SCHOOLCHILDREN across Worcestershire have returned to the classroom after months of being in lockdown and then the summer holidays.

Emily Calvert, headteacher of North Worcester Primary Academy, has spoken about the changes of returning to the classroom in comparison to when the school opened last year.

Mrs Calvert said: “It has been a year since we first welcomed children into our school in North Worcester. It is hard to imagine a more varied experience for both the staff and the children than the last 12 months. From Covid-19 to risk assessments, from ‘Bubbles’ to the most successful charity drive I have ever seen by the Friends of NWPA, which resulted in mountains of bikes, cars, play houses and toys being donated to our school, it has been unpredictable to say the very least.”

The school reopened on Wednesday and the pupils were happy to see friends and teachers once again, while some were welcomed to the school for the first time.

READ MORE:

Motorist ran red light in front of police and then lost control in Worcester

These are the Worcester pubs foodies can enjoy a discount as part of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme

She added: “Standing on the gate this morning I marvel at two thoughts. Firstly, the significant leap of faith the parents took last year, turning up a school where they had only visited with hard hats and high-vis jackets on months beforehand.

“Secondly, that these people, who I barely knew a year ago, and I have all been on this journey together. We are inextricable linked through our shared roots in building this community. We are all more confident and this was evident this morning. Welcoming three-year groups, a mixture of new faces and old, confidence, it seems, is contagious.”

Lindsey Cooke, headteacher from Hanley Castle High School, said: “It was an absolute delight to welcome 180 new Year 7 students to Hanley Castle High School this morning. Many enjoyed their journey in on the school buses, while others were dropped off using our special one-way system.

“They looked incredibly smart in their new school uniforms and were obviously very excited to be in a new school, seeing old friends and making new ones.

“We were also thrilled to welcome our new Year 12 cohort into our sixth form. This morning has finally given us a chance to celebrate their wonderful GCSE results and get cracking on A-level courses. The whole school has suddenly come back to life and we are all loving it.”