During the lockdown, teachers, as well as pupils, have been encouraged to try and fulfil the CAS ideals (Creativity, Activity and Service).
Miss Jones, Geography
Are you finding any creative ways to adapt to day to day life during this period of isolation?
Spending more time at home has allowed me to work on my gardening skills. Mrs Hudson (who retired from KES last summer) is a keen gardener and has provided me with much-needed help, advice and encouragement. I have also joined KES Birdwatching Society and reinstalled the old bird feeder in the garden.
Are you managing to stay active? If so, how?
I have been walking and running to stay active. I set myself the task of learning the names of all of the different tree species I pass on my new running routes. If I don’t know a species, I stop and use an app on my phone to help identify it – it also allows me to have a rest during my run.
The ongoing pandemic is proving challenging for many, are you finding ways to help your community?
Since the start of lockdown, I have been shopping for a friend who is shielding. More recently, since the rules were relaxed, I have been providing my elderly neighbour with some online training to help her speak with her grandchildren via Skype.
Mrs Zamaniego, Modern Languages
Are you finding any creative ways to adapt to day to day life during this period of isolation?
Being in lockdown has given me a good chance to try out new things. I planted some seeds right at the beginning of lockdown, which I have since repotted and moved outside, and to my surprise, they are still alive! I’ve enjoyed having the time to read more and I’ve also done some watercolour painting, which is very relaxing. Then at half term, I bought a paddling pool to console myself about my summer holiday being cancelled.
Are you managing to stay active? If so, how?
In the Easter holiday, I started the “Couch to 5k”, and got up to about week six, when I realised that I still didn’t enjoy running at all and lost motivation – I may go back and continue this, as I did feel healthier. I prefer following a workout on YouTube, such as Joe Wicks, or making use of the new cycle path on the Bristol Road. It’s also been nice to go for a walk in the local park in the warmer and lighter evenings.
The ongoing pandemic is proving challenging for many, are you finding ways to help your community?
I’ve continued to lead the church youth groups twice a week on Zoom, it’s not the same, but it’s good to maintain some sort of social contact, have some interesting discussions with young people and getting creative with quizzes and games. I’ve also signed up to my local “Community Response to Covid-19” group so I can help out in the foodbank or deliver food parcels.
