Disconnect to Reconnect: Encouraging our community to put down their devices, engage with each other, and enjoy the power of play
Communications Team
17 December 2024
What do you do with your free time? If you’re like most of us, you probably find yourself scrolling endlessly on your device. But what if we could change that habit? At UWCSEA, we’re reimagining how we, as a community, spend our free moments by making better use of the spaces on campus. Instead of reaching for our phones, we want to encourage more connection—with one another and with the world around us.
To support this shift, we’ve introduced social play zones on both campuses, designed to encourage meaningful interactions without the distraction of screens. These zones help students find a balance, learn when to engage with their devices and when to be fully present in the moment. With the generous support of our community across Dover and East campuses, these zones are now hubs of activity, filled with laughter, cheers, and face-to-face connections. High School students have led the way in embracing these social play zones, and now Middle and Junior School students are following suit, bringing their own energy to these spaces—all without a device in sight.
Dover Campus:
No Phone Zones
As you walk around campus, you’ll find nostalgic reminders of your childhood. These areas, known as No-Phone Zones, feature foosball tables, table tennis tables, giant Jenga and other interactive games designed to promote wellbeing by reducing screen time. When Tim Lovatt, Head of Digital Learning on Dover Campus produced the ‘Shut The Phone Up’ podcast last year, a key takeaway from the student voice was: “Going on my phone is never my first choice—I work, I play sport, I do service, I hang out with friends, but when none of that happens, there’s nothing else to do but go on my phone.”
Around campus, students were asked to imagine the kind of social spaces and resources that would help them engage more openly and physically with their friends and peers.
In response, Tim worked closely with a range of students and Dover Campus Facilities Committee to determine the what, where, and how of creating the best possible zones. So far, the project has been a game-changer for campus life—filling the air with the sounds of laughter and friendly competition! Students of all ages, even parents, can be seen enjoying competitive or casual games in these spaces.
Since then, the team has been working hard at exploring ways to deepen the project’s impact, including new strategies to support students in managing their use of devices.
Plans are also in motion for a Local Service initiative, where students will maintain the equipment and help raise awareness. With community support, they hope to bring these efforts to life.
And this is just the start—more games are on the way! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit these fun zones, experience them first-hand, and enjoy the power of play!
East Campus:
Digital-Free Zones
The Student Council has been focused on facilitating conversations around student wellbeing and connection. With wellbeing being a strategic focus in the High School for years, the team worked towards creating personalised spaces where they could unwind and socialise face-to-face. Inspired by a report from Heads of Digital Learning Angela Newby and Tim Lovatt on the need for more offline spaces, the Student Council incorporated the idea into their strategy.
Led by Theo Sweeting, Head of High School Personal and Social Education, with support from the Facilities Team, the project underwent a broad consultation process involving all Student Voice Groups to ensure it reflected the student body’s needs. The Student Council played a pivotal role in finalising the space, transforming it into a true student-driven initiative.
The area now features arcade machines built by Grade 9 students in the Design Technology course, with guidance from Physics and Science teacher David Kann, who runs a Service that recycles and refurbishes old electronics. He provided monitors from internal recycling streams, adding sustainable elements to the project. The space also showcases artwork by students in the Artist-in-Residence programme, adding a creative touch and making it a more inviting environment for everyone.
The Student Council is already looking to expand this initiative, with plans to transform additional campus spaces into cosy nooks designed for quiet reading, sensory experiences, and more. Their goal is to cultivate a cultural shift that promotes face-to-face interaction, playfulness, and a deeper sense of student ownership across campus.