Beyond the Zoom boom

THINK back to when ‘zoom’ simply meant the sound of a rocket and ‘remote’ was merely an object for siblings to squabble over after school. That simpler world of desks, dormitories and muddy rugby boots can seem like another era, a source of nostalgia. In early January, schools once again had to pivot—in some cases, within 48 hours—to an online curriculum. Yet amid the inevitable disappointment and disruption, the principal of Harrow School’s new virtual sixth form was looking forward to the seamless start of the new term.

Harrow School Online welcomed its first pupils last September, but its genesis was pre-pandemic; the principal, Heather Rhodes, spent three years perfecting its teaching methods and pastoral care. Mrs Rhodes fizzes with