We have had a range of discussions in school recently around the potential creeping impact of the broader context of Covid-19 upon us all.  These reflections have not just taken place between staff, but also with pupils in an entirely age-appropriate manner.

As a staff, we have reflected that ‘the frog in hot water’ analogy is highly appropriate in representing the incremental escalation in the impact of Covid-19 and associated measures since the Spring.  Many of us may be feeling more anxious, even if this is at an unconscious level, with the result that we may have noticeably fewer emotional resources available to deal with the challenges that come along as a regular part of our daily lives.  Children may also be experiencing raised levels of disquiet, which they too struggle to rationalise, and of which they may not be aware.  This may be expressed in us all by short-temperedness, a reduction in our focus, pushing the boundaries, thoughtlessness, memory lapses, unexplained emotional outbursts, or simply a feeling of feeling unsettled.  We have resolved to all keep this in mind when dealing with colleagues and children at this end, as well as ensure we are as kind as possible to ourselves as we move forward together. The children are looking to us to model the best response to the strains we are all under, but there is no harm in admitting that we are not bulletproof too.

We are all working to ensure that pupils continue to spend as much time as possible at the edge of their comfort zone, as this is when learning and development is maximised and at its most stimulating, but at time like these, the odd spell in our comfort zone may be just what is required perhaps?

To help with our own buoyancy, staff have also been looking forward to the post-lockdown period and thinking about the clubs and activities that they might offer as restrictions lift.  Thus far, clubs have been mooted in Philosophy, Maths Challenge, Debating/Critical Thinking and Creative Writing to name but a few.  As you can see, teachers are like coiled springs and as frustrated at the rest of us by their constraints on their work.