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Kathryn Donnelly

PhD student - An exploration of the wellbeing of disadvantaged pupils in primary education after COVID -19: the importance of recovery conversations.

01752 636700

kdonnelly@kernowlearning.co.uk


Kathryn Donnelly

Role Summary

I am researching the impact of COVID-19 on the children that are from disadvantaged backgrounds at a coastal primary school, where I work as a KS2 class teacher and pupil premium lead. A recovery curriculum (Carpenter, 2020) has been implemented by the setting in which I work, which includes a focus upon children's emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Schools are following differing support mechanisms for the wellbeing of their pupils, and my research will investigate how a 'recovery curriculum', inclusive of 'recovery conversations', will allow children from disadvantaged backgrounds  to converse about their feelings surrounding lockdown and enable the school to adapt learning for their individual pupils' wellbeing.

Teaching

I have worked at St Columb Minor School in Newquay for the past 5 years, where I joined as a newly qualified teacher. Since then I have worked in Years 4 and 5, leading the More Able and the Pupil Premium teams. One of my great loves in teaching is encouraging children to use their deeper thinking skills and I have regularly run a Philosophy club. I am always reading the latest research paper and trying out new ideas in my classroom. I love helping a child to understand new thinking and giving them the tools to enable their own learning, stimulating their thinking and engaging their interest. I believe that the most magical moment is when you can empower children for lifelong learning, where they can believe and aspire.

I have recently implemented a whole school ‘character education’ programme, after completing my MA research on aspiration and socio economic deprivation.

Research

An exploration of the wellbeing of disadvantaged pupils' in primary education after COVID -19 : the importance of recovery conversations.

Other Interests

I enjoy being outdoors and this is often where you will find me, with our two dogs and the families’ three horses. I love spending time with my family and I am always kept busy as a mum to three teenagers. I enjoy reading, cooking and can often be found in the garden or buying more plants.

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