Remote Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic may already seem a distant memory, but its legacy remains. For many parents, remote learning will always be associated with periods of COVID-related home learning.
More generally, remote learning describes any situation in which students and teachers, or other sources of information, are not physically together in a traditional classroom. Learning is delivered through technology, such as video conferencing, online resources, discussion boards and digital assessments.
While the pandemic presented significant challenges, it also accelerated the adoption of new technologies and teaching approaches. As a result, our curriculum evolved to incorporate a wider range of resources and methods of delivery.
Today, we continue to use a variety of digital platforms to support teaching and learning, and your child will engage with these as part of their everyday school experience.
Satchel One
Our main platform for remote learning is Satchel One. We use this to set homework, share learning resources, links, useful reminders and feedback.
All students and parents have access to it. Further details can be found in the Sachel One section on the Homework page on our school website.
Student Emails
All students are provided with a school email account, giving them access to Microsoft 365 applications, including Teams.
In line with our Acceptable Use of ICT Policy, students are expected to use email responsibly and appropriately.
Students may contact teachers by email when seeking clarification or support with work that has been set. For more general academic, personal or pastoral concerns, students should speak directly with a teacher or member of the pastoral team in school.
As students progress through the school, email becomes an increasingly important communication tool. It may be used to share coursework materials, submit assignments, support UCAS and job applications, and promote wider learning, training and careers opportunities.
Microsoft Teams
All students have access to Microsoft Teams through their Microsoft 365 account and school email address. Teams enables students and teachers to interact remotely when required.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Teams was used to deliver live lessons and provide opportunities for students to ask questions and receive support from their teachers. Online resources and assignments were also shared through Satchel One (then called Show My Homework), including recorded lessons, explanations and revision materials.
Although widespread school closures are unlikely, Microsoft Teams and Stream (see below) remain an important part of our remote learning provision and would be used to support any future blended or remote learning arrangements, should this ever be required.
Beyond this, teachers may also use Teams to provide revision sessions and additional support for students.
Microsoft Stream
Microsoft Stream allows teachers to record lessons, revision sessions, feedback and guidance for students.
Unlike live lessons, recorded videos can be watched at any time and replayed as often as needed.
Videos are available through Microsoft Stream, either via teacher links or Microsoft 365.
EduLink
In a Summer 2024 consultation, most parents expressed a preference for continuing with online Parents' Evenings. Teachers also strongly supported this model, which allows them to see more parents, make better use of appointment times, and balance the demands of multiple Parents' Evenings throughout the year.
Since September 2024, bookings and meetings have been delivered through a single platform, EduLink, and feedback has continued to be highly positive.
More information about EduLink can be found here.
Online Platforms
Additionally, we guide students to utilise various online platforms to support their study and revision. Teaching will link to these resources, and they'll be referred to in lessons. This might be Seneca in English or MathsWatch in Maths.
Furthermore, our revision guidance offers a range of options, from websites to mobile apps, so that students can find an option that best works for them.
Non-COVID Remote Learning
Our remote learning provision is embedded into school life via Satchel One, Microsoft Teams and Stream, alongside that range of external online resources that we recommend for independent study and revision.
Outside of exceptional circumstances, such as nationally mandated school closures, our belief is that digital technology should enhance, not replace, face-to-face education.
It is important to note that we do not provide remote learning as an alternative to school attendance. As a mainstream school, our education is delivered in person and within the school environment. Our teachers have busy schedules in school and are therefore unable to provide bespoke remote learning for individual students who are absent or whose families choose to keep them at home.
Nationally, most school absences are due to illness. Work is not set for a student who is too unwell to attend school. Similarly, work is not set for unauthorised absences. (Other reasons for absence are statistically much rarer.)
In some circumstances involving a foreseeable, time-limited absence, such as a hospital stay or recovery following an operation, the school may provide (or signpost) additional support to help a student maintain continuity of learning. Any such arrangements will be agreed on a case-by-case basis between school and the family.
Further Information
We retain a non-statutory Remote Learning Policy which can be found here.
For more information about homework and remote learning, please contact Sam Sullivan, Assistant Headteacher, via office@friaryschool.co.uk.