What Lockdown has taught us

The vast majority of the Hilden Oaks pupils had a good lockdown, with access to their personal school iPad and a healthy mix of live and recorded lessons - many even thrived without distractions! Assessments told us that the pupils' learning was in good shape, however, what had been missed most by the children during lockdown, were their friends. Once back at school, the journey of learning together began again.  

We started to notice that moments of stillness became very important in a busy class environment, which was when our mindfulness curriculum came into its own, providing space for calm reflection in the day. PSHCEE lessons were devoted to building friendships and positive working relationships with each other. Our Year 5 pupils became Anti-Bullying Ambassadors with the Diana Awards and new playground equipment was purchased by our active Friends Association. This all contributed to a lively yet relaxed atmosphere on the playground, where everyone could have fun whilst re-establishing their friendships. 

‘I Belong’ Friendship Bench - donated by Form 6 Leavers 2021

With lockdown lifting further, school trips were booked and the joy on the Year 6 children’s faces, as they climbed into the bus departing for their week-long residential trip to Skern Lodge in Devon, confirmed how much of a morale boost it was to be able to go away together.  Other day trips for the rest of the school followed; to wildlife centres, castles and museums, and the thrill of adventuring together once again brought laughter to the halls and corridors in school.

So, what has lockdown taught us? That we can adapt when faced with challenges;  our relationships are as vital as our learning, and that our School Values such as resilience, perseverance, courage and kindness are not meaningless words on the wall, as you walk through our red door, but the vibrant heartbeat of Hilden Oaks.