A Sixth Form perspective on lock-down learning
As the second half of the term swings into action at Teddies, we take the time to look back on the fantastic amount of learning, creative achievement, challenges, quizzes, fitness, team-work and of course video calls that have happened in these strange six weeks. It has been a challenge, but as a community, Teddies has pulled together and forged ahead. Each pupil – and indeed parent, teacher and guardian will have had a different experience, and with this in mind, two Lower Sixth Pupils, Saskia Ward and Leo Wilson, kindly share their perspectives with us:
Saskia first:
‘When I was woken up last week by the sound of my HM ringing me at 9:15 to inform me I was currently sleeping through my first lesson I realised that there are definitely some disadvantages to online Teddies. 
Overall, however, I’ve been enjoying it, it’s pretty different and certainly a unique experience but it’s working really well. Having the independence to work to my own timetable a bit more has been great. At the moment I am involved with online debating, yoga, rowing, and of course, our weekly Avenue house quizzes. These involve all of Avenue getting together for an hour on a Wednesday afternoon to enjoy a quiz/ bingo/ round of Linkee prepared by a different year group each week. This has been a really valuable thing during this time because not only is it fun, but also reminds you that you’re not going through this experience alone. Another highlight for me has been the weekly boat house Zoom sessions. Normally these are when we get a bit of hard work done on the rowing machine, bike, or in a circuit. This has been a great opportunity for a boost in motivation and also a chance to keep an eye on the ever-increasing home haircuts – Mr Moffatt’s recent buzz cut for example. However, despite all the great things that we have the opportunity to continue to enjoy, or to try for the first time this term, there are many things about ‘real Teddies’ that I am really missing. Whether this is spending time with friends in House, singing Shine Jesus Shine (obviously everyone’s favourite hymn) or the banoffee pie, we are all really looking forward to being back, whenever that may be.’
And Leo’s thoughts:
‘Although it has been a massive shame not being able to see any of my friends this term, there have been many opportunities and activities to interact virtually. Even though the integral social aspect of school has been missing, Virtual Teddies offers multiple schemes to allow people to connect.
The Sailing Club has been able to meet every week to battle it out online, this is always accompanied by a big group call, and it’s very nice to know that old tensions and rivalries can still flare up over a virtual race. The Bodleian society has also been an informal way of gathering like-minded historians together. Although the discussion is now less formal than it has been in previous terms, it’s great to hear everyone engage with the topic at hand. It’s nice to spend time doing something other than lessons and see some different faces from the ones at home for six weeks! My friends and I have been doing Mr Bond’s live circuits together, we’ve been calling each other whilst following Mr Bond’s programme. It’s been fun to see who can keep up! Apsley as a House have also been running lots of activities. Before leave weekend we had a whole House quiz. It’s great to have a feeling of collaboration and community when everyone has been locked inside. I’m sure while everyone is missing the feeling of seeing each other whilst locked in quarantine, Virtual Teddies offers many different ways to connect with people. It’s important to remember that everyone is in the same boat at the moment, and we can use this time to strengthen our bonds with other people.’