Along with everyone we are sad to hear about the death of the Queen yesterday. She has been a ‘constant’ for every one of us in terms of the only Monarch we have known and such a familiar figure as a back drop to all living in the UK. She was, as many commentators have said, the most famous woman in the world. It is monumental news, as are all the events that now unfold; from state funeral through to all the things that happen regarding the coronation of King Charles III.

We all have our own political and personal views but I have no doubt whether you are a republican or monarchist or simply a ‘never really thought about it type of person’;  I think we would all agree she was a remarkable woman; incredibly hard working; duty-driven and with distinct humility. She was always very dignified and apolitical. Clearly, when you hear all the accolades across the world, she was highly respected for her breath of knowledge over time and admired for how she conducted herself in public life.

So of course we are a school, the home of education; so we will plan all our very own Temple Meadow responses; led by pupil voice. We will frame our own responses to the death of the Queen and the accession of Charles III. We are always mindful of how a public death can impact on our community when there are bereavement issues. 

As you can see, we took the opportunity today to mirror what happens at many public buildings and our Head Boys and Girls lowered our Eco flag on our flag pole to half mast at the end of break time. Our newsletter goes out with a black border mirroring what happens in national newspapers. We have already sought some pupil voice on ‘how they feel about the death of the queen at the age of 96 and given her long time as queen’ and ‘if they were King Charles III what would be something they would like him to do’. Of course, if not age appropriate, we don’t force something children are not interested in. 

Today, Year 6 are discussing whether they would like school to have a book of condolences and how they would see that working. 

Over the next few weeks, we will take opportunities for learning linked to all of these national events. We call this type of response to world events ‘continuous provision’ and we regularly do this.