News

As we continuously evolve to meet the challenges, needs and wants of students and parents, we recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between the benefits of technology and the well-being of our learners. With this in mind, we would like to introduce our new mobile phone policy, which aims to look at developing healthy habits with regards to smartphone use. 

What is the new mobile phone policy at Whitgift Summer School?
In short, students need to leave their smartphone or smart devices in the boarding house during the day. This decision comes from our dedication to ensuring students develop their communication skills whilst with us at the summer school. By limiting phone use in class, during lunch, break times (during the day) and activities we aim to make sure students improve their academic performance and minimize the negative impact that smartphone ''addiction" has on learning. We aim to make us of the positive aspects of technology in the classroom and focus on face to face communication amongst our students. Students will able to use their phones at the following times:

• 07:30 - 08:00
• 15:45 -16:15
• 18:00 - 18:45
• 21:30 - 22:00

As you can see, there is lots of time for students to use their phones during the day - 2.25 hours to be precise! 

In a world where constant connectivity has become the norm, the mental health of children and teenagers has become a growing problem at concern. Research suggests that excessive mobile phone use is linked to issues such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. By restricting phone use to designated free time in the boarding house, Whitgift Summer School seeks to promote mental health benefits that extend beyond the classroom:
 

1. Improved Concentration and Academic Performance: Distractions caused by constant notifications and the temptation of social media can reduce  student's ability to concentrate on their studies. By removing phones during class and other structured activities, we aim to improve both concentration levels and overall academic performance.

2. Better Social Interaction: Face-to-face interactions are crucial for the development of strong social skills. Our new policy encourages students to speak with their new friends during breaks, create meaningful connections and reduce the potential for feelings of isolation often associated with excessive screen time.

3. Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Social media can contribute to stres. We all know that students are often exposed to exaggerated images of seemingly perfect lives. By disconnecting during the day, students can experience relief from the constant comparison, leading to a healthier mindset and reduced stress levels.

4. Quality Sleep: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone essential for sleep. By encouraging students to disconnect from their devices during the evening, we hope to promote better sleep hygiene and, consequently, improved overall well-being.

While our new policy limits phone use during the day, we acknowledge the importance of technology in the modern world. Students are free to use their phones during the designated free time in the boarding house, totaling around 2.25 hours. This approach allows for a healthy balance, empowering students to use technology responsibly while still benefiting from the advantages of a digital detox. 

At Whitgift Summer School, we believe in harnessing the power of technology for educational enrichment while also making sure that the mental and social well-being of our students is prioritised. Our new mobile phone policy seeks to find the right balance for our students and places those "soft skills" at the forefront of the Whitgift Summer School experience. That is to say: meaningful interactions amongst humans, not screens!