How remote learning will work

During a School closure we aim to ensure that 100% of a pupil’s lessons take place via live streaming. All lessons will finish 10 minutes early to allow pupils a movement/comfort break.

Pupils in Y7-9 will not be set homework. Pupils in Y11-13 will be set homework.

All ‘digital lessons’ will be streamed via Microsoft Teams. All pupils should access their Office365 account and Teams through their Surface Go/Pro. If pupils are well they are expected to ‘attend’ all agreed digitally streamed lessons and complete any independent work to the deadline set by teachers.

Advice about pupils working at home

Pupils should be working in an open area of their house – e.g. a dining-room, study that is near to adult supervision. Pupils must not take part in streamed lessons in their bedroom. Pupils must be appropriately dressed for streamed lessons but are not required to wear School uniform.

Pupils will be expected to have their microphone turned off unless the teachers tell them otherwise e.g. If there is a class discussion or a Q&A section of the lesson.

Pupils must play an active part in lessons; if they do not, teachers will report this to the Head of House to follow up.

Pupils need to be working in a productive environment – no TV, background music etc.

The School’s expectations of pupils’ behaviour and engagement

There will be a robust response to poor online behaviour. Pupils will still be subject to both the Berkhamsted School Code of Conduct and the Acceptable Use of IT policy. Should there be any poor online behaviour the following will happen:

• Pupils will be removed from lessons having first been warned by the teacher
• Tutors/Heads of House will be in contact if there is poor behaviour online

Students health and wellbeing

If your son/daughter is unwell and unable to attend ‘digital lessons’ you should contact school via the Parent Portal as you would do if they were ill during normal school time.

It is important for pupils to get fresh air; physical activity is proven to improve wellbeing and learning outcomes. Even if it’s just running around in the garden!

We know that some pupils struggled with wellbeing issues during the last lockdown. If parents have concerns about their son or daughter’s wellbeing they should contact either the relevant tutor or Head of House.

Every morning from 0830-0850 pupils will either have a House assembly, tutor group meetings, Chapel, assembly or one-to-one meetings. They will check in with individual tutees every few days.

Finally….

Parents should avoid temptation to do pupils’ work for them outside of lessons. Parents must not involve themselves in the streamed lessons; we must replicate School conditions as much as possible and this includes having pupils as independent learners in the classroom, supported by parents at home.