. . .when you can’t go to the beach by Harry Gallie (year 7)

BEFORE the lockdown, I would have to be up really early (6.15am) because both my parents have to leave the house early for work. However, now they’re both working from home I don’t have to be up until 8am which feels like a massive lie in! It also means I can go to bed a little later too. Other than that, my routine has stayed fairly similar with school hours and home learning being from 9am until 3pm during the week.

I’m trying to do more writing, from creative writing to informative/report style. I’ve also spent more time watching classic films and plays online that have been streamed for free by the National Theatre. I wouldn’t normally have the time to do this. A few days ago I watched Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet, it was really good. I’m planning on watching a stage production of Macbeth next.

I’m definitely doing less walking and exercise (for obvious reasons!).

There are definitely a few ‘silver linings’ in all this — for instance, I get to spend much more time with my immediate family. Usually during school terms our weeks are really busy and we don’t get much quality time together, so this has been amazing.

Since I’ve had a lot more time on my hands, I’ve also had the opportunity to get involved in competitions and to write reports and also to learn some new skills such as baking, home decorating and even rewiring/electronics!

My parents have supported me so much with my learning and encouraged me to take opportunities to develop new skills and interests during lockdown. My teachers have also been really helpful and have given me lots of things to get involved in (not just school work!). In particular, my English teachers Mrs Young and Miss Fox have kept me busy!

Overall — me and lockdown — is a love/hate relationship. In all seriousness, I’m actually really enjoying it but then on the odd day, I just get a little worried about keeping up with everything.

The best advice I’ve been given is to look for the opportunities even in tough situations — and make an advantage of all the opportunities you get — you never know where they might take you.

I hope when this is all over, I will remember to be grateful for what I have and not take things for granted, as you never know when it might be taken away from you. For example, my family and I love spending lots of time at the beach — it’s one of our favourite things to do and we go as often as possible when we all have time off together. This hasn’t been possible due to the lockdown and with all the amazing weather we had recently it was really frustrating that we couldn’t go.

I’m looking forward to seeing my family and being able to hug them, seeing my friends, being back at school and going to the beach.