Holmes Elementary

Overcoming barriers to education

 This afternoon we visited Holmes Elementary and met with principal Steve Barnes who talked to us about his school, some of the issues the children face, and how himself and the teachers work to help to overcome these problems. Personally, this was one of the highlights of the programme so far, although I found it very difficult at times to hear Steve explain the conditions some of his pupils are brought up in and the issues they are confronted with on daily basis. Holmes Elementary is situated in a low SES area and consequently, as Steve explained, 92% of the school population receive reduced or free school meals, many of the children are from single parent families, have witnessed or experienced abuse, often rely on school for their main meals and some are even homeless.

In the light of these problems, I was amazed to have met such an inspiring, dedicated, passionate and positive principle. Steve's attitude, after 11 years at the school and 7 years as principle, was surprisingly optimistic despite the daily discipline that he must carry out and the 14 hour days he commits himself to. He explained that these children are at such an academic disadvantage due to their home situations, that he and his staff must do all they can to overcome these issues and help them achieve. The teachers are not only educators, but parental figures, carers or friends to many of these children who lack supportive adult figures outside of school. Teaching at Holmes is an extremely demanding job, but the teachers understand this and are devoted to their pupils. 

One comment that Steve made which struck me was that often pupils arrive at school hungry and it is the school's obligation to provide food because they will be unable to learn otherwise. This reminded me of Maslow's hierarchy of needs: the first need which must be satisfied in order to learn is the basic needs, food, water and to feel safe. Although I had studied this on my course at university, I had never really considered that sometimes this first, basic need is not met. I had thought that, as a teacher, I would not be concerned with this need and must only focus on those higher in the hierarchy. However, the reality for some children, I have learnt, is that teachers are the ones to ensure that their basic needs are met.