ASIDE from public health, it is arguable that the world of education is the one hit hardest by Covid-19.

Schools turned to predominantly online learning during the first national lockdown, with many pupils not returning to the classroom until September.

The summer saw an A-level results fiasco, as the Government performed a U-turn on a controversial algorithm.

Thousands of A-level students saw their grades increase after their results based on teachers’ assessments rather than the algorithm devised by Ofqual.

The change then applied to GCSE results.

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The saga surrounding extending free school meals reared its head in October after MPs voted down Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford’s bid to extend them for disadvantaged children, which again saw another Government U-turn.

Then came the decision at the end of December to keep secondary schools closed for an extra two weeks due to rising cases of coronavirus.

The changing of plans mirrored events earlier in the year.

Schools are now set to reopen on March 8.

While these were the major events of the year, schools have faced other hurdles every step of the way.

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However, Marianne Ray, headteacher at Madley Brook Community Primary School in Witney, says there are positives to take from the year.

“The past year has confirmed what I have always known about our teachers and school staff – they are committed, dedicated and professional, and they care deeply about their pupils,” she said.

“It has been extremely challenging, but I am just so impressed at how all staff have ensured that learning is accessible for all.

“In this latest lockdown we have been delivering three hours of online live lessons every single day at Madley Brook, which is an extraordinary achievement.

“I am just so proud of every member of staff for all they have done to make this happen.

“I am also incredibly proud of the way that the children have engaged with online learning and how resilient and cheerful they have been. Our parents have also been amazing in the way they have adapted.

“Many will be worried about the impact of the past year on children, but I am confident that Madley Brook will ensure that every child is happy and ready for the next stage of their learning.”

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While the majority of secondary schools in the county are overseen by trusts, Oxfordshire County Council still has a major role to play in those schools and the primaries across the county.

John Howson, deputy chairman of the council’s education scrutiny committee, said the pandemic has brought significant challenges for schools to overcome.

“Schools have never closed, it is essential to remember that, they have always been open for children of key workers and vulnerable children,” he said.

“That means teachers have been doing two jobs, that of teaching the children in school, and online.

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“The positive is that lots of teachers have started thinking about teaching in the technology environment, unfortunately they spent most of their time firefighting.

“Clearly one concern though is the mental health of a whole generation of children, and then the loss of learning.

“There are some subjects where it makes a huge difference and that’s why I always advocated five to seven-year-olds should be in schools.

“It can be quite difficult to pick certain things up in the future.”

Mr Howson also praised those working in the education sector, but hoped the council would work to learn from the lessons of the pandemic.

“I hope that post-elections, the committee will hold an inquiry as to what happened in Oxfordshire and what could’ve been done better,” he said.

“I also want to pay tribute to everyone who has worked very hard during this pandemic, in what has been an extremely difficult time, many have gone above and beyond.”

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