Teachers’ true grit

HARD at it . . . sixth-form college chemistry tutor Richard Nuttall and other staff get to work clearing the snow

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Staff dig out snow so pupils can sit exams

DUNKIRK spirit is truly alive and kicking at Oldham’s schools as staff battle to help pupils beat the big freeze and get to lessons safely.

At Oldham Sixth Form College, hardy staff armed themselves with spades and shovels to shift snow and ice from car parks and paths to make sure hundreds of pupils could sit vital exams.

The Union Street West college was forced to close on Tuesday and Wednesday after conditions became too treacherous.

College principal Nick Brown OBE said: “A large number of staff came into college very early in the morning yesterday to help clear the car park and it was a fantastic operation, a fine example of the Dunkirk spirit.

“Our clear up even extended along Connaught Street and other areas surrounding the college as conditions there were treacherous. We had over 400 students taking exams so were determined to have the college open for them.”

Staff at the Pupil Referral Centre in Watersheddings were also able to open up yesterday with a little help from a digger truck.

Head teacher Nikki Shaw phoned local plant hire company SP Hammers Ltd, which put her in touch with Jamie Lord from Bardsley.

Dedicated Jamie arrived at the Broadbent Road building at 7am to clear snow from the school grounds and surrounding roads, making the area safe for staff and pupils following closures on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Nikki said: “We couldn’t have opened without Jamie’s help so we are really grateful. He did a fantastic job and even cleared some of the local roads around the school.”

And staff at Blue Coat School donned their winter woolies, armed themselves with shovels and got to work on the school’s long driveway.

A combination of heavy snowfall, the lowest temperatures on record and strong driving winds have seen local roads become treacherous and, in some cases, impassable.

Only four local schools were able to open on Tuesday with just a handful more managing business as usual on Wednesday after conditions became too treacherous.

As the Chronicle went to press 61 confirmed school closures today with the majority planning to re-open on Monday — providing the weather doesn’t worsen over the weekend.

AS-Level exams are due to start on Monday, so secondary schools and sixth form college students are keeping their fingers crossed for an end to the snow and ice.