Remote Learning Guidance

What is remote learning and when should it be considered?

'Remote Learning' does not relate to usual 'homework' set by teachers but is the term used in cases where it is not possible, or is contrary to government guidance, for some or all pupils to attend school.

As detailed on the attendance page of our website and in our attendance policy, the Academy is committed to providing a high quality educational experience to all its students. We offer substantial support to ensure that all students attend the Academy every day and are on time. Attendance is essential for pupils to get the most out of their school experience, including for their attainment, wellbeing, and wider life chances. We expect all students in school, accessing their curriculum every day that they possibly can. Please contact the Academy via your child's tutor or Year Group Team by calling on 01903 767434 if you have any concerns or wish to discuss your child’s attendance.

Our responsibility is to support attendance in school by working closely with pupils, parents/carers, and any other relevant partners such as the local authority, to remove any barriers to attendance as detailed in the government's school attendance guidance. Therefore, in line with government guidance on remote learning, schools should only consider remote learning as a last resort, where a decision has been made that attendance at school is not possible, but pupils are able to continue learning. Remote education should not be viewed as an equal alternative to attendance in school, or as a substitute for school attendance. It cannot contribute towards a child's school attendance figure - pupils absent from school and receiving remote education still need to be marked as absent in the register.

These 'last resort' situations could be:

• School closures or restrictions on attendance, where school access for pupils is restricted (e.g. for reasons of public health).
• Individual circumstances where, despite support, a pupil may be unable to attend school for a short period due to particular circumstances but may be fit/well enough to complete some learning online. For example when recovering from short-term infectious illnesses; when preparing for or recovering from some operations, or where recovering from injuries where attendance might inhibit recovery.

In such circumstances, parents should contact the Academy and discuss the situation with the child's year group team. If there are any barriers to digital access, please let the Academy know and we will look to support you, for example with a loan device.

In some exceptional cases, circumstances might also include pupils whose attendance has been affected by a special educational need or disability (SEND) or a mental health issue. In these circumstances, after the pupil’s absence from school has been established, we will consider providing pupils with remote education for a short period on a case-by-case basis, as part of a plan to reintegrate the pupil back to school, and only when it is judged that providing remote education would not adversely affect the pupil’s return to school. As the provision of remote education should only be made as a short-term solution, pupils with long-term medical conditions or other physical or mental health needs which affect attendance longer term may need more support to continue their education. Please see section 7 of our attendance policy for more information about how we look to support longer absences from school. Again, any such arrangements will always be time-bound, regularly reviewed and will remain focused on overcoming the barriers to attendance and providing support for the pupil to be reintegrated into school, with the goal being full-time, on-site attendance.

How to access:

Students can access 'self-service' resources via their Google Classroom classes (Canvas for W6 students). The materials provided in different subject areas will vary due to the nature of different curriculum areas and the suitability of online resources. Students will therefore be required to use their independent learning skills to find, access and engage with relevant materials. This offer is not intended to replicate or replace the normal classroom learning experience in school. It is designed to support students in specific circumstances of short term absence, by allowing absent pupils to stay connected to their teachers and peers and remain more on track with their education. It also provides all students with revision materials and the opportunity to independently extend their in-school learning, which we strongly encourage. Students and parents can view their year group curriculum maps on our website.

Resources provided on Google Classroom/Canvas (for W6) vary by subject but can include:

• Uploads of lesson presentations and resources which students can work through and complete.
• Content/unit summaries or knowledge organisers that students can study, take notes on and revise from.
• Links to relevant content on online platforms, where students can work through content, activities and quizzes.

Additionally, students can also access Oak Academy or BBC Bitesize resources directly, where a wealth of content is available, arranged by Key Stage and subject area. Students can also access relevant content through our readily available online partner platforms:

• Bedrock Learning (KS3 English)
• Tassomai (KS4 English)
• Massolt (KS5 English)
• Sparx (Maths)
• Sparx Science (KS4 Science)
• Educake (Geography)
• Seneca (MFL)