The Treverbyn Academy community has risen to the numerous challenges thrown up over these past few months with determination, resilience, flexibility and good humour and on Tuesday 21^st July, academy teaching staff and pupils were asked to join a very special celebration at Treverbyn’s ‘The Hall’.

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were in the Duchy to pay tribute to community volunteers and organisations who have gone the extra mile during the COVID-19 period.  After chatting with The Hall’s volunteer team, the royal visitors met Head of School Mr Simon Welch who introduced staff members Mrs Alison Beard (HLTA); Miss Ria Blake (Teacher); Mrs Lorraine Daly-Borrowdale (Deputy Nursery Manager); Mrs Debbie Kearton (NQT Teacher), Mrs Char Prowse (HLTA) and Mrs Nicole Skelton (School Administrator).

Mrs Kearton commented, ‘I felt so proud to be representing both my school and my profession.  His Royal Highness asked me if it was my first year as a teacher and asked if I had a rigorous test to get through.  I replied yes! there were many challenges but as a newly qualified teacher here at Treverbyn, it’s been a wonderful experience so far!’  Mrs Skelton was asked by The Prince about her role as school administrator during the COVID-19 period and the vital role she played in managing the Free School Meals voucher scheme.

Pupils, remaining secure in their learning ‘Pods’, also had the chance to speak with Their Royal Highnessess and took it all in their stride.  Hayden revealed, ‘Her Royal Highness told me she’d been in the sea but thought it was really cold but she also told me she thought Cornwall was really beautiful!’ and George added, ‘I told Prince Charles that I’d been in my pod all half term but I’d really enjoyed it’.  Phew!

The entire Academy staff body has worked selflessly, and tirelessly, through the term and school holidays, to ensure that the children and their families are well supported.  Indeed, Treverbyn teachers played a pivotal role in the development of the Aspire Academy Trust’s centralised home learning programme which has comprised weekly topic projects with both online and offline resources.  During the school’s initial period of closure, staff members hand-delivered learning materials to families that had limited, or no internet access so learning for all could continue.

Head of School, Simon Welch comments, ‘We have endless examples in our school and across our Trust of positive changes made and of great solutions found, when once a task seemed impossible.  The Dunkirk spirit shown in recent months has injected a huge shot of positivity into the Treverbyn community and The Hall, alongside the school, is its beating heart.  The herculean efforts made by local volunteers is awe-inspiring and I am proud that Treverbyn Academy has been able to play its part.’

Aspire Academy Trust CEO, Vanessa Bragg adds, ‘I have been constantly amazed with the way staff across our Trust, and across our profession, have either found a way, or made one in order to successfully navigate the challenges we’ve faced since March.  School staff across the country have shown a remarkable resilience and fortitude and have remained steadfast and united, not only in supporting the safety and mental and emotional wellbeing of the children in their care, but of each other too. 

We are honoured that Treverbyn Academy has been allowed the opportunity to represent the education profession at this celebration. For Their Royal Highnesses to acknowledge the contribution this sector has made during the COVID-19 crisis is wonderful and a fitting end to a somewhat challenging academic term!’