St Dunstan’s College was delighted to finally welcome back pupils from Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 on Monday 1 June.

Following the government’s request for these year groups to return, the College has been busy preparing to welcome the pupils back for the first time since the end of March. This had included spaces being marked out on the field and playground, desks being separated and two metre markings in queuing locations.

Speaking about the first day back, Head of Junior School, Miss Laura Whitwood said: ‘Today has gone incredibly smoothly and the new routines and measures in place are very quickly becoming the new normal.

‘It was a great pleasure to see the pupils return to the College today; to see so many smiles and hear the familiar sounds of learning, laugher and excitement emanating from the classrooms was a treat for all of the staff, who have been eagerly awaiting the return of the pupils. They settled into their new routines well and did so with mature understanding of the situation, which was very impressive indeed.’

The junior pupils wasted no time getting back into the swing of school life. After being shown the set up for the new school day, pupils experienced a range of fun and engaging lessons. This included PE lessons on the field, maths challenges and outdoor learning in the new woodland classroom.

Speaking about her first day back at the College, Emily, Year 6, said: ‘I was a little nervous at first because I didn’t know whether I would like school being a bit different from what I am used to, but so far it has been great! Even though we are in separate groups, it was still really fun playing with my friends.

‘Partner work is a little bit harder when you are socially distanced, but it is making us laugh as we get used to it as a team. I thought it would take ages to get used to it all, but now I am confident it will become normal in no time. I am so pleased to be back and I was really excited to see my friends and teachers again.’

Miss Whitwood, added: ‘The general air of happiness and enthusiasm was quite infectious; some pupils ran in, others raced ahead on their scooters and the boundless energy we saw contributed to a very special day indeed.’

Since the national lockdown, teachers at St Dunstan’s have been delivering their lessons through virtual learning, and for the time being the rest of the College will continue with remote learning. The College has remained opened for children of key workers during this time.

St Dunstan’s Headmaster, Mr Nicholas Hewlett, added: ‘It has been a delight to welcome some of our children back to the College today. Whilst we have achieved so much from our remote learning provision, nothing beats seeing the children in person and for them to be able to meet with their friends again – albeit from a safe distance – has been wonderful to see. There have been lots of smiling faces at St Dunstan’s today whilst recognising the seriousness and importance of the new rules and routines we have had to put in place for everyone’s safety.’