Preparations are now firmly in place for the start of the new academic year at Nobel International School Algarve – and will entail a few noticeable differences.
Pre-school started this week and, next Monday, like any other school year, hundreds of excited students will return following an unplanned and unusually long hiatus, no doubt happy to be catching up with one another and meeting new faces after nearly six months’ absence.
For most, the occasion will be one of excitement, but, understandably, perhaps more so for parents and guardians, there might also be a degree of trepidation.
Nobel Algarve, like every other school in the country, was forced to close in March amid the grip of Covid-19, and resort to distance teaching; an unprecedented solution to an unprecedented problem.
Since June, as lockdown gradually eased, a skeleton staff returned to oversee the likes of Summer School and admissions, and to implement the rules and regulations from the authorities as they emerged.
Over the past few weeks Nobel Algarve has made every effort to ensure it follows the latest guidelines on social distancing and hygiene, to guarantee students, teachers and staff return with complete peace of mind.
The entire team has been busy preparing for the 2020-21 school year and training has been provided on different aspects of the so-called ‘new normal’.
This will involve physical changes to the school grounds as well as a set of protocols and procedures to follow by all. Face masks and hand sanitiser are required, not only on campus but also on school transport, as well as social distancing, and new drop-off and pick-up rules in designated areas are in place for parents and guardians.
Three different teaching scenarios have been drawn up to deal with the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of the virus, in accordance with indications from health authorities and the government. These aim to allow for seamless transitions with as little disruption as possible to students’ learning whatever the scenario.
Despite the pandemic, Nobel Algarve is happy to say it continues to thrive; not only has the teaching pool grown, but it is pleased to announce a full house of students, of even more different nationalities than last year, and a brand new campus in Almancil.
Mike Farrer, Head of School said: “In these changeable times we all need to adapt to our new learning environment with the ongoing support of all families in our school community. We as a school will ensure that all of our students are safe and secure to optimise their learning experience.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students and families a positive start to the new academic year”.
