SECONDARY AND JC VIRTUAL LEARNING: ON AND OFF-SCREEN

In Secondary, we have always aimed to have a robust Virtual Learning programme which educates and prepares students effectively. We have invested heavily in new software applications and the training required for our staff. However, we are also mindful that students are now spending the majority of their time each day looking at screens. This can adversely affect their health, and so we also wish to reduce ‘screen time’.

We are using the following principles to achieve both our aims. For all levels in the school, the maximum time each student on a Zoom or Google Meet lesson is 50% in the week. However, we are encouraging our students to now undertake more work away from the computer with handwritten assignments. Not only does this protect their health but it is a great strategy to improve literacy.

Our teachers will also provide more worksheets to be printed off at home, where possible. This means students can undertake work offline, yet then send it back to the teacher as a photo where it can then be marked and effective feedback given.

In Performing Arts and Art and Crafts lessons the majority of the work will be completed without a computer, as students rehearse drama, music or dance and create physical project work in Art.

We hope this will help students progress through Virtual Learning. Our new STUCO is also creating a programme of regular events for students to meet and undertake activities together virtually to try to combat the loneliness that children might feel during this time.