Kettering school staff win award for tireless efforts in lockdown

Staff at a Kettering secondary school been named as some of the county's unsung heroes for their tireless efforts in lockdown.

Kettering Buccleuch Academy is the latest recipient of a Rose of Northamptonshire award for the support students and families have had during the pandemic.

During each lockdown the Weekley Glebe Road school swiftly transitioned to provide a full online curriculum with live lessons, virtual enrichment activities such as an art club and PE challenges, and house competitions.

Staff have been in regular communication with students and families to ensure student wellbeing and provide any additional support - something which they say has been 'greatly appreciated' across the school community. Earlier this year parents organised a special collection of thoughtful gifts for staff to thank them.

And many of the school's teachers made significant contributions to the Oak National Academy, providing online educational resources which thousands of students across the country have benefited from.

Principal Dino Di Salvo said: “All of us at the academy are honoured to have been recognised by our local community and named a ‘Rose of Northamptonshire’.

"It is thanks to the hard work and adaptability of our fantastic team of staff at KBA that our students have continued to have access to a full and enriching education – what we call an education with character – over the past year.

"I am incredibly proud of the way our academy has responded to the pandemic and of the resilience and commitment our young people have shown to their learning.

"I am very much looking forward to safely welcoming them back to school.”

Part of the local ‘Unsung Heroes of Northamptonshire’ initiative, the Rose of Northamptonshire awards were jointly launched by The Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire and Northamptonshire County Council.

They encourages members of the public to nominate an individual or organisation who they believe has gone above and beyond to keep local communities united and safe in recent months, and whose tireless efforts deserve a spotlight.

James Saunders Watson Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, said: "There are very many people who during the pandemic have consistently put the needs of others ahead of their own, keeping communities connected and supporting the most vulnerable members of society.

"The 'Rose of Northamptonshire' award has been launched so that the people of Northamptonshire can recognise and thank them."