Our Six Ss for a successful Summer Term

SET-UP

If you have not already done so – and hopefully many have – create an environment to support effective learning. Set aside a study space, or at least one that is dedicated for learning during study hours. This makes it easier to avoid distractions; it places pen, paper and key equipment in easy reach, and it should put you in the frame of mind for work. For some, creating the right environment might mean putting on proper clothes, too!

STRUCTURE

Much was said in the first QE Update about the importance of a routine; it certainly makes things much easier, both in terms of effective study and of your overall wellbeing. Structure is a good weapon against procrastination; it helps ensure a suitable balance between different subjects (by working on subjects Monday–Friday, as they would be on your timetable), and it gives us a sense of purpose, while helping maintain clear boundaries between work, recreation and rest. Aim to build in sufficient breaks to enhance overall productivity and wellbeing.

SOCIALISING

Maintaining social interaction is very important for wellbeing, whether that is with your family or with friends and peers. Many avenues for this have emerged, including the form forums on eQE for Years 7 and 8. Think about collaborating and communicating with others about work where relevant, as well as talking to them as friends. Try to look out for one another: with all that is going on, some may be having a harder time than others.

SWITCH OFF

Build in time for rest and relaxation, and switch off from work at the end of the day. It is all too easy to end up glued to electronic devices, so take time away from screens, too. Within the boundaries of the social distancing rules, try to get out, if only for a short while, and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air, thus benefiting from opportunities for exercise, as well as simultaneously boosting your mood and vitamin D levels. In the current crisis, many are turning to mindful activities that are good for their wellbeing, appreciating afresh life’s simpler pleasures.

STAMINA

We do not know how long this situation will all last. Whilst term will not be as high-octane as when we are at School, it is important that a good, even pace is kept up, so that you are covering the material you need to learn and feeling that you are achieving things during this period. We cannot make up all this time when we are back in School, so everyone needs to stay on track.

SCHOLARSHIP

The greater reliance on independent learning methods is actually a prime opportunity for exploring different ideas and approaches, and drawing on different sources, to aid deeper and broader thinking. There will be greater scope for you to shape the direction of some of your learning, allowing you to develop your own interests within a subject. For those in Year 11 and Year 13, the extended transition to A-level and university provides an opportunity to get ahead by engaging with material that you are drawn to.

Brave New World competitions – poetry marking in motion;
last call for art

QE’s Brave New World poetry competition has seen 60 entries across the year groups. Head of English Robert Hyland says: "That is a very good number, so well done to everyone who contributed! I am now busy reading them through to judge the best."

Entries to the subsequent Brave New World art contest are reported to have been of a high calibre. The competition remains open until the end of today (Monday), so if you have not yet submitted your entry, there is still time to send it via eQE. Submissions can be of artwork in any medium.

Race against time to support the NHS

Hard work continued on-site at the School and in boys’ homes over the Easter holiday to maximise production of PPE.

Leading by example

School Captain Ivin Jose reports on how he has been spending his time since the virus-related restrictions hit.

Good in a crisis

Senior QE pupils have quickly swung into action to help out during the pandemic, continuing the School’s long tradition of public service.

HELPING NHS HEROES

Year 12’s George Raynor was already registered as a youth volunteer at Watford General Hospital, so when a new role of 'response volunteer' was created specifically to help with the pandemic, he was keen to get involved.

This role entails responding to the needs of NHS staff and patients wherever it is most necessary. That can include, for example, managing deliveries and donations to the hospital to ensure they quickly reach the correct wards; making sure doctors and nurses (who rarely get time for a break) are fed and kept hydrated; helping with patient tea rounds (only for non-isolated patients, as they do not enter the isolation wards), and taking calls from relatives of patients who are unable to visit.

"Although not glamorous, our work definitely seems to be valued by the hospital staff and I am really enjoying being able to contribute in a small way to the national effort,” says George. “I would certainly recommend volunteering for your local hospital if the opportunity arises and, if nothing else, it gets you out of the house a couple of times a week!"

"WHATEVER SMALL THINGS WE CAN DO"

Kieran Dhrona, of Year 13, has been collecting food donations from friends and family to give to NHS staff.

"These are people who are working long shifts and tiring hours, risking their lives on a daily basis,” said Kieran, who is part of youthconnectionlondon. “It is so important that the NHS has the public's support, and whatever small things we can do to make sure that our healthcare system can be maintained during the crisis we should do."

Pictured above is some of the food collected and delivered to A&E and other wards at Northwick Park, Hammersmith, Barnet and the Royal Free Hospital.

Separately from this and from the work led by Head of Technology Michael Noonan, Kieran and his family have also made and delivered to hospitals more than 400 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment by contacting suppliers of materials such as acetate and foam and then designing and creating the medically approved PPE, such as visors.

Keeping busy? These boys certainly are!

Year 9 pupil Pratyush Dutta Gupta’s packed holiday programme of lockdown activities featured sports, baking and making music, to name just three, while other Lower School boys getting creative include Aarav Agarwal, of Year 7, whose painting, above, is inspired by the work of modern impressionist Leonid Afremov.

"These unusual times"

Reflections on life and learning in a pandemic, from Year 11’s Manomay Lala-Raykar.