Dear Parent/Carer,
I am writing as we start a new term, with school closed and pupils having to engage with home learning. In many respects we are in a better place than we were in during the last lockdown with pupils and staff being much more familiar with the tools of home learning; namely SatchelOne (formerly ShowMyHomework) and Microsoft Teams. However, the timing of this lockdown means that students are very much in the middle of courses instead of being nearly at the end of them and the potential negative impact of lost learning could be far greater. It is for this reason that is extremely important that pupils engage with all learning activities in all their subjects and try to complete work to the very best of their ability, rather than getting through it as quickly as possible.
Pupils who are studying for National Qualifications this year will need to be fully engaged with new learning, as well as consolidating prior learning, so that they are in the best possible position to generate the evidence required for teachers’ assessments. All schools are waiting for updated guidance from the SQA and when we get it, we will pass it on to pupils and parents/carers. Subjects that are normally assessed through practical work are at a particular disadvantage in the current situation as pupils may not be able to complete their work. Please impress upon your child that they should not worry too much about this, as all students in Scotland are facing exactly the same issues.
We understand that every home situation is different, with varying access to broadband, devices, physical space and levels of supervision but the most successful home learning takes place where pupils work to a set routine – getting up in the morning and starting work at the same time every day, in a location where they are monitored and supported. Parents can access SatchelOne on their own devices to see what work is being set but often the actual work will be in Teams and information will be emailed to pupils through their Glow email address. If pupils have any problems with their work, they should email their teacher, through Glow, for support. Pupil Support teachers may also ask pupils to contact them, as a check on their wellbeing.
Additionally, we have been asked to complete a register of home learning. This means that on any day where a pupil is unable to home learn due to sickness please email the school office (gw08officekirkcudbri@ea.dumgal.sch.uk) to let them know. Please use this email if there are other general issues you would like to bring to our attention too.
Finally, I would like to say how pleased I have been with level of engagement from pupils this morning – in spite of the UK-wide issues with Teams – it is extremely heartening for teachers and I would like to thank everyone on their behalf. At this difficult time, it is important that we all try to be patient and supportive of one another.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tuffery
