Norwich School Blog

Lockdown Diaries: Lila, Lower 6

This week in our lockdown diaries, we hear from Lila Hallam, who is Lower 6. Lila is currently learning in-school as one of our critical worker children. Here she shares her experience of lockdown:

"When lockdown number 3.0 was announced I was disheartened. Lockdown 1.0 meant the cancellation of my GCSEs which was a huge shock considering all the work I had put in over the last two years. Suddenly I had a lot of time on my hands and no prospect of a social life!

However, thankfully, the school put on great taster A level lessons which kept me busy. This meant that I was able to sample lots of different subjects that I wouldn’t ordinarily have had the chance to try, which helped me narrow down my subject choices. So by the time I started in the Lower Sixth I had definitely decided on my three subjects. Luckily the weather was good so I spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying the sunshine. 

In Lockdown 2.0 I was very grateful we could still go to school and maintain a degree of normality and routine.

So now we are in lockdown 3.0 and schools are once again closed. The pandemic has made me appreciate that school is about so much more than just attending lessons. I miss the sense of community that we have at Norwich School, especially whilst singing Jerusalem in the cathedral.

Currently I’m attending school as a keyworker’s child but all the lessons are done on my laptop as if I were at home. At first the school seemed very strange with few people around, but I’m gradually getting used to it.  My lessons follow my normal timetable and are on Microsoft teams, so my learning is not hindered. I love the interactive side of lessons on Teams as it mirrors normal school lessons and going into breakout rooms to discuss topics with friends is always fun.

In addition to this, the clubs I take part in at school are still running remotely making it easier for me to establish a routine. In games, the netball teachers are running live workout sessions that we all really enjoy. Being at school, I can also do activities like spinning, table tennis, basketball and badminton. Over all I feel that I’m keeping up with the work and it isn’t too different to normal learning other than the inability to carry out science practicals ourselves.

Mainly I miss my friends….and even my teachers! I’m trying to make the best of the situation. I’m finding that getting outside for a walk or run is really important and gives me a break from the screen. Establishing a routine is also important. A tip from me for online school would be to get involved, contribute as much as possible in lessons and try and have your camera on as its more fun to see your friends.  

When this is all over I can’t wait to see my friends at school and when the restrictions are lifted further, to have a big Lower Sixth party.  I think we’re all going to deserve that!"