had to devise innovative ways of providing appropriate levels of work for these particular children. 

“Also, I miss my class and the rest of the school. It's sad that our time together this academic year has been cut short.”

That is so true, it is incredibly sad. So what is a typical day for Alec right now?

“My virtual classroom goes live at 8am each weekday morning and comments from the children will start coming in from about 9am.

“I spend some time moderating these comments, but for the most part the children behave well in the virtual space, which is pleasing. 

“Any work they find difficult or that I think may require more instruction, I will record myself at home completing the work to model to the children expectations and standards of work. I will then direct or guide students to additional work should they want it. 

“Then around 11am, I will record a daily story time session and upload the video to my classroom. After lunch, I usually spend time working on one of my other projects or planning lessons and resources for when school reopens. 

“Finally at the end of the working day, I review and schedule the school work in the virtual classroom for the next day. 

“Beyond this, I am also working in school occasionally to provide child care for the children of key-workers and during the day, I am also caring for my three-year-old daughter, as my wife is working 9am-6pm each day.”

A very busy day, coupled with looking after your daughter must mean it’s a very tough time. Is there anything that has surprised you during this period?

“It is tough but it’s rewarding as well. It’s about being resilient and that is what's surprised me the most since schools closed, just how resilient and receptive the school children have been in this unprecedented time. 

“We've been in lock down for over a month and they're not showing any signs of disheartening, it is truly amazing. I believe they like the routine, and challenge for some, that the virtual classroom offers them.

“I've called the parents/carers of my children twice since the closure and they've been very positive with the work and information coming from school, which is great!”

That does sound inspiring and it must be good to feed off the great resilience the children are showing. Is this the most satisfying thing you’ve found since the lockdown or is there something else?

“Well it is great, but I think the most satisfying aspect of my work since the school closure has been the collaboration with other members of staff. 

“Even though we can't work in the same building physically, we've been able to form work groups and support each other during this trying time using online meetings and various work streams. 

“This has eased a lot of pressure off staff as the work load is balanced and shared across the primary trust, which means we can focus on what's important: keeping ourselves safe whilst still providing high-quality work and support for the children.”

It is fantastic to hear about the staff coming together during these troubled times. Do you think you’ll adapt your approach once the restrictions are lifted after this time?

“Definitely, the use of a virtual classroom is a revelation. While I can't wait until everything is safe for us to return back to a traditional classroom setting, I'm excited to have the virtual classroom in my teaching toolkit moving forward. 

“When schools reopen, I'll approach work as I normally do: with an open-mind and a willingness to any changes, as I imagine things won't quite be the same as they were straight away.”

That’s a good positive note to end on. Thank you very much for your time, Alec.