Thoughts from the Study
Microchecking
Earlier this week, I found myself glancing at a work email during bath time, much to the annoyance of my endlessly patient partner, Sally. She was in the midst of trying to single handily dry Indigo with a towel with one hand, and gently taking away the bubble bath, all the while singing the “Gingerbread Man” song. Understandably, I quickly lost the debate as I attempted to justify my reasons for checking my phone during such a pivotal moment in our bedtime routine.
In the whirlwind pace of family life, my Google phone provides me with round-the-clock access to school life, serving as a powerful tool to remain connected and consequently, available at all hours. This week, for instance, I made the ill-advised decision to read a message at 2 a.m. Many of us have been there, resulting in a night of poor sleep quality as our minds whirl, trying to process the new information. Having observed my own phone habits evolve, I have seen first hand how these super sleek devices continue to shape our days. They allow less important aspects of the digital world to encroach upon previously analogue moments where it is crucial to unplug and be present. It is fascinating to note that we now spend an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes daily with our noses buried in our screens. I remain astonished yet empathetic towards our train culture, where 99% of travellers are engrossed in their phones, thumbs flicking away at speed.
My own capacity to absorb new content from social media is limited, leading me to actively avoid platforms that aggressively target users with hyper-personalised content, such as TikTok. From what I gather, much of TikTok is filled with various individuals, celebrities or otherwise, engaging in synchronised dancing for others to emulate. Given my decidedly below-average dancing skills (or so I am told), I steer clear of the platform.
Taking a closer look at the UK, where the digital dance has quickened its pace, the time spent on smartphones has elegantly leapt in duration, with the average user checking their device for 3 hours and 15 minutes on daily basis in 2024. This uptick is a testament to how these devices have become interwoven into the very fabric of our lives, giving the impression that the world spins faster each day. Information overload is not a new phenomenon, I am sure the library of Alexander when it first opening back in 285BC had the same impact. Yet with the sheer volume of content now at our fingertips, it is likely we are bombarded with more trivial information than ever before.
Since my bath time revelation, I have been pondering the concept of ‘microchecking’ and those brief glances at our phone screens to check a notification that, more often than not, spiral into a 15-minute diversion through emails, social media, or the latest news. It is a habit, one that feels as reflexive as blinking. At times, I find myself reaching for my phone just to ensure it is close by, almost like a loyal companion. My Labrador, by comparison, seems unimpressed; surely, his role is to be my most faithful friend, he would never begrudge me a phone check during his bath time.
What I have noticed is that these fleeting moments can accumulate, quietly nibbling away at my time. It is akin to finding crumbs in your pocket, a subtle reminder of a snack you do not recall eating. If these interactions do not enrich our lives, why do we engage in them?
I have tallied these ‘microcheck’ moments and realised they amount to a staggering sum of time over a year. It is a wake-up call, recognising that the time spent in these digital interludes could be woven into something more fulfilling, more tangible. Imagine the books that could be read, the languages that could be learnt, or the sunsets that could be savoured – all in the time we often spend tethered to our screens.
This is not to say that smartphones are the villains in our lives. They connect us, inform us, and entertain us. Yet, there is a certain allure in reallocating some of that screen time to moments that make our hearts sing a bit louder. Perhaps I need to strive harder for balance, to be more acutely aware of my ‘microchecking’ moments, focusing less on habit and more on choice.
The fact remains that, regardless of how aggressive the marketing of new technology might be, we all have a choice. I read a wonderful LinkedIn post this week (case and point!) about a café in Holland where phone use is unheard of. The customers there engage in knitting, writing, drawing, debating, and enjoying pure, non-digital, human interaction, free from the interruption of notifications.
As we navigate the digital currents, it is worth contemplating how we can make our screen time more meaningful. As adults, it is essential that we set a precedent for our children to follow. If we spend the majority of our time, while with them on our devices, we should not be surprised when they ask to use it themselves or eventually ask for their own. This debate, of course, is for another edition of Thoughts from the Study.
All the best for the weekend.
Mr Anstey
Headmaster
@splatttheatrecompany visited us last week to take our Year 3 children on a journey to Ancient Greece. The performance was great fun and taught the children all about King Polydectes engagement feast, the Grey Sisters and Medusa’s statues. #greekday
@splatttheatrecompany visited us last week to take our Year 3 children on a journey to Ancient Greece. The performance was great fun and taught the children all about King Polydectes engagement feast, the Grey Sisters and Medusa’s statues. #greekday ...
Happy Lunar New Year 2025!
Today, our Kindergarten children had some very special visitors as we celebrated the Year of the Snake! Parents joined us to share stories and traditions, giving the children a wonderful insight. The children particularly enjoyed the crafts, including making colourful snakes using balloons! 🐍 They also dressed in beautiful traditional outfits, enjoyed music, and danced to welcome the new year.
#LunarNewYear2025 #YearOfTheSnake #CulturalCelebrations #BroomfieldHouseSchool
Happy Lunar New Year 2025!
Today, our Kindergarten children had some very special visitors as we celebrated the Year of the Snake! Parents joined us to share stories and traditions, giving the children a wonderful insight. The children particularly enjoyed the crafts, including making colourful snakes using balloons! 🐍 They also dressed in beautiful traditional outfits, enjoyed music, and danced to welcome the new year.
#LunarNewYear2025 #YearOfTheSnake #CulturalCelebrations #BroomfieldHouseSchool ...
Building memories, one brick at a time. Happy International Lego Day from Broomfield! 🧱 #internationallegoday #creativeplay
Building memories, one brick at a time. Happy International Lego Day from Broomfield! 🧱 #internationallegoday #creativeplay ...
Every story has the power to transport us to another place.
Ahead of National Storytelling Week, we are celebrating our talented young writers at Broomfield.📕
#youngwriters
Every story has the power to transport us to another place.
Ahead of National Storytelling Week, we are celebrating our talented young writers at Broomfield.📕
#youngwriters ...
Happy New Year from all of us at Broomfield!
On Monday we kicked off the spring term with the Dukes Education Conference at Wembley. We are delighted to share that our Headmaster, Adam Anstey, and the school were honoured with the Wellbeing Initiative Award in recognition of the effective efforts to promote wellbeing among both children and staff.
This award is a true testament to what is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy and work at Broomfield.
With the theme “The Heart of Education” the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development. Thought-provoking discussions explored the impact of AI, the future of education, and the critical importance of character development in shaping the young leaders of tomorrow.
Happy New Year from all of us at Broomfield!
On Monday we kicked off the spring term with the Dukes Education Conference at Wembley. We are delighted to share that our Headmaster, Adam Anstey, and the school were honoured with the Wellbeing Initiative Award in recognition of the effective efforts to promote wellbeing among both children and staff.
This award is a true testament to what is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy and work at Broomfield.
With the theme “The Heart of Education” the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development. Thought-provoking discussions explored the impact of AI, the future of education, and the critical importance of character development in shaping the young leaders of tomorrow. ...
We are excited to welcome all our families back to school for another great term at Broomfield! 🌟
We are excited to welcome all our families back to school for another great term at Broomfield! 🌟 ...
At the end of the term, we reflect on many events, trips, and achievements. From the early days of settling into routines in Early Years to the progress made across all year groups, it’s been a wonderfully busy term.
Wishing all families a restful break! 🎄🌟
At the end of the term, we reflect on many events, trips, and achievements. From the early days of settling into routines in Early Years to the progress made across all year groups, it’s been a wonderfully busy term.
Wishing all families a restful break! 🎄🌟 ...
This week, on Wednesday, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions for a fun and engaging pantomime performance. The actors performed brilliantly, captivating both children and staff alike. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in live theatre and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the last week of term.
This week, on Wednesday, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions for a fun and engaging pantomime performance. The actors performed brilliantly, captivating both children and staff alike. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in live theatre and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the last week of term. ...
On Tuesday last week, children from Years 2 - 6 gathered at St. Anne’s Church to kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas Carol Service. Each year group contributed beautifully, and we felt immense pride listening to their lovely singing and instrument playing. An extra ‘well done’ to Year 6 who read the nine lessons brilliantly, telling us the story of the birth of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful occasion.
On Tuesday last week, children from Years 2 - 6 gathered at St. Anne’s Church to kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas Carol Service. Each year group contributed beautifully, and we felt immense pride listening to their lovely singing and instrument playing. An extra ‘well done’ to Year 6 who read the nine lessons brilliantly, telling us the story of the birth of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful occasion. ...
A huge thank you to parents who supported the PTA in organising the Broomfield Christmas Market this year. There were beautiful gifts, delicious market food and a lovely community rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Thank you to Halletts Estate Agents for sponsoring the event.
A huge thank you to parents who supported the PTA in organising the Broomfield Christmas Market this year. There were beautiful gifts, delicious market food and a lovely community rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Thank you to Halletts Estate Agents for sponsoring the event. ...
This morning, the Junior School children impressed us with fabulous Nativity and Christmas performances. Kindergarten brought a unique twist with their charming roles as ladybirds, caterpillars, and even bees. 🐝 Each performance was a triumph!
This morning, the Junior School children impressed us with fabulous Nativity and Christmas performances. Kindergarten brought a unique twist with their charming roles as ladybirds, caterpillars, and even bees. 🐝 Each performance was a triumph! ...
We are excited to share that we won 1st prize for 3D group work (Key Stage 2) with our stunning mosaic at the ISA National Art Competition! Every child in school contributed to this art project. A huge congratulations also to Evelyn, whose tiger painting was highly commended. @isaartsuk
We are excited to share that we won 1st prize for 3D group work (Key Stage 2) with our stunning mosaic at the ISA National Art Competition! Every child in school contributed to this art project. A huge congratulations also to Evelyn, whose tiger painting was highly commended. @isaartsuk ...