At this point in our year 8 drama curriculum our students would usually be creating plays to communicate the problems with social media – cyberbullying, lower social skills, revelation of too much information etc. This year, however, our students have found new meaning in social media. A recent home learning task asked students to read a poem by Gary Turk and rewrite it with themselves in mind. Later this poem would be used to create powerful and effective drama pieces (hopefully). I have been moved by the outcomes of this task. Our year 8s have found some wonderfully appropriate interpretations that match the time we are living in now….

I can’t believe this is happening.
It all just doesn’t seem real.
All around us nothing but chaos.
I wonder how the world will ever heal.

Home maybe a safe place for you
But for many children their safe
Place is a school. Remember them
When you go out for no reason. They
Are only asking us to follow one simple
Rule.

There are many people around us. Key
Workers that have no choice. But to go
Out working to keep us going. Let us all
Be their VOICE.

Covid 19 is what they have named it.
This coronavirus is killing with might.
We need to stand together as the
Human race and put up one hell of
a fight.

The stories from across the globe
Of death and illness are plenty.
Hospitals under so much strain. No-one will ever forget 2020.

Shahan Sheikh, 8Willow

Look to your phones, time to connect,
Talking to friends on the internet.
A time of forgiveness, a time of gratitude,
In it together, let’s have a good attitude.

Thank our NHS, for all they have done,
Staying home doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.
Spend time with family, keep busy and safe,
I know it is hard but we need to be brave.

Don’t use it to be negative, use it for good,
Follow advice and do what you should.
Defend our country, save a life,
Don’t forget to take it in your stride.

Alice Ridout, 8Oak

Life is at a pause, but don’t start breaking laws
Locked at home, with just your phone
Not alone, so please don’t moan
Although we are at home, you can still go for a stroll

Once a day but 2 metres away

Mya Dave, 8Sycamore