As the Summer Term gets into its stride, some Lower School boys have been reflecting on their remote learning experiences.
From the early frustrations of not being able to meet friends and the challenge of summoning up the requisite self-discipline, to the acquisition of new skills, boys are having to adapt to a new way of living and learning.
Trying to keep to a similar time frame to that of a typical day at School, including taking regular exercise, has been Dylan Domb’s main priority. He was also one of the QE boys who, at the suggestion of the Head of Technology, Michael Noonan, has been using his 3D printer at home to manufacture face shields for NHS workers. “I delivered my first batch on Monday, so somewhere in the country, front-line NHS workers will be wearing the masks that I have made.”
Praising the versatility of the staff, Dylan, of Year 10, said: “Home learning has been a new and exciting endeavour for me. I have been given access to a whole host of new resources.”
He has been able to continue studying at a steady pace, using eQE – particularly the facility to ask questions of teachers and receive feedback on his work – just as he would at school. A picture of Dylan’s desk illustrates the article on remote learning by Deputy Head (Academic) in this edition of QE Update.
Dhruv Chadha, of Year 9, misses being in class but is finding the new experience interesting. “I like that all the resources that we would normally be offered in the classroom are on eQE and that we can ask our teachers questions, as it is really helpful. The resources provided are, in my opinion, reducing the damage which is being created right now.”
He has also been making use of the time to try out new things he would not usually have time for and has been learning Korean, Persian and Arabic. “I find these particularly challenging and fun, and I plan to continue studying them after this situation is over.”
Anoop Donthireddy, of Year 8, initially found the completely new style of learning something of a challenge but he is getting used to it now. “You need to follow the teachers’ online instructions carefully to complete the tasks in the correct way within the due date.” He has found working through eQE has become easier and that the teachers’ online help and the resources available there have provided him with the support he needs. “I miss the Science practicals and the after-school clubs, but I have been using the James Dyson Foundation Challenges and maths diagnostics quizzes, which are interesting and fun.”
At first, Rahul Belavadi, of Year 10, was challenged by the change of pace but is now finding the system “quite successful”, as questions can be sent through eQE. In his view, the quality of his learning has not been badly affected by the circumstances. In particular, he has developed his independent learning skills and has valued having more time to take detailed notes, which he thinks will be useful for revision in the future.
“My progress hasn’t really been hindered, as lesson PowerPoints are sent out through eQE, so the teacher’s comments are still part of the lesson,” he said.
He particularly enjoyed the Kerboodle tasks that were set for Biology, finding them engaging, as the questions were set out in a quiz-like style.
Rahul is using his free time to volunteer at a hospital. He distributes donations to staff members in the wards. “I have found this really rewarding, as anything small which makes their life easier, such as a dinner, definitely goes a long way.”