We’ve been checking in with Educate Together schools to see how they’ve been supporting students through distance learning during the covid-19 restrictions. Here’s an update from the Hansfield ETSS school community:
Art during the covid-19 pandemic – Sarah Hogan
Art students have been working hard over the school closure to produce art work inspired by their experiences of homeschooling. Students have been encouraged to use household objects and materials such as toilet rolls to create interesting artworks, ensuring that all students can produce the work regardless of their access to art room basics such as paint and brushes. Projects have encouraged students to engage with how they are feeling and use their artwork as an outlet for their mental state. We have encouraged students to use their own experiences as a stimulus for producing a personal considered response.
Home textile project – Susan Loftus
First year Home Economics students received a textiles pack for their summer term needlework skills assignment. The Hansfield ETSS Home Economics department were determined that their students were not going to get away without learning some sewing skills this year. First year students will soon learn lots of practical skills and put them to good use making some embroidery hoop art. Once they’ve mastered the back-stitch they will be able to use this new skill to make their own reusable facemasks using recycled fabrics from home.
Virtual bake off challenge – Lauren Murphy
Second Year Business Studies students were studying marketing, promotion and product development in their classes. As a unique way to engage students they were challenged to complete a virtual Bake-Off . As the students could not complete the bake sale in school, many of them wanted to participate and did so through a ‘Virtual Bake Off Challenge’. This was done through Microsoft Teams whereby students uploaded photo’s of their bakes. This was thoroughly enjoyable task for all the students that entered. Students were able to learn through discovery at home. The only downside being, that the students and staff at Hansfield ETSS couldn’t sample some of the wonderful baking creations!
Physical education to support student wellbeing – David Quinn
To facilitate continuity of learning, health and wellbeing for students of Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School, the Physical Education Department created a Padlet website with curated content to support students during the lockdown.
Our students come from a range of socio-economic backgrounds, some who may find it difficult to cope during the COVID-19 related stay at home orders. While the school management and teachers are doing their best to support student learning in this new world, many pressures points and challenges exist in the homes of many of our students.
Many parents are under pressure to keep food on the table, to work remotely and are doing the best they can to keep their children on task. Being mindful of these challenges, the PE Department’s website features a range of resources from developing sports related skills and staying fit to exploring other wellness related pursuits such as dancing, yoga and mindfulness. The PE Department are confident that some of these resources will support student wellbeing, even somewhat, during what it an un-precedence challenge.
My lockdown routine – Ruth (Second Year Student)
During this lockdown experience, I have found that making a timetable the night before, helps me plan what I am going to do the next day. This plan ensures I can complete all my assignments without stressing. I usually start the day by joining an online class, eat breakfast, and then start my school work.
Part of my timetable is going outside to get fresh air, exercise, play badminton and enjoy the sun with my family. We make sure we follow the rules of social distancing and wash our hands when we go back inside. I also like doing my schoolwork outside, especially in the sunny weather.
I have taken up some new hobbies during this lockdown. I am becoming more confident in baking and cooking. There have been times where I have made breakfast for my whole family and often create lovely deserts for after dinner.
I think that I am being more productive with my school work during this lockdown. The timetable for the day keeps me in a routine and focused on the tasks I need to achieve. I do miss seeing my friends and look forward to returning to school again.
A teenager’s time in lockdown – Martyna (Third Year Student)
Martyna has been using her time to reflect on what some of her days have looked like during the lockdown. Her passion is Art and Sketching. Below is a sketch that she has created using a computer sketch pad, to illustrate what she has been doing, during covid-19 lockdown of 2020.
Real stories from the Educate Together community
Educate Together’s schools mean so much to the lives of the children and young people who attend them, and to the communities that they are a part of. You can read, watch and listen to real stories from the students, staff and families involved in the Educate Together school movement on this page and at the links above. Do you have an experience from an Educate Together school which you would like to share? Share your story: info@educatetogether.ie
