As we reach the end of the first week of term, I suspect many pupils, staff and parents may be starting to despair at the prospect of the weeks of remote learning that lie ahead of us. Whether it is the dismal January gloom, or simply the sense of déjà vu, this feels like it could be harder than last Spring.

The internet is awash with advice, both good and bad, about how to get the most from the remote learning experience, so I thought I would chip in with my own thoughts, based on my own experiences as teacher, Headmaster and occasional parent. And yes, some (much!) of this is ‘do as I say, and not as I do…’

It is worth emphasising, too, that everyone is different and there is merit finding time to reflect upon and discuss what has worked well or been enjoyable, and what has not. Often, we may simply have to grin and bear the situation, but in some instances, little tweaks may make a lot of difference.

1.    Location, Location, Location

This is too easily overlooked, but is of crucial importance. For long days in front of a screen, the setup needs to be perfect; a big enough desk to accommodate all the necessary work, without feeling cluttered; a chair with a sturdy back to provide support; enough natural light to maintain a healthy focus; and, as far as possible, quiet. And definitely no distractions - draw a clear and firm distinction between work and play. It may be worth trying out different desk positions to find the very best layout, or to rearrange the set up every couple of weeks to lessen the monotony. 

2.    Organisation brings calm

That feeling of arriving a bit late for the Zoom lesson, spending the first three minutes scrabbling around the desk trying to find the right books, only to find yourself somehow in a breakout room trying to complete a task that you don't understand… Being on the back foot is neither fun nor helpful and things can move quickly on Zoom, so it pays dividends to have everything prepared the night before, including a clear schedule for the day and all the necessary resources laid out in order. It may sound obsessive-compulsive, but it will bring calm and order when they are most needed.

3.    Take a break and stay active

This could very well be the most important advice. The pupils I speak to say that, by mid-afternoon, they are drained by the relentless focus on screens; with sore eyes and aching backs. As well as trying to use pen and exercise book to complete work, as far as is possible, we need to get active off-screen. This might be a long walk or a brisk run every day. It could very well be HabsDashGO! or tuning in to one of our fitness sessions after school. It could simply equally mean doing 20 press-ups or sit-ups in between each lesson. Whatever we do, if we allow ourselves to spend the whole of January and more stuck inside, staring at a screen, our bodies, minds and spirits will suffer. 

4.    Aspire

I know this will sound like rather worthy advice, however I do think that for energetic and brilliant young students (aka all the boys at Habs), now is a time like no other to read, to exercise, to practise musical instruments and to learn beyond the confines of the syllabus. Many pupils will return to school fitter, stronger, better read and more accomplished. It will require a good routine and some goals. It does not all have to be hard work; download a good audio book if your eyes need a rest! Take advantage of the many co-curricular opportunities such as Monday Means Music, Habs Jazz podcast, guest speaker series, House competitions, and so on. So, as you organise your day, be sure to plan in those other activities and opportunities which are more valuable now than ever.

5.    Find your voice 

As is the case in so many other aspects, the current crisis seems to exaggerate and exacerbate pre-existing trends. In my Zoom classes, for example, the outspoken pupils can dominate even more than before on Zoom, whilst their less exuberant counterparts seem even quieter still. It is more imperative than ever that those who may not be naturally disposed to speaking out, find the courage to do so (and that their peers give them the space and opportunity to do so). Everyone must make sure they find and exercise their voice! 

6.    Ask 

The astonishing spread of the virus is an ironic reminder of just how interconnected we are as beings. Whilst I do not believe that anything really compensates for real, in-person, human interaction, we must remember that we are not alone and can always to ask for help, no matter how trivial something may seem. 

7.    Keep a diary

It has often been said that people who keep a diary or journal are ultimately more successful than the rest of us (other than a brief spell as a rather sensitive teenager, I don’t know). Take a few minutes each day to note any highlights (or lowlights) and reflect on your progress. Gratitude is enormously powerful and a gratitude journal, that records three things for which you are grateful every day, will provide an opportunity to reflect and improve wellbeing.

8.    Be mindful and be kind to yourself 

As well as exercising our bodies, we need to still our constantly babbling minds. Five minutes given over meditation each day, or whenever you can, will help to reduce stress and anxiety, and help us to relax. It is well worth using an app such as Headspace or Calm.

9.    Remember why we are doing this

Finally, on those really gloomy days, when frustrations are simmering over, we need to remember why we are here and the terrible cost of the pandemic and the incredible work that our NHS frontline workers are doing every minute of every day to save lives. Putting up with this temporary disruption is our small contribution to a greater good. We must all play our part.

Mr Gus Lock
Headmaster