Ben's Blog

Ben started secondary school at Ivybridge Community College on Monday 7th September but only had the Monday and Tuesday that week, due to new covid regulations whereby the school had a staggered start for all years.  His first full week was the week after but he had to stay in his year bubble which meant a lot of changes at school, such as one way systems, staggered break and lunch times and very set seating arrangements in class rooms. 

He caught the bus with no issues on the first day and we all walked up to the bus stop with him to send him on his way (I even said that I would pretend to blow him a kiss to embarrass him – which didn’t go down well!! haha).  He was a little nervous but looked very smart in his uniform even though it was a little too big for him!  He had to wear a face mask on the bus and had to wear it at school when not in lessons, which made things a bit strange.  He had a nice first couple of days and seemed to settle in very well and quickly and had since made a few new friends.  For the first couple of weeks, all the children from Bickleigh Primary School stuck together, which was nice, but they have since branched out a bit as they were not all in the same lessons, so basically had to make new friends anyway.  Ben was lucky in that in Science he sits next to his friend Noah from Plymouth Kolts, so that was handy as they get on well! 🙂

Since the first few weeks, he has had lots of points but 1 demerit for forgetting his lanyard one day.  He was a little upset about it but his tutor had no choice but to give him one as that is the school rules.  She said at the virtual parents evening that she could tell he was upset about it but there was nothing she could do.  Shame, but rules are rules and it may teach Ben to sort himself out a bit more the night before, so he doesn’t forget things due to rushing around in the morning trying to get organised!

He has had several pieces of homework each week, which he has got on with, more or less, without being told to sit down and do it!  Most of it is computer based lessons anyway, so is much better than when myself and Kelly were at secondary school!  He has also had a few tests already, which he has passed!

He has PE on Monday’s and Tuesday’s and, due to covid, has to go into school dressed in his PE kit, as the changing rooms are all closed.  He obviously doesn’t mind that one bit as he doesn’t have to wear a shirt, tie and blazer! haha  He does gymnastics one week and then football the other.  He obviously prefers the football week!!

Anyway, he seems to be getting on very well there and has settled in brilliantly, so hopefully this standard of work will continue!