L&A
Spring 2021
In their words
“What a year! One none of us planned for and never expected to last so long! As a Mum of a 2 year old at the start of all this, myself and A's Dad were daunted by the task of parenting and working full time under such restrictions, it is difficult to explain why you can't see family, friends, go to nursery or extra classes to a toddler. I was aware how lucky we were though, thankful for a garden, green spaces locally, nice weather and food on the table. As we watched the news my heart sank for those who don't have the same and realised what a challenging task they had - in the modern world how is this still happening?
As a teacher I was concerned for my pupils, past and present, you become really grounded in this profession, you see the reality of life for hundreds of children and some have a real impact on your life, even years later you wonder if they are OK. Nobody becomes a teacher because it is easy or they like the holidays because I can promise it isn't easy, and we don't really get our holidays! We go in to it to enhance lives; expand minds; look at things differently; be a shoulder to cry on; be there when there is nowhere else to turn and know that you have made a difference, however small, in the lives of young people. Teaching Drama and Performing Arts we often look at Theatre in Education, promoting positive mental health and well-being through performance and realising the power of creating change and expanding mindsets through theatre, and I was aware my pupils had lost that outlet. One which in the current circumstances was vital.
Returning to school in September, I felt sick, I have only ever felt like that twice before, the day I started teaching and the day I returned from maternity leave. I was concerned I had forgotten everything, how to teach, talk to teenagers, plan a good lesson, assess learning, talk to colleagues, string a sentence together, my passwords! In reality it was like riding a bike and I was so pleased to see all my pupils, despite them telling me that was really sad! Teenagers, tell you one thing but mean another! Dealing was isolating pupils was new, the work load had doubled as we were teaching those at home and those and in the classroom, planning for the future just incase of another lockdown, cleaning classrooms, moving around school to different bubbles, sanitising EVERYTHING, reworking plans for social distancing in a practical subject, supporting mental health and well-being being, but this was teaching in the middle of a pandemic and like all other key workers, we rolled up our sleeves and got on with it.
Lockdown three arrived and that was a whole different ball game! Teaching live lessons from home, a now three year old demanding attention and finding a winter lockdown harder I knew that I had to keep a routine - I don't like change and knew I needed something to hold on to, so a routine was all I had. I meticulously planned our days and it really helped me to keep calm and in control. The unknown is very scary, not knowing what is happening with GCSE exams for my pupils, when we will return to school, when can A's classes start back? There is only so long you can use 'because of the germs' as an excuse before you need something else. How long before normality can return? When can I hug my family, friends, my niece and her new baby sister? Then I take myself back a step, there has been real suffering in all of this and I am thankful that I haven't been subjected to it on the scale that others have, I hope you find the help and support you need.
I want everyone to know, in 2021 grey roots are fashionable, loungewear is acceptable in public, even screaming toddlers can grow up to be powerful in their profession, there will be times when you can't keep on top of working full time and home schooling, everyone has felt lonely at some point, crying is acceptable, it’s OK to feel out of control just try and find a strategy that works for you, there is always someone there for help and if in doubt, chocolate or a dairy free alternative will help - just make sure you Joe Wicks afterwards!”
Spring 2020