After the announcement of the four-staged end of lockdown I decided to find out what the people most affected by the first stage really thought. So, I interviewed them and here is what I found.
On the 22nd February 2021, Boris Johnson announced a four stage plan to come out of lockdown. In the first stage, it was announced that, on March 8th, every school would reopen and after-school activities and clubs would also be available. The catch was that masks would need to be worn by all secondary school students. A mask would have to be worn in class and outside if it was not possible to stay 2m away. I talked to three different students from two different schools in three different years.
To start off the interview, I started asking about what they thought of wearing a mask during school. Rory Woodhatch-Stuart, a student in Year 10 from Latymer Upper School said “It’s a reasonable request considering the whole pandemic. I am fine with the whole idea.” Mia Fadel, a Year 11 student at Latymer Upper School stated that “it’s necessary to wear masks in class because classrooms are really crowded and a teacher doesn’t have to wear a mask.” I followed up my first question by asking if a mask would affect or hinder their learning. Alisa Sommelet in Year 7 at Godolphin and Latymer School raised a good point saying that “masks are just on your face they don't affect your mind so you can still concentrate in school”. Mia also suggested another valid point expressing that “a mask should not limit your learning because it doesn’t cover your ears.” After that, I asked more about how they felt about returning to school and if they were excited about it. Mia said “I am excited because in person school is a lot more motivating and easier” Alisa was also looking forward to in person school because “I can see my friends again and I can start learning properly again.” For the final question I asked for a general consensus about whether or not being out of lockdown would help. All three responded positively, Rory said that it “will help [him] a lot with mental health and physical health”. Alisa also voiced a similar statement saying that “it will help going back to normal.” Mia stated that it “will help to be able to meet my friends”.
In conclusion, the attitude was generally positive towards coming out of lockdown and with masks as everyone was saying that this wouldn’t affect they’re learning at all and they are very happy to go back to school as well as being able to meet their friends again. Rory did say that he would miss his Grandma’s breakfast. In general I think that if the rules are respected and Covid cases don’t start rising this would be very positive for everyone.
