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The New Normal 

Across the academy, country and globe, everyone has been adjusting to the “new normal” a phrase that even the government are finding it tricky to comprehend.

In English lessons, considering our new interactive, holistic and creative focus across the curriculum, this new normal of social distancing, staying in seats, no grouped work, although vitally important for the greater good, is rather frustrating.

Plans to have students performing Shakespeare, planning gothic scenes, exploring context across the classroom has been put on pause. However, that doesn’t mean learning across the department has not been fun, energetic and rewarding.

“English has been different, sure. But I still got to perform some speeches in oracy. I did a speech about the importance of school uniform and equality. Other students said school uniform was dead. But I thought it was good as made us sort of equal. Also, it saves my mum on loads of washing if I had to wear a new outfit every day.’ Nazneen stated.

Although there has been some obvious adjustments, when interviewed on the subject of how English has been different since September, the students surprised even me with how little they had seen change across English, ‘It’s basically the same – just had to leave at lunchtime a couple of times,’ said Ryan in year 8. ‘still have to do assessment and homework though,’ recalled Bihal in YR9.

So, how much has this “new normal” effected teachers.

It’s been a bit tricky to be honest, ensuring that you have enough time to get through all of the lessons.” An anonymous teacher said. “Also, tracking homework can be an issue as a whole year group might not be in when the homework is due, but students usually hand it in a week later and because they have had more time to work on it it’s even better!’ Stated the head of KS3, Matt Ward.

As this article is being penned, the government have announced the roll out of the vaccine, thus, perhaps the new normal will soon be a thing of the past, however, judging from students and staff in English - the new normal in class and around the academy has not been drastically different from the old normal.

Well, perhaps there have been a few more face masks than normal