The wacky and wonderful ways local schools have been interacting with their pupils during lockdown

TOILET roll keepy-uppies, teachers hula hooping and bake-off competitions are some of the innovative ways schools in the area have been keeping pupils busy at home during the coronavirus lockdown.

Having only days to prepare for the lockdown – which began in March – proved a mammoth task but schools are reporting they are managing successfully to continue pupils’ studies.

Peter Main, headteacher at Priestlands in Lymington, admitted it has not been an easy task: “Seven weeks into lockdown, and students and staff are truly coming to terms with the reality of not being able to enjoy the enormous benefits of being in school.

“Toughest is the social aspect, with students not being able to see their friends and teachers, and we can fully appreciate what a difference it makes being able to interact face-to-face, work together, support each other and collaborate on learning and extra-circular activities.”

To help, Priestlands’ PE department has been setting sporting challenges including toilet roll keepy-uppies, alongside more academic maths challenges.

In turn, students have been sharing what they are up to in a news email which has featured a homemade Tesla coil, Mission Impossible-style video and family sport sessions.

Mr Main said: “We have been learning fast about new technology and have had a whole school assembly live on YouTube and Q&A sessions through Zoom.

“We know that not every student has a laptop and many are sharing devices with parents who are working, or with siblings, so we are mindful that the type of work being set is not all dependent on screen time and departments are being very creative in using a variety of mediums.”

At the Arnewood School in New Milton, the use of technology has helped it to provide learning for pupils during the lockdown.

Headteacher Nigel Pressnell said: “Fortunately we have been running an iPad scheme for some time, so most of our students in the lower years have a tablet already.

“We can supply them more cheaply for parents and upload them with learning apps. This scheme has really benefited the school and the students since the crisis began.

“Every other iPad and spare piece of computer kit in the school we have made available for those who need them.”

Lessons are set using the Firefly remote learning system so a teacher can set a week’s work for every student, which can be submitted and marked online.

Mr Pressnell added: “Our aim is to make things as normal as we can, and we are relying on parents to assist – and they have been incredible, quick to get on board and help shoulder the burden.

“They have really got behind the staff and thrown themselves into home schooling.”

Teachers at Tiptoe Primary School wanted to let pupils and parents know they were missing them with a picture posted online of staff holding signs saying: “We are so proud of you.”

Vanessa Snellgrove, school business manager, said: “It has brought a lot of fabulous positive comments and put a smile on many faces.”

At the New Forest Academy in Holbury, teachers have launched on online careers guidance programme for school leavers.

Staff across Hampshire were praised by Cllr Roz Chadd, the county council’s cabinet member for education and skills.

She said: “I have been so impressed with the ingenuity and resourcefulness of schools all over the county in maintaining an interesting curriculum of learning, both at primary and secondary level, for the majority of children and young people who are undertaking their school work at home while we live through lockdown conditions.”

Independent schools attended by local pupils have also been adapting. At Talbot Heath in Bournemouth, assistant head Ian Cradick’s lesson in zero gravity – demonstrated with a virtual hula hooping session – proved popular.

Headteacher Angharad Holloway said: “Remote learning has changed the face of education for ever. Much of what has been pioneered and used will be incorporated into learning going forward.”

Similarly, Ballard School in New Milton has been praised by parents for moving their lessons quickly online and forming a virtual register for pupils to keep familiarity.