Remote Learning

Remote Learning Offer

Remote Learning Offer – Information for Parents

Latest advice : January 2021

Please note that the aim of this remote learning plan is to provide general guidance about what will happen with regards to teaching and the setting of work during a lockdown or a period of self isolation or when a bubble is sent home from school. As instructions will vary according to the circumstances of the school closure, is not possible to give exact details that cover every eventuality. Therefore more detailed instructions will be issued at the time of the lockdown. Appendix 1 summarises the different approaches that will be adopted in different situations.

How will the school facilitate learning outside of school in the event of a bubble being placed in lockdown?

In the event of a lockdown/bubble being sent home remote learning will be provided via Google classroom and Google meet. Work will be set on Edulink for classes to complete and resources, instructions and tasks will be submitted for checking via the classroom. A Google meet will be provided for the class at the time of the scheduled lesson either to deal with any questions or concerns or to teach aspects of the lesson to the class. The Head of Department will decide the most appropriate approach for individual departments to follow and this will differ between departments.

What resources will be used?

The teachers will continue to use the normal resources that are available for their department as far as it is possible to do so. This might include work set from text books, resources from educational websites and any other resources that are appropriate for the lesson. In addition to this, the teachers may make use of reputable educational websites including BBC Bitesize and the Oak Academy which is a national online classroom and has resources and lessons made by teachers especially for remote learning.

The Oak Academy can be accessed here: https://www.thenational.academy/

The Department for Education has also published a list of remote education resources that can be accessed here

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources

What is the minimum level of expectation of the content of the remote curriculum?

It is expected that in the event of a lockdown/bubble being sent home that the normal curriculum will be followed as far as possible, this will depend on the circumstances of the lock down, its duration and the year group(s) that is(are) involved. For example, in the event of a KS3 lock down for a short period of between 2-3 weeks, the normal curriculum would be followed. The work that is set might include work from existing SOW and/or work from the National Oak Academy (see link above). In the event of a lock down involving KS4 or KS5, the normal curriculum will be followed as far as possible to ensure that students will not be disadvantaged in their public examinations. In all cases, opportunities for face to face meetings with teachers via Google meet will be included for all years.

If the lock down is for an extended period, work will be provided according to the timetable and lessons will be taught via Google meet. Class work will be monitored for completion, accuracy and quality and teachers will provide feedback to students via Google classroom. The work that is set will take into consideration the needs of all students including those with Special Educational Needs as outlined in their pupil passports. More information will be issued at the time of the lockdown to outline the details of the remote curriculum.

In addition to the curriculum, pastoral support will continue to be provided for students to support their well being. Form tutors will keep in touch with the students in their form via telephone calls and Google meets to monitor their welfare and assembly materials and SMSC activities will also be provided.

Where can students find support?

Students can find support from their teachers via their Google classroom using the private message function. Regular posts on the class stream will alert students to any Google meets that might be taking place. Edulink will also be used for this purpose and for the setting of work. Students in Years 7-9 will all receive a refresher to Google classroom in their computing lessons in September. Student surveys will be conducted to ensure that their views about remote learning are taken into consideration and any problems and barriers that exist are dealt with in a timely manner.

If a student has any issues using Google classroom or Edulink, they can access a series of ‘How to’ videos that can be found below.

Alternatively, they can email the IT support team on helpdesk@presdales.herts.sch.uk

Devices will be provided for all students who require them, these can be obtained by emailing admin@presdales.herts.sch.uk

Appendix 1

Please find below instructions about how students can access work in different situations during a period of absence or in the event of a ‘bubble’ being sent home.

If a student is self isolating or is absent in KS3, 4 and 5:

they will be able to access the same curriculum as in school
the work for the lesson will be posted on Google classroom for the student to access
a message will be sent to the student via Edulink to alert the student to the work
the student can also access work through their friends
homework will continue to be set as normal

In addition to the above we will be using Google meet for absent students to be able to access the lesson at the same time that the lesson would be taking place in school.

If a bubble is sent home in KS3, 4 or 5:

timetabled lessons will continue to take place and teachers will continue to teach their classes remotely from their classrooms using a Google meet, the teacher will issue instructions via Edulink and Google classroom to explain how the student can access the lesson from home
individual lessons will last for a maximum period of 45 minutes, the 45 minutes may not be all teacher led however the teacher will be available for the duration to support the students
the work will be set on Edulink and resources and activities will be posted on Google classroom if this is appropriate for the lesson
homework will continue to be set as normal

If a member of staff is absent:

work will be provided for the timetabled lesson by either the classroom teacher or their Head of Department
the work will be set on Edulink and resources will be posted on Google classroom
the lesson will be supervised by a cover supervisor in the usual way
if it is possible, the classroom teacher will arrange to hold a Google meet with the class at the time of the lesson so that the teacher can teach as much of the lesson as possible from their home

If the school is placed in lockdown:

lessons will be taught according to the timetable, (with the exception of KS3 PE) and homework will be set
lessons will be taught via ‘Google meets’ and resources will be placed on Google classroom
KS3-5 will receive a minimum of five hours teaching a day
devices will be available for those who need them (contact admin@presdales.herts.sch.uk to arrange collection)
the school will remain closed to the majority of students unless they meet the criteria for attendance outlined at the time of the lockdown