Lockdown has been a new experience for us all since the coronavirus hit the UK, and everyone has had to adjust to new challenges, such as home-schooling, limitations on our usual lifestyles and not being able to see our friends and family in person.
However, despite these enormous changes, many good things have come out of lockdown and in order to keep a positive mindset it is important that we recognise these things. The 8th May saw the UK celebrate VE day, with many families preparing homemade traditional British treats such as scones with jam and clotted cream, and some people even dressed up in attire typical of the 1940s. Some neighbourhoods hosted socially-distanced afternoon tea and even street parties to mark the 75th anniversary of the acceptance of Nazi Germany’s surrender in the Second World War, meaning the end of conflict in Europe. Union Jack flags and decorations scattered the front gardens and houses in many streets, creating a welcome sense of celebration and solidarity in communities across the UK.
Former British army officer Tom Moore rose to fame in the past few weeks for his extraordinary fundraising efforts in the run up to his 100th birthday, collecting a total of more than £23 million for the NHS. The UK has also been celebrating the other heroes in our midst, for example the many NHS workers who are fighting the pandemic on the frontlines, supermarket workers and other people who are risking their lives to make ours better, safer and more comfortable. Many King’s students have parents who are key workers and we are extremely proud of these people who are selflessly working at this unusual and often scary time.
King’s students themselves have also been doing their bit. Many of us have taken part in the ‘5 5 5’ challenge, where participants run 5km, donate £5 to the NHS and then nominate 5 others to do the same. Lots of similar fitness challenges are circulating the Internet; some people are completing the Burj Khalifa challenge, which involves walking up the stairs a grand total of 184 times, and the House Marathon challenge has got us all running 2.6 miles for our houses. These opportunities have got everyone keeping fit and healthy, as well as busy! King’s have also done their bit in the fight against COVID-19 by creating PPE – the DT department have been making vital equipment to support those who need it.
Despite the fear and uncertainty caused by the virus, communities are coming together (whilst staying apart) to support vulnerable members of society and to show appreciation for the nurses, doctors, midwives and other healthcare professionals with a weekly applause every Thursday in the street. We have also been able to adjust to the fantastic online learning systems here at King’s, using Microsoft Teams to get guidance from our teachers and have even had assemblies and House time online.
Also, the King’s Voice school radio station is once again up and running, as well as weekly lunchtime concerts on our school twitter page, allowing us to appreciate the exceptional musical talent displayed in our school by streaming it on our screens.
Whilst the pandemic is not ideal for any of us, it is essential to stay happy and healthy as much as possible and it is lovely to see neighbours uniting to help those who need it.