***Editor’s Note: Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Office of Education Standards is conducting one-day ‘thematic visits’ to Cayman Islands schools in the Spring 2022 term in lieu of more in-depth inspections. (Click to expand.)
(Read our story on the decision here.) OES recently published the first batch of reports from these visits, which will eventually involve 31 government and private schools and culminate in a national report. The Current will publish a story on each individual school, as well as stories from a more comprehensive perspective.***
The family atmosphere fostered by leaders at Cayman Academy helped staff to stay optimistic despite the additional pressures caused by COVID-19, an Office of Education Standards inspector said.
Cayman Academy
Students at the private school in George Town were able to attend school online if they were in isolation, and continued to make academic progress during the pandemic, according to a letter to Principal O’Neil Duncan from Senior Inspector Carol Bennett.
“The Senior Leaders and Counselling and Pastoral Staff had worked together to create a caring and compassionate school environment for staff and students. Staff expressed that the school community felt like family,” Bennett said.
The visit occurred on 9 March and the inspector’s summary is dated 11 March.
“I did not find any significant concerns” during the school visit, the inspector said.
Unlike full inspection reports, the inspectors do not assign graded judgments to schools as a result of the one-day visits. Inspectors conduct interviews with school leadership, teachers and administration, as well as reviewing documentation.
The school had implemented an array of measures to protect against COVID, including mask-wearing, hand sanitising and regular cleaning of classroom spaces.
“Students remained in class ‘bubble’ groups throughout the day. This safety precaution almost completely eliminated teachers’ non-contact time and contributed to their additional work duties during the pandemic,” Bennett said. “Despite this they stated that this challenging period would end and they were willing to work together to ensure the students were kept safe.”
(‘Non-contact time’ is time used by teachers for preparation, assessment, correction, etc., without needing to supervise children.)
The school’s counselling and pastoral team provided services to staff, students and families.
“Almost all stakeholders spoke highly of the Counselling and Pastoral Staff and their initiatives to support student and staff well-being,” the inspector said.
Staff also had access to resources within the Adventist Church (which oversees the school) and had insurance coverage in case they needed to seek private mental healthcare.
“Staff who had contracted COVID-19 expressed that they were well supported by Senior Leaders, the Counselling and Pastoral Team and colleagues. Staff support included grocery and medication deliveries, monetary support and emotional support. Staff who returned after isolation received a basket which contained items such as foods which would help boost their immune system,” Bennett said.
“Staff reported that they felt supported by Senior Leaders. While there were additional demands placed on them during the pandemic, they felt as though they were supported to take time off if they needed it for rest or for their own mental health,” she said.
The school had facilitated training for teachers in online learning and made requisite investments in technology and software.
“While the school did not provide devices for students, they arranged the importation of devices at a more affordable cost. Payment plans were also extended to parents who required assistance. This initiative helped to ensure all students were able to access devices,” Bennett said.
Students in isolation were able to attend live lessons online via Microsoft Teams. Similarly, teachers who were in isolation but felt well could teach classes from home.
“Staff reported that data showed students continued to make progress during the pandemic and that some children thrived in the online learning environment,” the inspector said.
The current attendance rate at Cayman Academy was 97% including students attending classes virtually.