Remote Learning

During the years of Covid, when it was essential to continue our excellent education online, we offered remote academic and pastoral programmes.  We delivered an unbroken education which continued to deliver the creative and inspiring education in the true spirit of the St. Francis' community.

What education is provided?

An agreed timetable which offers all normal lessons, a weekly Head's assembly, House activities and form time runs from 8.40am - 2.40pm in the Senior School.  An enrichment time is provided between 2.40pm and 4pm in the senior school which allows for a variety of activities and helps to reduce unnecessary screen time.  Each period is approximately 30 mins long and follows the same sequence as the original timetable. The Prep Dept follows its usual timetable structure. We follow our normal curriculum.

This includes sports challenges, leadership opportunities, music and LAMDA.

How is remote access supported?

School laptops and chrome books are loaned to pupils with any difficulties with access to equipment.

What type of teaching can a parent expect their child to receive?

There will be a variety of techniques in use such as:

live teaching (online lessons) via Teams or Zoom

• recorded teaching (e.g. video/audio recordings made by teachers)
• printed paper packs produced by teachers (e.g. workbooks, worksheets)
• textbooks and reading books pupils have at home
• commercially available websites supporting the teaching of specific subjects or areas, including video clips or sequences
• lessons uploaded on to our virtual learning environment (VLE)
• A majority of lessons are delivered face to face and live but not exclusively. Teachers select the best method for the learning required as they would do in the classroom.

What are the expectations of pupils' learning behaviour?

• Pupils are expected to contribute and participate in the same way that they do in the classroom.
• Every family signs a remote learning contract outlining behaviour expectations and safeguarding rules.
• A variety of methods of assessments on your child’s progress might be undertaken as it is in the classroom from tests, quizzes, self-assessment, homework tasks etc.

What support is there for pupils with particular needs?

Our SEND Department works alongside families to help support the learning needs of each individual in the same way as it does during the normal school day. This is also true for EAL students.

Very young children are supported by their classroom teacher mainly through live face to face lessons where possible.

If my child is not in school because they are self-isolating, how will their remote education differ from the approaches described above? 

Your child will either be sent homework or will have a laptop representing them in class

Here is some feedback from parents on our remote learning:

I thought it timely to drop you a note to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to you and your team through this current lockdown. Yet again, the education and support provided  is over and above any other that I have heard of

May I take this opportunity to thank you and all the teaching staff for the amazing job you have all done to organise the virtual school! It is a difficult time for us all!