Parents write 'thank you' message to teachers at Edinburgh school for supporting their children during Covid-19 pandemic

Parents have issued a thank you message to teachers at an Edinburgh secondary school for everything they have done for their children throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The open message, to staff and leaders of Broughton High School, reflects on the struggles of recent months while outlining the uncertainty of what lies ahead over assessment methods, maintaining social distancing and staying safe, adapting to changing government advice and coping with a potential local outbreak.

It also refers to the "difficult situation" regarding this year's SQA moderation which has been subject to controversy over the downgrading of pupils' exam results, particularly those from more deprived areas.

The message, posted in the parent council section of the school website, says: "The role of a parent body in the school is often about asking questions, raising areas for improvement, and giving feedback on what could be better. But at the start of this term we want to say one thing.

Parents of children at Broughton High School have thanked teachers and leaders for their support during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pic: Google

"Thank you.

"To every teacher who spent hours working out how to deliver the curriculum virtually during lock down, thank you.

"To every teacher who spotted a student struggling with practical, social or emotional aspects of lock down and stepped in to help, thank you.

"To every teacher who thought creatively about how to engage children differently, thank you.

"To every teacher who pored over assessments, marked and remarked work, checked for consistency, and ensured they had strong evidence on which to submit grades, thank you.

"To everyone involved in re-thinking school, re-timetabling, and working out new ways of working to enable Broughton to operate differently, thank you.

"To every teacher facing a mound of appeals, and facing them positively for the good of our children, thank you.

"We know this year is likely to be one of the most challenging we have all faced. Thank you for rising to the challenge so far, and we know you will do everything possible to help our children and our school thrive and build resilience. We will continue to support you throughout the year.

"From many parents including our parent council."

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