2 minute read
Welcome
With the Spring Term sadly brought to an unexpected and sudden close, this was and still is, an anxious time for children, parents and staff. Most importantly in these difficult days, I do hope you are well and safe.
In the Easter sunshine that has recently arrived, I will just take a moment to reflect on the weeks before we closed, which were filled with the usual Upton magic. The House music competition, LAMDA exams, class assemblies, World Book Day challenges, Prep House swimming gala, sports fixtures and the incredible PTA Pub Quiz night. The children worked hard, performed on many platforms and laughed lots!
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Elvis, our baby bearded dragon joined us, as did the ducklings and Hope, Joey, Cookie, Happy and Lightning swiftly arrived. We were absolutely thrilled to be awarded the NACE Award (National Association for Able Children in Education). Equally, we were very proud of our 2020 Form 6 results, with 11 scholarships awarded. Congratulations girls. The children were absolutely brilliant in the face of uncertainty and unexpected changes and I am very proud of each and every Upton child.
Once closed, our focus then turned to expediting the launch of UptonHouse@Home. As a working mum of three children, I feel passionately that it is our job to educate your children at home at this time and parents should not be expected to teach through these troubled times, whilst, in many instances, trying to work alongside. Therefore, UptonHouse@Home has been developed with the key focus of educating the child and enabling parents to work. The day will start with registration, valuable class time together, and assembly as usual. Lessons then begin – live – our teachers on the screen teaching.
We know that copious worksheets that require printing, using endless toner cartridges and constant supervision are not practical for parents. We have planned each activity/lesson to support home learning and independent home learning as far as possible, age approriate.
From the start of the Summer Term, the children will have uninterrupted access to their Upton curriculum, now redesigned for digital consumption, delivered by our trusted team. Proven Upton education from creative, caring staff that your children know and love, in your home.
It is a little more challenging for our very youngest children of course as they are so young, but our Little Upton teachers, Mrs Bish, Mrs Phelan and Mrs Adnan will be in touch regularly offering fun 1:1 interaction, fun activities and story times.
These remain critical weeks and months in your child’s intellectual and emotional development, and we remain focused on educating and nurturing your children within the security of the Upton community. They will continue to thrive.
So, our virtual doors will open on the 21st April. We are excited and ready to welcome you to UptonHouse@Home and be with you all again.
With kind regards
Mrs Rhian Thornton Headmistress
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