We must start by saying a HUGE thank you to everyone at home for all you are doing. Feedback from our remote learning survey told us a great deal, thank you for all who took the time to complete it. We recognise that some families favour the structure of remote learning during this lockdown and other families are finding it less successful. We also know that whatever we do, we’ll never be able to please everyone and that conditions change. To that end, we would like to reassure you that we do understand and are grateful for your candid feedback.
The effects of the first national lockdown on children’s learning have been widely reported since the beginning of this academic year. We were very pleased that the vast majority of our pupils returned to school, albeit on a part-time basis, for the final few weeks of the Summer Term 2020. Not only did this give the children much-needed time together, but it also gave us the opportunity to assess any gaps in learning and understanding and make provision to address them as soon as the new academic year began in September.
The most notable effects that we observed in our pupils, and have been working hard this year to address, included:
- a decline in writing stamina, handwriting and presentation of written work;
- a decline in the fluency and recall of number facts and application of mathematical knowledge and reasoning skills;
- and, a decline in overall stamina for work and concentration on tasks.
We know that the circumstances in the different households will never be the same, but we are sure that all of us are committed to getting through this together, the best we can, and for children to return safely to learning in school. We recognise that it is a juggling act to keep the remote learning happening at home.
We thought it would be useful to produce some steps to help support the remote learning at home. We do hope you can see that we have already made steps to build on what was the routine in last summer’s lockdown experience.
Point 1: Class teachers are easily contactable via the ClassDojos platform. Just leave a message and they will contact you as soon as they are able. Alternatively, you can email the school at schoolmail@stmichaels.lewisham.sch.uk and the message will be passed to the relevant person.
Point 2: Please see a ‘suggested’ timetable to organise your day. We have one for Infant classes and another for Junior classes. The timetables are ‘suggested’ and the order in which the subjects are set to be completed are ‘ideals’ and of course, they need to be ordered and fitted around other commitments: availability of technology etc.
Point 3: Take a break. We cannot underestimate the need for a break from screen time. We absolutely do need to remember the importance of some physical exercise, fresh air and a cup of tea. In all that we are doing, family life and physical and mental well-being and life in general should also be a priority during a national/global pandemic! ‘Well-Being Wednesday’ is a time to find activities to support your mental health.
We do ‘get it’ and please know we feel the same. This time – as last, we will endure by all doing the very best we can, supporting one another and staying in touch. Thank you all for everything you are doing – once again, we will get through this together!
Under pressure
Also, if you feel under pressure, then please have a look at these useful tips: