Welcome to our Home Learning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. Here you will find a range of useful information around our Home Learning offer.
1. The Home Learning curriculum: what is taught to students at home?
It is expected that students follow their timetable throughout the school day. At the start of every lesson (including Form Time), students need to login to their live lesson delivered by their class teacher on Microsoft Teams. You can log in to Teams by clicking here.
2. Will my child be taught broadly the same curriculum as they would if they were in school?
We teach the same curriculum remotely as we do in school.
3. How long can I expect work set by the school to take my child each day?
With respect to the amount of work to be completed by students, the live audio sessions allow staff the opportunity to reinforce our message that students should aim to be productive throughout the lesson, whilst acknowledging that it may not always be possible to complete the set work within the lesson time. In cases such as this, teachers can provide further guidance and reassurance to students as to what is expected.
4. How will my child access any online Home Learning you are providing?
During this period of school closure, we are committed to ensuring all our students receive the very best education following their planned in-school curriculum which will be delivered through live Microsoft Teams, including audio and chat lessons by their class teachers
5. If my child does not have digital or online access at home, how will you support them to access Home Learning?
During this period of school closure, we are committed to ensuring all our students receive the very best education following their planned in-school curriculum which will be delivered through live Microsoft Teams, including audio and chat lessons by their class teachers
6. How will my child be taught remotely?
Students are expected to log onto Microsoft Teams at the beginning of each lesson. They can then engage in live ‘chat’ with the member of staff who can offer support and guidance around the work that has been set. As of this week, we have also introduced live audio sessions to our Home Learning package. Research suggests that one of the factors that has the largest influence on a student’s ability to learn effectively at home is the quality of teacher explanations. We therefore believe that the addition of live audio sessions will further supports our teacher’s ability to explain the assignments (classwork) set to our students.
All classwork (found on the assignments tab) is expected to be available at the time of the lesson. We have asked our staff to begin the live audio within the first ten minutes of the lesson. This allows staff to arrive at their teaching room, settle and register any students who may be in school. During this time students working from home should open the classwork set and begin to read through any instructions. The live audio session that follows will then vary depending on the individual teacher’s situation. Some teachers may feel it is appropriate to deliver a short live audio session, but remain available on the ‘Chat’ function for the remainder of the lesson, whereas other teachers may stay on the live audio for the duration of the lesson. When appropriate, Staff will inform students that the live lesson is coming to an end, and this will take place to allow staff time to complete the Home Learning attendance check, award Achievement Points and finish the lesson with those students still in-school.
7. What are your expectations for my child’s engagement and the support that we as parents and carers should provide at home?
8. How will you assess my child’s progress?
At points during home learning your child will be asked to complete assessments. These are to be completed and submitted in accordance with the teacher’s instructions. These assessments will then be marked and feedback regarding what students have done well or how their work can be improved will be given on Microsoft Teams.
9. How will you provide feedback on my child’s work?
Our staff will be providing feedback regarding your child’s learning in two ways:
In lesson Feedback
When the lesson is taking place, our staff will provide ‘in lesson’ feedback on the work/responses that your child provides. This could be done through the live audio or chat function. Just as if students were in class, staff are not expected to mark every piece of classwork completed, but they may ask for work to be submitted as proof that work is being done, allowing them to identify any common misconceptions which can then be addressed next lesson and identify opportunities to praise students for their efforts.
Formalised Feedback
At points during home learning your child will be asked to complete assessments. These are to be completed and submitted in accordance with the teacher’s instructions. These assessments will then be marked and feedback regarding what students have done well or how their work can be improved will be given on Microsoft Teams.