A Derby school has started offering lessons on a Saturday morning to pupils who want to catch up on work missed during lockdown and says the students’ response means it may continue indefinitely.
The Bemrose School invited 120 children in years nine, 10 and 11 to attend the Saturday morning sessions to catch up on maths, English and science lessons.
Thirty pupils attended the first session at the school in Uttoxeter New Road and another 50 logged in online to top up their home learning with help from six teachers – two from the school and four private tutors.
The Saturday School will initially run for 15 weeks and the school has allocated £20,000 to fund the sessions, which may be offered to additional year groups in the future.
Last year, pupils of Bemrose School, in Derby, participated in a virtual classroom provided by workers at train maker Bombardier.
A member of staff trained in wellbeing and safeguarding is also available at every session for children who may need additional emotional support.
Executive head teacher Neil Wilkinson said: “We identified around 120 children who we felt would benefit from additional tuition around certain topics and, since it is entirely voluntary, we were delighted that 80 children took up the opportunity.
“I think lockdown has helped pupils realise the value of their education and we feel this investment will be money well spent if it helps pupils to bridge the gaps created by Covid-19.
“Not only does this offer students the chance to catch up academically, but some students will be glad of the option to access computer equipment that they may not have at home and a safe, peaceful environment without distractions.”
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The Saturday School operates from 9am until 12 noon every week and one-hourly lessons are available in each of the subjects.
Teachers have identified where the educational gaps are with individual children, so the work is tailored to the pupils attending the sessions.
Mr Wilkinson added: “The ultimate aim is that the Saturday morning sessions will be offered to every pupil at the school, but we have to start somewhere.
“I appreciate that both children and teachers need to have space away from the learning environment, but our purpose is to help every child reach their full potential and the impact of Covid-19 on learning has been unprecedented.
“We hope that additional access to qualified teachers will help those that need supplementary support fulfil their potential.”
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