Dear Parents/Carers

Remote Learning Provision for Students in Isolation

I write in order to clarify our current position regarding the provision of remote learning for students unable to access the school site due to a need to self-isolate or due to closure of year groups. We now have a situation in school where lessons need to be delivered both live and virtually.

Work will be set for each timetabled lesson in Google Classroom, with support resources for students to refer to and work to be submitted. The lessons will appear in the subject classrooms with a due date corresponding to the day when the lesson would take place within school.

Your child should have their login details and class codes for each subject; but if you need to access the codes they can be found on the school website under “Home Learning” and “Google Classroom”.

When possible, in addition to the resources mentioned above, a Google Meet link for a lesson will be posted in the subject classroom; this will appear in the stream. If students click on the link at the time of the timetabled lesson, they will enter a live lesson led by their teacher. Students accessing the lesson from home will be able to hear the lesson and view the shared screen including any work on the interactive whiteboard and any presentations. We are working to ensure that the technology and support is in place across all areas so that this becomes a more frequent approach when required after half-term.

When accessing a live Google Meet lesson, students and staff must follow these guidelines:

- If possible, an adult should be nearby for supervision.

- There will be no 1:1 lessons, groups only.

- Please ensure microphones are turned off when joining the session. If required during the session the teacher will indicate to turn the microphones on.

- Children must wear suitable clothing, as should anyone else in the household.

- Any computers used should be in appropriate areas, for example, not in bedrooms and with a suitable background.

- Language must be professional and appropriate, including any family members in the background.

- Staff will record, the length, time, date and attendance of any sessions held.

- Please do not share the link for the session with anyone else.

- The live class will be recorded so that if any issues were to arise, the video can be reviewed.

- Please leave the Google Meet as soon as it finishes. The teacher will be the last to leave the session.

When completing work, if students have questions, they should make a note of these and ask them in class on their return to school. If they contact teachers through Google Classroom, teachers will do their best to respond to key questions but staff may not be able to deal with all requests as they are planning and delivering remote and live lessons. Students will be supported on their return to school.

We continue to adapt to the ever-changing educational landscape that we are faced with and we really appreciate your support and understanding.  We know this is an anxious time for many but please trust in our staff and our systems to support our students. If you have any questions regarding Home Learning and Google Classroom, please use the “Help/Support” in the “Home Learning” section of the school website. During time at home we will aim for students to receive a phone call to check that they are well and are able to access and respond to the work set for each subject on Google Classroom.

I am confident that with your continued support, Google Classroom will be highly effective and allow our students to continue to make excellent progress in the event of students having to work remotely.

Best regards.

Mr Lacey