The trust refused to allow lockdown to affect learning, keeping their usual timetables and switching between remote and face-to-face learning depending on specific circumstances. Star continued its emphasis on reading throughout the lcokdown as teachers recorded themselves reading opening chapters of books, encouraged the use of their virtual libraries, and even held a week-long reading festival with visiting authors.
Across the trust, 5,000 devices were loaned to disadvantaged students to ensure they didn’t miss out on learning. The trust also trained 135 mental health first aiders to support students suffering from anxiety and depression, while 100 pastoral staff were trained to provide bereavement support.
