During the lockdown, teachers, as well as pupils, have been encouraged to try and fulfil the CAS ideals (Creativity, Activity and Service).
Rosie Thomas, Swimming and Water Polo
Are you finding any creative ways to adapt to day to day life during this period of isolation?
I’m trying to set a challenge of doing or learning something new every day, from online piano lessons to free short courses with the Open University. I’m using the free time to spend more time doing things I love – catching up with friends and family worldwide, cooking my favourite dishes and working my way through a pile of books that I’ve been wanting to read for ages.
Are you managing to stay active? If so, how?
Yes! I’m using my daily outdoor exercise to go for a bike ride, a run, or a long walk. I’ve discovered loads of new walks near my house, which have been especially lovely during this spell of sunny weather! I’ve also been mixing up my exercise at home, with some yoga, circuits, rowing (machine!) and even plenty of gardening and DIY jobs! There are so many different online fitness classes, led by different experts and sports professionals, so it’s been fun to try out new things and get some varied ideas on exercise.
The ongoing pandemic is proving challenging for many, are you finding ways to help your community?
I’ve signed up to my local volunteering group, Moseley Together, where I help others by picking up and delivering medication, shopping, or just giving a call for a bit of a chat. It has been unbelievably rewarding and I’ve already met lots of people nearby who I never would have had reason to speak to before. I’ve also been to donate blood which is as important now as ever. Clapping (and banging saucepans!) every Thursday has been a weekly highlight, with the cheers getting louder and new faces on the street emerging week on week!
Natalie Lockhart-Mann, Diploma Programme Coordinator
Are you finding any creative ways to adapt to day to day life during this period of isolation?
My family and I have had to adapt and change our daily routine, but in many ways, this has been a bonus for us. I have managed to convince my children that playing Catan is fun (even though I always win), and we are making time to do something creative every day. Having said that, we are also trying to make sure that nothing becomes a burden, so if we don’t feel up to it, we do something else.
Are you managing to stay active? If so, how?
My goal is to be able to run 10k before the end of lockdown! But jokes aside, I am using an app to help me run for longer periods and I am making the most of having a bit more time in the morning to exercise. My children are enjoying PE with Joe Wicks (though I tried it once and couldn’t walk for three days) and my dog is loving all the walks!
The ongoing pandemic is proving challenging for many, are you finding ways to help your community?
I joined the call for volunteers for the NHS. We use the GoodSam app which has been repurposed to respond to the needs of the local community. Every once in a while, a siren goes off on my phone and I am given the option to respond to a request from someone in the local community. This could be driving someone home from the hospital, checking on someone’s welfare, doing their shopping for them or simply phoning them up for a chat. So far, it has been mostly calling up elderly members of our community who are isolating, and who need to hear a friendly voice, or have a chat and share their experience so that they don’t feel quite so alone.
