As we approach the end of our second week of remote learning, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our parent community. I recognise there are a wide range of challenges being faced by families at this difficult time and the efforts you are making to ensure your child can follow the remote learning program are fantastic. I am also thankful for the positive intent that is clearly evident through your feedback. This is really useful in reflecting on our work and looking for areas of improvement.
With this in mind, the main update from me today is linked to our actions as a result of the survey from last week. If you have 10 minutes, please see this LINK for a summary of the results. We are really pleased with the outcomes of the survey and the positivity that runs through it. It is a testimony to the strength of our whole community.
Our intent remains the same in that we will aim to provide structured routines, with frequent interactions with teachers, in order to enable ongoing progression in learning.
However, we will make a couple of amendments. Please see below for key updates:
Structure of the day updated for Monday 17 February 2020 onwards
Bringing lunch slightly earlier will help to break up the day a bit more and avoid students being on the laptop for more than 2 lessons in a row:
Block 1 8.35 – 9.20am
Block 2 9.30 – 10.15am
Break
Block 3 10.45 – 11.30am
Block 4 11.40am – 12.25pm
Lunch
Block 5 1.25 – 2.10pm
Block 6 2.20 – 3.05pm
Google Meets calendar invites will be updated for students so that the timings are correct.
Wellbeing
The survey also highlighted concerns around wellbeing, physical activity and screen time. Whilst remote learning inevitably leads to consistent use of laptops, we are looking at creative ways in which we can create further opportunities to foster wellbeing and this will be gradually introduced into some lessons. These are being designed and shared across the teaching staff.
Remote Learning Expectations
This has also been a question that has come up and a few times this week and I would like to take this opportunity to clarify:
- Year 7-11 should be able to complete the tasks within the 45 minutes of allocated lesson time.
- Year 7-10 will not be given extra work to complete beyond lesson times.
- Year 11 may also need to complete other work such as personal projects which will take them beyond the lesson time.
- Year 12&13 are likely to have additional work linked to fulfilling course requirements.
- If your child cannot attend a Google Meet or is not available during the allocated timetabled time, they should aim to follow the instructions on Ding/Google Classroom and complete the tasks at the earliest opportunity.
- If they are finding it difficult to complete the work in the allocated time, please encourage your child to contact their teacher in the first instance so they can get appropriate support.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message and I hope this information proves useful. Your ongoing support is very much appreciated and we value your feedback. If you have any further thoughts, comments or questions, please feel free to contact me. In the meantime, I hope you are able to take time to relax with family and friends over the weekend.
Mark Poulsum
Head of Secondary