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Other Hondas & General Topics => Off Topic (Non-Honda) => Topic started by: Jocko on February 22, 2021, 02:02:23 PM

Title: Children Returning to School
Post by: Jocko on February 22, 2021, 02:02:23 PM
It was great to see the children's smiling faces returning to school, as shown on the TV news today. They all seemed enthusiastic.
School must have changed dramatically since I was a school kid. I was desperate for the holidays to come round and the last thing I wanted to do was return to school after the holidays were over.
And I was happy at school.....
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on February 22, 2021, 02:45:19 PM
I was desperate for the holidays to come round and the last thing I wanted to do was return to school after the holidays were over.

Me too. I loved the summer holidays - drives me mad when I hear parents moaning that they're too long. I know people lead busy lives, but imagine having to look after your own kids for a bit!

Did you hear Nadhim Zahawi doing the media rounds this morning? He literally said that the schools are opening on March 8th because that’s 3 weeks after the middle of April, when all over 50s will have been vaccinated. He made the same blunder on BBC and Sky News, at least.

Is he simply an idiot, or reopening all schools 3 weeks before over 50s have even partial protection, and pretending it's the opposite?
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Kremmen on February 22, 2021, 03:03:05 PM
I think Scotland have right idea and are staggering school return by age group.

Down here they all go back together and I can see the infection rate rising again.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: JimSh on February 22, 2021, 03:20:54 PM

Did you hear Nadhim Zahawi doing the media rounds this morning? He literally said that the schools are opening on March 8th because that’s 3 weeks after the middle of April, when all over 50s will have been vaccinated. He made the same blunder on BBC and Sky News, at least.

Is he simply an idiot, or reopening all schools 3 weeks before over 50s have even partial protection, and pretending it's the opposite?
Good job they are going to be driven by data rather than dates then.  ::)

https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/vaccines-minister-nadhim-zahawi-muddles-his-dates-up-ryPV77Vb
Added link (sorry about the long ad)
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Jocko on February 22, 2021, 04:59:37 PM
I have been busy this afternoon, so I didn't see parliament, but I just had a look at the BBC website, and it says "Data, not dates", then gives a list of dates. Is it me that's going bonkers or what?
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on February 22, 2021, 05:19:27 PM
I just had a look at the BBC website, and it says "Data, not dates", then gives a list of dates. Is it me that's going bonkers or what?

I don't think so. A lot of things aren't making much sense today.

"Data, not dates", but all schoolchildren returning together, instead of staggered return. 10 Million school children mixing with 450,000 (mostly unvaccinated) teachers indoors from 8th March, but only 2 people can meet outside.

"Data not dates", but the R number will no longer be taken into consideration when deciding relaxation of restrictions. I wonder if that's because schools opening is estimated to increase the R0 by up to 0.5?

Kirstie Allsopp doing her nut on twitter because 11-18 year olds will have to wear masks in school. "Why would we even think about covering their little smiles?", she says.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: JimSh on February 22, 2021, 11:18:21 PM
I just had a look at the BBC website, and it says "Data, not dates", then gives a list of dates. Is it me that's going bonkers or what?

I don't think so. A lot of things aren't making much sense today.

"Data, not dates", but all schoolchildren returning together, instead of staggered return. 10 Million school children mixing with 450,000 (mostly unvaccinated) teachers indoors from 8th March, but only 2 people can meet outside.

"Data not dates", but the R number will no longer be taken into consideration when deciding relaxation of restrictions. I wonder if that's because schools opening is estimated to increase the R0 by up to 0.5?
There's a lot of it doesn't make sense.
I can see the point of the review period between the different stages of release of restrictions but what's the point of a review if there is no opportunity to reverse policies in the event of mistakes?
The dates are the earliest possible dates but the subtlety of that is going to be lost (perhaps intentionally) on a lot of people and all that will be remembered will be the dates.
I suspect the only data Boris Johnson is interested in is the data from opinion polls.

I hope there is a more pragmatic statement from Nicola Sturgeon tomorrow.

[link removed by Admin]

EDIT I see the Express is already printing a list of dates with no mention of any monitoring beforehand or earliest possible dates.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Kremmen on February 23, 2021, 04:43:32 AM
I don't get it either.

They have released a full road map so holiday firms are yet again seeing a surge of bookings both home and abroad. Shops and venues will now be preparing for their 'dates' that may be delayed.

It only takes one release stage to introduce a significant infections rise and holidays and openings could be off again.

Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: JimSh on February 23, 2021, 07:36:21 AM
I have been busy this afternoon, so I didn't see parliament, but I just had a look at the BBC website, and it says "Data, not dates", then gives a list of dates. Is it me that's going bonkers or what?
No, you've just suffered a brief return to reality but now you are safe back in Topsyturvytoryland.
Beware the Jibberjonson and the Gobblegove.
(Apologies to Lewis Carroll.)
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: JimSh on February 23, 2021, 08:50:59 AM
I don't get it either.

They have released a full road map so holiday firms are yet again seeing a surge of bookings both home and abroad. Shops and venues will now be preparing for their 'dates' that may be delayed.

It only takes one release stage to introduce a significant infections rise and holidays and openings could be off again.
Or worse
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Westy36 on February 23, 2021, 11:04:46 AM
It will be so good for the children to get back to school, back in to a routine. The younger they are, the more important, especialy given the huge gap in their brief academic careers.

ALL of the school staff should be vaccinated prior to return however. Rt Hons Williamson & Hancock need to get that sorted now. Straight to the top of the list.   

Home learning is great, and the schools have been absolutely amazing in our experience. Teachers have done a great job, but ultimately a classroom works best.

 
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Jocko on February 23, 2021, 11:12:09 AM
I am desperate for them to go back. My broadband has been rubbish since lockdown started.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: JimSh on February 23, 2021, 11:37:18 AM

I hope there is a more pragmatic statement from Nicola Sturgeon tomorrow.

[link removed by Admin]

EDIT I see the Express is already printing a list of dates with no mention of any monitoring beforehand or earliest possible dates.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nicola-sturgeon-scotland-lockdown-announcement-what-time-b1805989.html
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: JimSh on February 23, 2021, 12:53:23 PM
It was great to see the children's smiling faces returning to school, as shown on the TV news today. They all seemed enthusiastic.
School must have changed dramatically since I was a school kid. I was desperate for the holidays to come round and the last thing I wanted to do was return to school after the holidays were over.
And I was happy at school.....
Where's the Angus Young  outfit?



[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: JimSh on February 23, 2021, 03:21:46 PM
For those interested :-
Nicola Sturgeon's statement to Scottish Parliament 23/02/21
Much more careful and cautious than Boris Johnson's "roadmap" yesterday.
No commitment to dates beyond end of April apart from broad indicative dates. Progress to be reviewed every three weeks and future progress to be determined then based on data available at the time.
Scotland to return to tiered system, which probably makes more sense in Scotland than England due to difference in population density between Highlands and Islands and Central Belt.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000t0pv/scottish-parliament-covid19-statement

Coverage will be changing from live iplayer to iplayer soon. Coverage starts at about 14.10

Seems to be unavailable on iplayer yet. Here is a Guardian article with a condensed version
 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/feb/23/sturgeon-unveils-plans-for-easing-scotland-covid-restrictions

Edit . replaced live iplayer with archived iplayer
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Kremmen on February 23, 2021, 03:31:51 PM
Sounds far more sensible than our lot pushing out what could be false promises.

If the hairdressers date is pushed out though I won't need them as I'll need to hire a hedge trimmer.

Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on February 23, 2021, 06:50:16 PM
I've just sat watching the BBC News, they're saying that all schoolchildren will be returning on the 8th March, and that they will all be tested, blah blah blah.

At the same time, the phone pings - it's a message from school saying that it will be logistically impossible for them to test all the kids, and that there will be a staggered return.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: JimSh on February 23, 2021, 07:49:49 PM
I've just sat watching the BBC News, they're saying that all schoolchildren will be returning on the 8th March, and that they will all be tested, blah blah blah.

At the same time, the phone pings - it's a message from school saying that it will be logistically impossible for them to test all the kids, and that there will be a staggered return.
The government wouldn't be making promises they can't keep would they.
The teachers don't seem to think much of the idea.
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/feb/23/impending-doom-teachers-dread-the-big-bang-reopening-of-schools-in-england

I've just watched the BBC news on the releasing of restrictions in Scotland and it was being interpreted as a list of dates (despite NS refusing to commit to dates beyond April) and Ruth Davidson's question accusing Nicola Sturgeon of not providing a complete roadmap for release of restrictions.
(See previous post.#14 I've replaced the live iplayer link wth one to archived iplayer)
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: JimSh on February 24, 2021, 12:01:00 PM
I've just sat watching the BBC News, they're saying that all schoolchildren will be returning on the 8th March, and that they will all be tested, blah blah blah.

At the same time, the phone pings - it's a message from school saying that it will be logistically impossible for them to test all the kids, and that there will be a staggered return.

"Irreversible hasn't lasted long."
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/feb/24/england-secondary-schools-returns-staggered-over-two-weeks-williamson-says

"When I use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.’
’The question is,’ said Alice, ‘whether you can make words mean so many different things.’.
’The question is,’ said Humpty Dumpty, ‘which is to be master — that’s all.”
Lewis Carroll
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: RichardA on February 27, 2021, 10:50:59 AM
If the hairdressers date is pushed out though I won't need them as I'll need to hire a hedge trimmer.

I was fortunate to get my usual grade 6 on top and 4 on the back and sides ten days before lockdown #1. Still ended up looking like White Goodman by the time the barbers reopened in July.  :D
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: JimSh on February 28, 2021, 08:46:03 PM

The teachers don't seem to think much of the idea.
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/feb/23/impending-doom-teachers-dread-the-big-bang-reopening-of-schools-in-england


Neither do Independent Sage.
Response to Government Roadmap.
https://www.independentsage.org/strategy-for-covid-19-maximum-suppression-or-mere-containment/
The full report can be read from the link in the above summary. (PDF)



21m
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on March 01, 2021, 11:00:18 AM
Both kids have to be booked in for LF tests this week, for returning next week, booking system opens later today.Dad and my sister have just had letters telling them they now have to shield... sister has been merrily going to work since this all started!

A bit off topic, the next door neighbours who I have moaned about on here for having visitors coming and going, have all got coronavirus.

edit: just modified to make more sense.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Kremmen on March 01, 2021, 11:09:35 AM
Karma - assuming they do shield.

I wonder if their visitors will still arrive
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on March 01, 2021, 11:23:04 AM
Karma - assuming they do shield.

I wonder if their visitors will still arrive

It's certainly quieter, but I'm not convinced the visitors will stop. Overheard them chatting to someone passing yesterday, saying how all the death numbers are overblown, and that everything is being counted as covid.

[off topic content removed by Admin]

There's quite a few neighbours around here that I would put firmly in the 'denier' category.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Westy36 on March 01, 2021, 06:19:10 PM
It's certainly quieter, but I'm not convinced the visitors will stop. Overheard them chatting to someone passing yesterday, saying how all the death numbers are overblown, and that everything is being counted as covid.

[off topic content removed by Admin]

There's quite a few neighbours around here that I would put firmly in the 'denier' category.
Our lad, 16, gets his covid test on Monday. Good to know they have this organised and in place.  :D He is looking forward to getting back to school.

[off topic content removed by Admin]
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on March 01, 2021, 07:08:36 PM
Our two are booked in for tests first thing Friday morning, back to school on Monday.

[off topic content removed by Admin]
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on March 05, 2021, 12:16:18 PM
Both kids LF tested this morning, no problems.

Just had a message through from school saying that the government's test registration website has crashed, and that there will be no further automatic texts notifying you of the results. The school is now having to manually contact anyone whose test is positive.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Westy36 on March 05, 2021, 02:13:01 PM
Great news on two negative results!  :D How do yours feel about returning to school now?

Jnr goes off for his test on Monday. He is champing at the bit to get back. Realises he struggles to maintain focus at home and wants more teacher support. I understand that, sometimes you just need something explaing again, or perhaps in a different way.

Had video chat parents evening last night. Jnr is doing well, which is great. His teachers however where of the opinion that if they can get back on track now without any more breaks, they should be able to stay on course. Any further lockdowns and they are at a loss what to do.

Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on March 05, 2021, 02:43:47 PM
Great news on two negative results!  :D How do yours feel about returning to school now?

Both looking forward to it. The live video remote learning provision over MS Teams has been pretty good to be fair, but it's not the same as face to face learning.

The next problem is going to be exams. Whilst grades will be centre assessed again, they still haven't come up with a plan as to how these are going to be arrived at, and I'm hearing that several 'mini-exams' are being touted as the current solution.

I hope the school doesn't make a complete balls up of it like they did last year. Not only did they cheat my daughter out of the grades they were predicting for her, they actually issued her with completely the wrong results, which she then made her UCAS application for a 2021 university place with. When the certificates finally arrived in January, they didn't match the results sheet... In theory, this would have rendered all of her applications void, but the school had to do some serious mopping up, contacting all of the universities concerned, to explain what they had done.

After the school finally admitted the mistake, they put it down to a 'clerical error'. The first thing the head of year 13/14 and UCAS coordinator said to me when he telephoned was, "It's a mess, isn't it."

Things never seem to work out straightforward, and this year has been a humdinger.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Westy36 on March 05, 2021, 03:33:07 PM
Sounds like a ture Kafkaesque scenario for your daughter, sorry to hear of it. You must have all been pulling your hair out. They work so hard and then have that happen. 'A mess' doesn't really cut it after that stress. But, covid does turn everything on his head.

Jnr estimated grades were pretty close to what they awarded him. I do hope he gets to do his actual A level exams though. If not, he will be leaving and never actualy sat a final.

My lad has had one positive though. Part of his Geography A lever would involve a field trip to Spitalfields. He has been there before, and indeed I have taken him on many lenghty walks round various parts of London, and he's not a fan of crowds. So the field trip being off at the moment, is a bonus for him!  :D

 
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on March 05, 2021, 03:50:09 PM
It's been a bit stressful, yes. She elected to sit Biology in November and got the grade she should have had, and she's stopped on to resit two A levels this year. I hope they don't screw it up again, the university offers she has so far are all conditional.

Jnr estimated grades were pretty close to what they awarded him. I do hope he gets to do his actual A level exams though. If not, he will be leaving and never actualy sat a final.

Exams don't suit everyone, but I think most kids perform in exams. I think our youngest would have done well, but in the event, he was awarded a fist full of 8 and 9 grades for his GCSEs last year - best result of the lads, and only 1 girl beat him in the whole school.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Westy36 on March 06, 2021, 12:05:39 PM
Your lad excelled at his GCSEs. They really are outstanding results that you must be very proud of.   ;D

Jnr loves geography, and got a 7 in that. Everything, aside from graphic design, was 5 or 6. He did really well, but they missed the 'push' and focus that comes in the pre exam season because of covid.

My neice was really upset by not sitting her exams as she had spent so much time working hard. They're all different.

Back to school soon, and more normality for all.  :D

Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on March 06, 2021, 12:15:51 PM
Your lad excelled at his GCSEs. They really are outstanding results that you must be very proud of.   

He got the brains in the family. I'm no duck egg, but he was asking questions I couldn't answer a long time ago!  ;D
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on March 17, 2021, 03:46:52 PM
One of the local primary schools has had to close already due to cases in several different bubble groups.
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: Westy36 on March 18, 2021, 09:02:04 AM
One of the local primary schools has had to close already due to cases in several different bubble groups.
That is the situation we are all dreading. The disruption to learning could be huge if this continues.  :(

My lad is so pleased to be back at school. He has been tested 3 times so far at school, and once at home. Negative so far! The system seems to be working. :D
Title: Re: Children Returning to School
Post by: sparky Paul on March 18, 2021, 10:00:11 AM
My lad is so pleased to be back at school. He has been tested 3 times so far at school, and once at home. Negative so far! The system seems to be working. :D

Same here, both ours are now testing twice weekly at home.