January 21st 2021
Lessons in lockdown
March 2020 to date has undoubtedly been the most surreal period of my life. Amongst so many things that I have learnt and observed, has been the consistent cheerfulness and ‘can-do’ attitude of the Moulsford boys. I can honestly say that I have really enjoyed many elements of online teaching. As someone who is not naturally brilliant with change, I have actually been refreshed by the challenges of ‘plying my trade’ in a new and different medium. Learning is so healthy and without wishing to sound cliché, I feel very fortunate to have been able to draw many constructive lessons from these testing times. Without doubt however, the positive approach taken by the boys has been a significant contributing factor to the enjoyment that I have had.
Every child is different in their own way, and this in itself presents significant challenges when teaching ‘from afar’, virtually. A trait commonly shared by Moulsford boys, as alluded to, is that of ‘giving things a go’. In my eleventh year at Moulsford, a culture of open-mindedness in the boys has always been evident. I continue to be impressed by the lack of self-consciousness amongst the boys, whether singing a solo, dancing, performing a declamation or kicking a ball. The reality of course, is that the boys, as humans, will have doubts, will tease each other from time to time, when outcomes are not successful, and will have low moments. That is the nature of life and of society. I do also feel that we as adults must not neglect to acknowledge the impact that the lockdowns will inevitably have had on our children. Nonetheless, something that makes Moulsford really special, is that the boys are so accepting of each other so much of the time, are prepared to respect other people’s talents and are willing to try new things. I find this genuinely inspirational, not least in what I see and hear of MPS boys virtually. I must therefore say a quick and specific thank you to all of those who I have taught online during lockdown; for your attitude, for your humour and for teaching me, as well as vice versa. The open-mindedness evident amongst the boys of Moulsford could be so well utilised by so many people, in all sorts of spheres of modern life.
When reading blogs such as these, I have been fascinated to hear how people have used their time in lockdown. Without wishing to be too predictable, I thought I would share a few of my experiences. Those that know me know that I am ‘slightly’ obsessed with golf. Sadly, at present, the golf courses, as so many things, are ‘out of bounds’. I would be lying if I said that I don’t find this difficult, as a trip to Huntercombe, and as my Dad would say, ‘knocking small balls into plant pots’ provides a happy and welcome release. However, the chance to spend quality family time and to see a spritely two year old evolve day to day has been a joy. My cooking has had to improve, without the luxury of Julie and her team cooking most of my weekly meals. My knowledge of wine develops little by little, and the opportunity to read more has been very welcome. Noble family Zoom quizzes resumed in the New Year, and I think I have finally learnt not to take them too seriously and to embrace the sociability, rather than worrying about how many points I have accrued. Hard as this may be to believe, we have even stopped scoring! I talk to my best mate more now than at any time since we were at school together. How fortunate we are for the advances of technology and all that we are now able to do despite the constraints imposed by the pandemic!
The Boarding House is eerily quiet at present, despite the aforementioned two year old, my daughter Rose, who is quickly learning some of the best hiding spots with our weekend games of ‘hide and seek’. We do miss the boarders and the lovely sense of extended family that the Boarding House brings. However, before too long, a return to the familiar routines will come, and I for one will enjoy ‘normality’ in whatever shape or form it manifests, all the more for having experienced the constraints imposed by Covid 19. Forgive my cheesy conclusion as I quote Max Ehrmann, an American philosopher of German descent, who was pretty well versed on living through tougher times, including two World Wars, and the Great Depression. Ehrmann poignantly commented that ‘With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams it is still a beautiful world.’ We are very fortunate to live where we do, and to be a part of a close-knit school community. I know that this is much harder for some than for others, but there is plenty to be hopeful about. Here’s to a brighter 2021, and even a return to the full complement of things that we love to see and to do at Moulsford!
