Schools out and online educators have responded in their droves with the offer of free resources and support. A cursory flick through Facebook reveals an overwhelming number of downloads, video tutorials and ‘live classes’. It is amazing to see how many things can be delivered online from art to Zumba – who knew?!  Our students have all been given home learning resources to continue where they left off at their academy, but we also want to share with you some of the fab Internet finds we have discovered that you wouldn’t normally see on the curriculum. So hand over this blog to your teen for our list of the current top ten:

Brain training

1. Escape from Hogwarts

It’s your first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry but before you can start you’ll need to escape from your locked room. Solve puzzles to find your way out – no magic allowed! Ideal for our younger students, the Harry Potter digital escape room can be played alone or in teams.

2. Try to get into MI5

Do you have what it takes to be a super sleuth? Take the MI5 challenge to find out whether you could get into the security service. There are four quizzes to choose from – each one designed to test a different aspect of being a detective from surveillance to investigation. Good luck!

Entertain me

3. Netflix and party

Netflix Party lets you watch TV programmes and films with your friends online. Its synchronized video playback and group chat makes long-distance movie nights possible. At the moment it only works with a Google Chrome extension so you’ll need a laptop or PC to get involved.

4. Take in a show

While theatres are closed you can still watch world-class performances online from the comfort of your own home. Every Thursday the National Theatre will broadcast one of its shows on YouTube – if you can’t watch live then don’t worry, as they will be available to watch for the following seven days.

PerformanceStreaming fromAvailable until
One Man Two GuvnorsThursday 2 AprilThursday 9 April
Jane EyreThursday 9 AprilThursday 16 April
Treasure IslandThursday 16 AprilThursday 23 April
Twelfth NightThursday 23 AprilThursday 30 April

5. Download a book

Time Magazine has compiled a list of the 100 best young adult books of all time from classics like ‘Anne of Green Gables’ to modern blockbusters like ‘The Hunger Games’.  This is a bucket list for readers everywhere and many of these e-books can be borrowed from your library online.

Feeling creative

6.  Learn to be a cartoonist

If you haven’t already heard of Yorkshire artist Pete McKee, now is a great time to find out more about this legendary cartoonist. Check out his YouTube channel for lessons in how to draw cartoons – it’s suitable for beginners and all you need is a pen or pencil and some very cheap paper.

7. Become a blackout poet

Blackout poems are made using pages from books, newspapers, or magazines. You pick out single words or phrases from the existing text, then piece them together to make something new. Mixing poetry with visual art, this is a great indoor activity from the Scouts.

8. Take a gallery tour

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to come face-to-face with some of the world’s most celebrated pieces of art? Many galleries and museums now have virtual tours that allow you to see their collections up close from the comfort of your own home – and bonus, there are no crowds!

And finally, just for fun

9. Rank it

Voting has never been so much fun with this website that lets you rank the things you love – and hate. Have your say on the world’s best athlete, the greatest fast-food mascot and even the top Marvel comic heroes. The rankings are endless and it’s all just for fun.

Where is number ten, we hear you say? Well this one is up to you. Whether you choose to use Zoom, Houseparty or Facetime, our message is to stay connected. It’s vital for your mental health and wellbeing to keep in touch with your friends and family. If you’ve not heard from a friend in a while, check in to see if they’re ok and let’s make sure no one is lonely in isolation.

Let us know if you’ve got involved in any of our suggestions above, and we’d love to see your artwork, videos you’ve created and much more. Send these to us at marketing@diverseacademies.org.uk and let us know which academy you’re from and the year you’re currently in!