Dear Carers/ Parents/ Students
I hope that this finds you and your family well. Today, Dr Ingate has asked me to focus on the work that students have been completing. Working from home is a huge change for many of us and I am amazed by how parents, carers, students, and staff have risen to the challenge.
When schools closed 10 days ago, we had no notice, no preparation time, and no guidance. At Birchwood, we had introduced Show My Homework and Microsoft 365 earlier in the year, thereby providing the appropriate platforms to allow for high quality distance learning.
Some of you would have participated in the recent work survey put together by our very helpful parent council. Overwhelmingly, the response has been positive and our teachers are very appreciative of the words of praise and thanks in acknowledgement of their hard work, in particular their speedy responses and the high quality of work provided. Many of our staff are juggling work and their own family circumstances just as you are, and we are very impressed with their efforts in these difficult times.
Of course, the unprecedented nature of the current situation has resulted in some learning points for us. Teachers, being passionate about their subjects, have shown their determination not to let their students fall behind and have been regularly setting and following up on work. From some of the feedback, you have expressed that you would like more time to complete tasks. This has been communicated to teachers and we have asked for work to be released in ‘chunks’ where possible to help students organise their workload. With regards to the submission of work, this can be done via SMHW if the teacher has selected online submission. Alternatives are via email or Teams (particularly for year 12) if a group has been created. We just want to say to parents that the home is your domain. If you feel that your child is under too much pressure, please adjust the load accordingly as you know the current circumstances in your home. Additionally, if you are struggling, let the relevant teacher/s know. They are there to support you where possible. This is the most effective way of resolving any issues you may have.
Additionally, we have received some helpful tips from parents and students around organisation. Some students have found it very helpful to follow their school timetable, while others have dedicated a few hours a day, where they focus on two or three subjects. Whatever works for you is great, but we recommend that you devise a structure and routine to your day that works for you and your family. Also, once a task is completed, make sure that you check it off on SMHW- this can help you keep track of what is still to be completed. Remember, you can still catch up on any work not completed over the Easter holidays.
Some parents have expressed a desire for online lessons. At present, this is focused on year 12. I am aware that some teachers are offering live lessons, but this is only where their personal circumstances allow. There has also been some discussion around work for option subjects in year 8. Since we run a two- year KS3, we are committed to ensuring that students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and will continue to provide work for all subjects.
It is clear that carers, parents, students, and staff are working incredibly hard at this time and are doing a fantastic job. The past 10 days have certainly been a learning curve for us all. Stay home and keep safe.
Mrs Jolene Jacobson
Assistant Principal