Top things to keep you busy during the Easter break

It’s been a strange few weeks. Almost all of us have never experienced anything like this before. The way we go about our daily lives has changed. Things we took for granted are now harder to come by. We've even lost track of what day it is!

But hang in there. You’re doing a great job. Things will get better.

During the Easter break, there aren't any Google Hangouts with your teachers, so you may be wondering what you’re going to do with your time. Well, we’ve come up with nine things that will keep you entertained.

1, Sounds like a great story

If you enjoy a good story then Audible has released an incredible collection of audiobooks for you to listen to. For as long as schools are closed, Audible is open. Download on your phone or tablet and listen anywhere around the house or garden!

2, The soundtrack to your week

Music is incredible. It helps us focus, it helps us escape, and it helps us reminisce about great times. That’s why we’ve put together the Sounds of ESC playlist. It features some of our favourite songs from across a spectrum of genres. Why not send us your requests and we’ll add them in!

3, The stage is set

Theatres across the country might be closed, but the National Theatre is giving you the chance to enjoy world-class performances for free. A new performance is posted every Thursday at 7pm on YouTube and is available to watch all week for free.

4, Get in shape

There are loads of fitness apps out there, but the Leap Fitness Group apps are our favourite. Their apps have been developed by a team of fitness specialists to help with exercise, your diet, and sleep. The Home Workouts app provides daily workout routines for your abs, chest, legs, and arms. The best thing is, you don’t need any equipment!

5, Animal magnetism

If you’re an animal lover then you’ll want to check this out. Some of the best zoos in the UK and US have hooked up their webcams and are streaming live for you to watch. Why not check in on the chimps, gaze at the giraffes, and peek at the penguins?

6, The world is at your feet

Fancy seeing the Colosseum in Rome? How about scaling Machu Picchu in Peru? Maybe you’d like a look around a world-famous museum? Did you know that you could see incredible and outstanding places on Google? Use Google Arts & Culture to take virtual tours and learn more about some of these natural wonders. These look even better with a VR headset!

7, Just how you remember it

If you’re aged between 11-19, would like to meet a world-famous artist, and be in with a chance to win a £100 gift voucher then you need to enter our ‘My Town’ art competition. We’ve teamed up with architectural artist Stephen Wiltshire, MBE, to challenge you to draw an iconic landmark or building from your home town, recalling all the details from memory - just as Stephen does to create his stunning city landscapes.

8, Watch and learn

Who doesn’t love a good film? If you saw our blog about the top movies to watch on Netflix, then you'll know that our picks are, not only a great watch but educational too!

If you don’t have Netflix, then there are plenty of good things to watch on BBC iPlayer. The best ones include Dynasties narrated by David Attenborough, Match of the Day’s Top 10, and Inside the Factory with Gregg Wallace.

9, Ready, steady, cook

We’ve searched the internet for a really easy Easter treat that you can make at home. Microwave hot cross buns, anyone? These are so simple and easy to make, you only need a few ingredients, mix them in a bowl or mug, then stick them in the microwave!

You’ll need:

40g flour - 25g margarine - 40g sugar - 1 tsp baking powder - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 3 tbsp sultanas/ mixed fruit - 1 egg - a squeeze of lemon juice - pinch of salt

Method:

• Beat the egg in a bowl.
• Put all the other ingredients into a large mug or a small bowl and stir.
• Then add the egg and mix until smooth and sticky.
• Microwave for 90 seconds.
• Make a cross shape on top using cinnamon or icing sugar.

However, if you want to learn how to cook properly, then we suggest you check out our ESC at Home series on YouTube. Jon Emson, our catering tutor from Hastings, has put together a few ‘how-to’ videos to help us create lots of tasty dishes from scratch.

A final thought...

Benjamin Franklin once said, out of adversity comes opportunity. These are challenging times, but if we see the opportunities then we will grow. You may use some of the tips above and then fall in love with Performing Arts and want to study with us in Lewes. You might be inspired to become a chef and want to study with us in Hastings? Or maybe you'll want to explore a career as a personal trainer with us in Eastbourne? Whatever it is, there is an opportunity and a place for you with us.

Stay positive. Stay safe. Stay connected.