HEAD GIRL

FELICITY ASTON

There have been both highs and lows over the past year as we have been learning to navigate through a pandemic as a school, but the whole experience has certainly made me appreciate school all the more.

Amelia-Sky Stevens (Left), Felicity Aston (Right)

Online learning took some getting used to, especially with the technological challenges that I personally faced. To begin with, my laptop was old and thus didn’t have a working camera or microphone, so I had to resort to using Microsoft Teams on my phone. Having to work with a far smaller screen was rather difficult, but at least it meant that I wasn’t isolated from the lessons. As if this wasn’t enough to contend with, one of my cats decided to use my laptop as a litter tray and it hasn’t worked since.

Having said this, home schooling did enable me to get up later as I didn’t have to catch the bus in the morning, and the extra half hour in the evening (which I would normally spend on the bus) was extremely useful for getting homework done. In addition, being a person who likes routines, I found that keeping our normal timetable for remote lessons really helped me adapt to the new situation and stay motivated. Even so, I was very relieved to return to school for face to face lessons and see all my friends again.

Over the course of the year, I learnt a great deal about the need for flexibility and being ready to adapt to any sudden changes in plans. Many events that we had all been looking forward to had to be postponed or cancelled, often at short notice. Masks have become the norm, and we’ve also had to contend with various other challenges and restrictions, like bubbles and one-way systems. In spite of all this, Lucton has somehow managed to retain its wonderful family atmosphere, which really is a testament to everyone here.

Felicity Aston Head Girl

Head Girl

AMELIA-SKY STEVENS

Even though Covid caused some unexpected and challenging aspects to school life in 2020/21, it was one of the most fun, exciting and intellectually demanding years I have ever had.

Whilst the Sixth Form stands on its own within the School, sports, CCF and Drama allow us all to integrate and continue to flourish in the familial atmosphere. Although the introduction of Covid bubbles did have an impact on some lessons, activities held outside continued in a relatively normal manner.

The workload increased with more demanding subjects and the need to constantly consolidate for A Levels, which crept forward with inevitable steadiness, but unlike years before there were free periods in which I could do this.

Covid also made its presence felt across the School calendar, with impromptu cancellations for annual events such as Words & Music for Remembrance, school plays, concerts and the Carol Service. However, although the cancellations were often aggravating, we managed to improvise in true Lucton fashion. Unfortunately, many of the usual school trips were also cancelled but the annual visit to Oaker Wood, the Sixth Form Dinner and our all-day Christmas celebrations on the final day of the Autumn term went ahead; the informal atmosphere was perfect for students to let their hair down after a busy term. The friendships I have developed over the past year are something I will forever cherish and the memories of hysterical laughter and fun just wouldn’t have been the same if not for where it happened. With the Spring Term came a return to lockdown and the introduction of online learning. Although I missed the daily interactions I had with my peers and teachers, everyone did their best to make it as interactive and enjoyable as it had been in person. RAF continued and training routines were sent from our sports teachers to keep our fitness levels up. However, even though learning through Teams was made as entertaining as possible, I was extremely excited to return back to school just before Easter.

As always, the Summer Term was packed with events, even in the wake of Covid restrictions! Studying outside in the sun, relaxed afternoons playing rounders and time to catch up after months of lockdown were the perfect ending to the year. Exams arrived and, whilst their importance was emphasised, the teachers were as supportive as possible and keen to put students at ease when nerves crept in.

I was always told to enjoy Sixth Form; two years of studying the subjects you love surrounded by your friends. It is true that the year was indeed exciting and fulfilling and I cannot imagine getting a better experience than the one I have had at Lucton.

Amelia-Sky Stevens Head Girl