Life in lockdown at Morecambe Bay Academy

The head of Morecambe Bay Academy has described the support for students amidst quiet corridors after life changed suddenly and dramatically for school pupils.
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Principal Vicki Michael stressed how important it was for everyone in the community to pull together during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And she said that while the school is largely quiet, there is still a lot of work being done behind the scenes to support its students.

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More than 200 food parcels were delivered by staff to families across Morecambe, and online challenges are in the pipeline to help keep a sense of community among children isolated in their homes.

Vicki Michael.Vicki Michael.
Vicki Michael.

"The corridors are very quiet at Morecambe Bay Academy," Mrs Michael said. "The curlews, gulls and oyster catchers are happily resting on the front field and most of our students are safe at home.

"A small group remain. These are the children of key workers who are keeping our community running; these students are enjoying small classes so they can socially distance, creative project-based learning and having the 3G football pitch to themselves!

"Most of our school community has gone online. Staff are setting work through our Synergy portal to help parents who are both working and educating their children at the same time. After Easter, we will be starting a series of virtual challenges so that students can gather together online and keep a sense of connection and community.

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"Our students entitled to free school meals are being supported through a voucher scheme, and students receiving pastoral support are still talking to staff, who do weekly check ins, either via Zoom or by telephone.

"We also received 230 food parcels from the local authority before the full lockdown, and staff spent their last full day in school delivering these across Morecambe.

"Like the rest of the country, we are waiting to see how Year 11 and Year 13 will be awarded their grades. Ofqual have assured schools that they will try to be as fair as possible and we will update these students in due course.

"We will remain open over Easter. It is important that we all pull together in difficult time and we are proud to be doing our part to serve the community of Morecambe."

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