Greenfaulds High School Pupil Blog

What We Did In Lockdown

Lockdown: it was unlike anything we have ever experienced before. A phrase we have all been hearing recently in the media is “the new normal”, something we have needed to adapt to. Just half a year ago, masks, social distancing, and hand sanitiser by the gallons would be foreign concepts. However, after the closing of shops, cancellation of clubs and exams – and most significantly for students, schools were completely shut. Pupils all over the world were forced to sit idly by – for exactly 143 days in the case of Greenfaulds pupils – searching for activities to fill their days.

In hindsight the general perception of lockdown has been rather negative, as it was, after all, a complete step into the unknown for everyone. Yet, the reality is that lockdown, for so many, became an opportunity for lots of great achievements. This was evident after a short survey of some Greenfaulds pupils was conducted and found that over half of all participants had acquired a new skill, or indeed perfected an old one during lockdown.

 

Our New Skills

Whilst Daniel Carberry mastered the art of riding his bike, Keira Smith and Darcie Burnett attempted sign language, and Regan Norwood gained interview skills and practised enhanced fitness. When it came to creative activities, Lewis Robertson learned how to make soap, Liadàn Howat practised with watercolours, and Emma Royan learned embroidery. Hannah McNeilll learned to appreciate time alone, and Marysa Fraser spent her time running 10k’s. For practical skills, Aaron Ross learned how to drive, Megan Hutchison worked as a key worker, and Ben Carmichael participated in summer school. Finally, bakers were in abundance with Georgia Knox perfecting her Victoria Sponge, Megan Ckie her cheesecake, and Kate Buttenshaw her cupcakes.

 

What Did We Learn?

Although it is important to recognise the achievements that took place during the lockdown period, it is equally essential to acknowledge the fact that not all new skills acquired were physical. Many pupils felt that the time off school provided them with a period of perspective and clarity. For many, the pandemic truly brought their priorities into focus – whether it is appreciating your own company, your family, or even your own mental wellbeing.

Just like all the lessons life throws our way, as pupils of Greenfaulds High School, we can come together to recognise that lockdown, albeit a tough and unpredictable one, was another life lesson that we have had to face. A lesson that has hopefully allowed us to see the good that still exists in the world, and what we as pupils can achieve – whether it’s a practical skill like baking, or just the ability to take care of our mental health – when we put our minds to it. That is what we will take with us, from lockdown, into the future.

 

What Did Our Teachers Learn?

Although the closing of schools was of course an extremely significant change for the pupils of Greenfaulds themselves, it was equally so for our teachers. Balancing the teaching of online classes with day to day life, it is surprising that they had any time at all to learn new skills. We looked at what some of them got up to during lockdown – and they would have to be impressive skills to rival their pupils!

  • Miss Paterson took up baking, to soon discover that she was rather good – and began selling her cakes.
  • Miss McBride participated in the couch to 5k programme and made face masks from cushions – something that will be very useful now!
  • Mr Bradley also did the couch to 5k and did some graphic designing for the Novacs.
  • Mr Proctor used his time to practise his German.
  • In fitting with the language theme, Mr Scoular learned to count to twenty in Spanish.
  • Mrs Sutherland learned to further appreciate time with family during lockdown.
  • Miss Lundmark learned the importance of gratitude and patience during a time where both were extremely necessary.
  • Finally, Miss O’Kane put everyone to shame when she played tennis, took up open water swimming, made masks, and sanded down a furniture set!

 

Lessons & Support

Despite the months off school, we were all provided with a dose of normality in the form of online lessons. These added a sense of routine into pupil’s lives, and even a chance to have some much-needed communication with teachers and classmates. In fact, our survey of a group of senior pupils revealed that 72% of participants took part in online lessons during lockdown. Pupils found that teachers made all resources easily accessible and were quick to mark any issued work. They also recognised the fact that everyone had other issues with their daily lives to face during lockdown, and so pupils did not feel too much pressure to complete work within exact time constraints.

One parent who participated in the survey stated that:

I feel incredibly supported by the school. Work was readily available and there was not pressure if my child wasn’t able to keep up with it. Staff were there to support her through all her classes. Thank you so much.

Moreover, pupils were provided with support during the lockdown period from teachers and the school. This was especially evident after exam results were released, and pupils felt that they needed to contact their teachers. One pupil said that after feeling distressed after receiving their results, once in contact with their teachers they were very much reassured. Others stated that during the lockdown period, they also felt supported by their guidance teachers, and that they were always available if needed. This was something extremely important, especially during lockdown as the long period of time away from daily routine and friends left many of us needing that extra encouragement.

By Shanlay Russell and Lucy Phillips

Report a Glow concern
Cookie policy  Privacy policy

Glow Blogs uses cookies to enhance your experience on our service. By using this service or closing this message you consent to our use of those cookies. Please read our Cookie Policy.