Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham make an intriguing TV combination. It’s a double-act which you can see for yourselves in the BBC’s latest series of ‘Autumn Watch’. As the long-suffering other half of an ‘Autumn Watch’ devotee, I caught – under duress – the tail end of last week’s broadcast from the USA, and listened with interest – and much jealous longing – to accounts of the hibernation habits of different New England creatures. At this stage in the term, with the days shortening, the dark skies setting in, the rain sweeping through, the pupils becoming tired, and with the coldest and darkest months just around the corner, I confess that a little hibernation seems an appealing prospect.
That, of course, is the beauty of the two-week half term falling as it does: it provides a good opportunity for some R and R, for the recharging of batteries, and for the replenishing of the energy stocks. I have encouraged the staff team to make the most of the opportunity for some down-time; to make sure they don’t spend the whole of their break marking books, reading policies or answering emails: I need them firing on all cylinders and fully support them in taking some time off/away over the two-week break. The same goes for the pupils, of course: getting some prep done is a good thing, but it shouldn’t feature every day. In short, the October half-term is a good time for a little hibernation of our own.
On the topic of human hibernation, I was interested to learn that Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, asserts that the position in which we sleep can provide a clue as to our personality. Prof Idzikowski writes that there are 6 key sleeping positions, each one of which is linked to a particular personality type. So, as you enjoy a little hibernation this half term, you might like to consider what your sleeping position says about you:
The most common position people sleep in, he says, is The Foetus: Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax.
The Log (15%): Lying on your side with both arms down by your sides. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible.
The Yearner (13%): People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious and cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have made a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.
The Soldier (8%): Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don’t like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards.
The Freefall (7%): Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. They are often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don’t like criticism, or extreme situations.
The Starfish (5%): Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don’t like to be the centre of attention.
Whatever your sleeping position, and however you choose to relax, I hope you have an enjoyable half-term break. It’s been a terrifically positive first half of term with a tremendous amount for pupils and staff to be proud of, and I thank them and you for your continued support of the School and all that it seeks to do. Sleep well, and I’ll see you on Monday 5th November for week 10.
