Puppies And Sleep Pods! Thoughts From The Headmaster!

Headmaster Mr John Watson reflects on the recent internal examinations and methods students use for relieving exam stress. He writes:

'Our pupils in Shells to Fourth Year are no doubt looking forward to some respite after their internal exams. I hope that hard work will be rewarded and lessons learnt from the process. 

There has been lots in the press recently about exam-stress and the treadmill of tests which starts with SATs and continues through to A level – with recommendations on how to support your teenager when he or she is under the cosh. Students at university are notorious for staying up all night as exams and deadlines loom, with campus libraries open 24/7. Sleep-patterns are disrupted - and there is an established link between sleep-deprivation and poor academic performance. The University of Manchester has installed a sleep pod in its main library, so that students can grab 40 winks to refresh themselves before their next study-stint. And how are they tackling stress? Puppies! There is a growing trend for university ‘puppy rooms’, as students relieve anxiety in the build-up to exams by playing with the dogs. The animals also benefit because they are guide dog puppies, who learn to become more sociable from the experience. 

I’m not so sure about the sleep pod, and I can assure you that it’s not on the development plan! However, I’m a great fan of ‘man’s best friend’, and know how my own dog’s unfailing cheerfulness and friendliness can be a tremendous antidote to more sombre thoughts! As long as she is regularly stroked, walked and fed (always exciting!), she has no problem with sinking into a contented slumber for the rest of the time! 

I hope we can all find excitement in the simpler pleasures of life, as well as contented, well-earned rest over the bank holiday!'

Our 'Headmaster's Thoughts' will soon be available via Bablake's Tumblr page.