12 May 2020
With more than eighty activities in Sport, Drama, Music, Hobbies and Community Service usually on offer for Girton students, the Coronavirus pandemic has delivered a significant blow to students who are encouraged to follow their passions and connect outside the classroom.
A group of committed Girton staff members have come together and designed an alternative Co-curriculum programme called Co-connect, providing students and their families, along with Girton staff members, fun ways to stay connected during Term 2.
Acting Head of Girton Grammar School, Dr Emma O’Rielly, said that the Co-connect programme was the School’s main wellbeing initiative for Term 2.
“For the overwhelming majority of our students, remote learning is going well, but there is no doubt that there is a social and emotional toll on young people who are isolated from one another.
“The recent Government announcement that allows families to have five visitors in their home is a welcome relief for our students, and we look forward to welcoming some of our students back to school on 26th May, but we know that young people are still very keen for regular School to resume.
“We also know that a significant reason that students long for school to return is our wonderful Co-curricular programme in which we expect every student to be involved.
“Our graduates tell us that the Girton Co-curriculum activities helped to shape their lives and we know that it is often the activities outside the classroom that help create life-long memories for our students,” Dr O’Rielly said.
The Girton Co-connect programme consists of twenty activities, overseen by Girton staff, which can be undertaken from home by students and their families, including non-Girton siblings, as well as staff members.
The programme is designed to support students in trying something new, connecting with students in different year levels and learning new skills. Activities include; the compilation of a virtual video music performance, with music specially arranged for a variety of instruments and vocalists by a Girton music teacher; a short film competition; a science “spaghetti machine” competition; yoga; a running club; and a Student-to-Student reading mentor program with the Smith Family. Video clips, photos and interviews from participants will form the basis of content for “Girton TV” which will take the form of a weekly 15-minute video reflection of life during the COVID-19 pandemic at Girton.
“We all look forward to getting back to our regular Co-curriculum programme, but in the meantime, Girton Co-connect will provide some sense of connection for our school community.
“It is such a privilege to work at a school that so strongly values the all-round development of students, academically and as good citizens,” Dr O’Rielly said.
To view the Girton Co-connect booklet, click here.
