Dear Parent or Carer, 

 

We are always in a process of trial and improvement in terms of how we approach our teaching practice and this is particularly the case in the context of the impact of COVID. 

 

What has become clear, as the virus has continued to impact on attendance amongst students and staff alike, is that we feel a shift to blended learning is the most suitable way forward. 

We want to provide a more beneficial education amongst home learners, and blended learning will allow for students to interact with lessons virtually - where they are isolating, but well enough to attend live lessons. 

 

Therefore, from 1st November, if your child is off school, isolating, and feels able to attend lessons online, they should go to their Google Classroom and follow the link that will be posted on their feed. This will take them to a Google Meet - where they must ensure that they have their camera and microphone switched off - and they should use the chat function to indicate their presence as well as respond to any questions or pose them where required.

 

There may be occasions where a live lesson is just not suitable - e.g. team sports in PE or using particular musical instruments in a Music Lesson. In the event that this is the case, suitable work will be provided for the student to complete. 

 

We hope this leads to a more seamless transition between time spent isolating and a return to the classroom. 

 

Should you have any questions relating to this, please feel free to contact me at kidman.d@harriscofeacademy.co.uk. 

 

Yours faithfully, 

 

Mr D. Kidman

Assistant Headteacher - Online and Home Learning