When looking back at this year, the word that seems to be used more than any other is ’unprecedented’. There is no doubt that there has never been a year like this that has affected education around the world globally more than any other year in History. Many parents have spoken to me and said it was like a sci-fi film it seemed so unreal for so many and yet learning continued.
The challenge for all was moving from classroom based learning towards online learning. Initially the transition seemed to go well despite the short notice and preparation required to switch to this new form of learning. However it certainly brought so many new challenges for teachers and learners alike. When previously the social dynamic allowed direct interaction between learners and then the new environment brought the computer screen into homes as the tool for interactive learning, thus the social dynamic shifted to become more reliant on independent based learning using a computer. This was always going to be an area of concern, questions were asked,”How long?” and then it became an accepted form of learning. The future seems to suggest that this will become something more visible in the learning journeys of our children. Thankfully through perseverance and persistence, we have accepted and recognised its value whilst continuing to watch and learn so we can adapt and continue to meet the demands for the schools learning environment.
We received the IGCSE results in January for the previous year and they were outstanding. In the two years before these results, our learners achieved an 85% overall pass rate for all examinations. The results this time were something of a landmark, our learners achieved an 89% overall pass rate, quite incredible. Again, clear evidence that TISPC is an outstanding school with a pass grade percentage of almost 25% higher than UK schools average of the same examinations. We are very proud of our learner’s attainments and hoping to achieve the magic 90% pass rate in the coming years.
As part of the continued progress and professional development of our teachers and the learning strategies used in the secondary school, we were proud to be recognised as the first “Quantum Learning Distinguished School” in the world.
A clear sign that the Taylor’s Core Values are continued to be upheld by learners as they strive to achieve their potential in the variety of opportunities and disciplines that they are involved in and for the teachers who are continuing their ongoing journey of excellence in teaching and learning strategies used in the learning environment.
Our integrated technologies continue to be a powerful engaging option for learners in Science using VR and Computing using coding and programing kits. These have become very popular learning experiences for learners in Key stage 3 and we are looking for more opportunities to integrate these experiences in the Primary school.
I do not think anyone could have predicted the path of what happened for our learners this year and although the journey has seen its challenges, it has been amazing to see how our teachers and learners have not just adapted to these changes, but excelled in using these as tools to enhance learning. As the learning journey for 2021 continues to be uncertain, perhaps the skills learnt this year will lay a good foundation for next year.
I would finally like to add that through all that this year has brought to all of us, we have met these challenges head on. I am very proud of all our learners and very appreciative of all our parents and teachers. Together we have handled these challenges with pride and courage. I am confident that can only make us even more prepared for the unknowns of tomorrow.
