‘No screen day’ is a big success with academy pupils

Students and staff at Nene Park Academy held a no screen day and turned off laptops, computers and phones to help boost mental health and wellbeing amid online home-schooling.

Schools across the UK have had to adapt to online teaching following the challenges and restrictions brought about by the pandemic. This has naturally led to students spending an increasing amount of time online and in front of a screen.

Nene Park Academy chose to hold a no screen day and instead focus lockdown learning on the academy’s PLEDGES and the ‘41 things to do before you turn 14’ programme.

Staff and students from across all year groups participated in a wide range of activities. One student at the academy cooked a selection of meals for his grandad, who was overcoming Covid-19, and left the meals on his doorstep for him to enjoy.

Other activities included donating clothes to charity, completing a random act of kindness, cooking a meal from a different country, teaching a family member a new skill, learning first aid and even planting and growing fresh food.

One student at Nene Park Academy, said: “It was fun and refreshing to take a day off screens.”

Robin Grover, Principal at Nene Park Academy, said: “The internet is a huge part of people’s lives and even more so now in the middle of lockdown with our students and staff all working remotely.

“However, it is so important that we take time to step away from the screen and engage in activities that help boost mental health and encourage human interaction.

“At Nene Park Academy, we believe in extending the boundaries of learning and challenge our students to try new things and gain memorable experiences. By opening up the world to our students, we can push for every student to achieve their potential.”

Due to the day’s success, the academy’s next no screen day will be held on March 5.