Extraordinary times require an exceptional response, and that is exactly what has happened at the start of this term from all within the King’s Community.

Whilst it has been incredible to welcome pupils back (albeit remotely), you can’t help but feel a sense of emptiness as classrooms, boarding houses and cricket fields sit unused! However, whilst pupils may not be in Bruton, the King’s community has taken up a new form and is very much alive and excelling online. The first three days of term have seen 500+ lessons taught and House assemblies, Tutor meetings, Departmental meetings, INSET, Music, Learning Support, EAL and Drama lessons all take place. This would have been a strong start of term normally, but to achieve this remotely, is a huge credit to all in the King’s Community.

The first day of term saw 320 pupils from all around the world ‘log in’ for the Headmaster’s assembly. Pupils from 20 different countries attended lessons and these include Kenya, UAE, China, Uganda, USA, Bhutan and as far away as Australia, to name a few. It has been so impressive to see the commitment that pupils have shown towards their education, the way in which they have adapted to this new way of ‘teaching and learning’ and the flexibility that they are demonstrating on a daily basis. I hope that pupils continue to remain engaged and approach their remaining ‘remote’ lessons with the same sense of purpose and with the same maturity that we have seen already this term.

Thanks to @KSBICT. 255 successful remote lessons taught today @KingsBruton with King’s and @HazlegrovePrep pupils signing in for remote learning from 🇬🇧 🇰🇪 🇩🇪 🇪🇸 🇺🇸 🇵🇹 🇯🇵 🇺🇬 🇭🇰 🇨🇳 🇦🇪 🇫🇷 🇦🇺 🇧🇹 🇳🇱 🇮🇪 🇴🇲 🇮🇹 and🇦🇩! Headmaster 😀👍

— King's Bruton (@KingsBruton) April 16, 2020

I am hugely grateful for all the work that has gone on to allow all pupils at King’s the opportunity to continue their education and to ensure that the current ‘situation’ doesn’t disadvantage them in the future. I am continually amazed by the commitment and enthusiasm of all the teachers at King’s. The creativity, the innovative ways of teaching and the flexible approach that is being demonstrated by all, has been amazing. The King’s IT department have worked tirelessly to ensure that the start of term was as smooth as possible, and I am also incredibly thankful for all that they have done to make ‘Remote Learning’ possible. The support of parents has also been hugely appreciated and I am most grateful for all that they have done and continue to do, in order to ensure that their son(s)/daughter(s) can access their education.

As we approach Week 2 of ‘Remote Learning’, I once again very much look forward to seeing my classes online, and I am excited to see what new ideas colleagues will use in their lessons and how pupils will respond. Whilst I am sure that there will be some minor ‘glitches’ as everyone adapts to a new way of ‘teaching and learning’, I know that the King’s Community is as strong as ever and will continue to support everyone around them.

Dan Cupit - Deputy Head, Academic

Getting creative with solvents in lockdown Chemistry lessons #kingsspirit @KingsBruton @KSBSixthForm pic.twitter.com/hmyBMBwIDl

— Science Department (@KSBScience) April 17, 2020

So important to continue conversations about #university applications for Lower 6th pupils. Excellent to be able to use Teams and @unifrog this morning to consult and advise @KingsBruton pupils while working remotely. @ucas_online @HMC_HigherEd @KSBAcademic pic.twitter.com/Liz3YpmryJ

— Sixth Form (@KSBSixthForm) April 17, 2020

Very impressed with my @KingsBruton L6th this morning really embracing this remote learning environment. Making the multi-store model of memory in their own homes. @KSBSixthForm pic.twitter.com/BOXFw5lBiQ

— King's Bruton Psychology (@KSBPsychology) April 17, 2020

My work space- part technology, part mental health management with candles 🕯 and fairy 🧚‍♀️ lights @KingsBruton pic.twitter.com/56jELkZeOx

— Wellesley House (@KSBWellesleyHse) April 17, 2020

Film camera action ⁦@KSBBlackfordHse⁩ - preparing for our Virtual Open Morning. Size + Quality = Success ⁦@KingsBruton⁩ pic.twitter.com/jQpcYD2AOt

— Blackford House (@KSBBlackfordHse) April 17, 2020