During the lockdown, teachers, as well as pupils, have been encouraged to try and fulfil the CAS ideals (Creativity, Activity and Service).
Dr Fennell, Chemistry
Are you finding any creative ways to adapt to day to day life during this period of isolation?
I think the role of the home has changed a lot during the lockdown, as it is now a place to work and exercise rather than relax. It is therefore vital that a working environment is created. To achieve this I am limiting my screen time and I’ve started to take routines more seriously. I am now finding that I use my time a lot more productively and efficiently. Besides teaching and marking, I am halfway through In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust; I have greatly improved in learning Farsi; I am growing six varieties of tomatoes, seven types of vegetable, eight types of herbs, and I am working on a big flower bed. I’ve also had more time to try new recipes in cooking.
I now find that by the end of the day there is not enough time to watch any TV or look at my phone, which can only be a good thing!
However, I am a big NBA fan, so the only thing I am watching is a weekly series called The Last Dance on the 90s’ Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls.
Are you managing to stay active? If so, how?
Before the lockdown, I ordered a home gym with weights so I’m doing four sessions a week: two weight training sessions and two cardio bodyweight sessions. I’ve done the 26 burpee challenge for the KES 26 initiative in 1 minute 14 seconds. Can you beat my time?
I am currently in month two of the ‘30 day splits challenge’. It is a free app with the Leap fitness group, which I’d highly recommend.
From next week, since my hamstring is now a lot better, I’m beginning a three times a week running plan.
The ongoing pandemic is proving challenging for many, are you finding ways to help your community?
There are a few elderly people in my neighbourhood, so I hope to bring out baskets of my garden vegetables to their doors once the growing season starts next summer. I have given them all my number in case they need me for anything.
Miss Havel, Modern Languages
Are you finding any creative ways to adapt to day to day life during this period of isolation?
Luckily, I can do all of my work and leisure activities from home or in the community with social distancing, so I haven’t had to be particularly creative there. For example, I have joined in a socially distanced street dance with my neighbours. I have also enjoyed learning more about virtual teaching and have had to be creative in the way I deliver lessons.
Are you managing to stay active? If so, how?
Yes; I walk my dogs extensively every day and I do my dancing (although I would not necessarily call it that) in the living room. Now I’m finding that I do more stretching and strengthening exercises to counteract the disadvantage of working at a desk all day long.
The ongoing pandemic is proving challenging for many, are you finding ways to help your community?
I did offer my help to all my elderly neighbours, but I’ve yet to be taken up on it. So I have been donating fabric for the production of face masks and scrubs.
