A Derby headteacher has praised staff and the local community for helping to ensure the majority of lessons are delivered to pupils ‘live’ online, in a move which has been applauded by parents.
Murray Park Community School, in Mickleover, has moved its entire teaching programme online so that pupils attend their usual timetabled lessons with their teachers.
The school has provided 227 pupils with laptops after learning that a quarter of its student population did not have access to a suitable device, with 124 coming directly from the Government. In addition, 30 dongles have been provided for pupils who do not have access to the internet.
Another 20 laptops were donated by residents of Mickleover, who wanted to support Murray Park.
Murray Park Community School, in Mickleover, has provided 227 pupils with laptops.
Parent Nathan Sharp has a 12-year-old daughter, Kiarah, who has received a laptop and dongle from the school.
He said: “Although Kiarah has her own laptop it just wasn’t up to speed for online learning. I mentioned it to school and they were so supportive, it’s been wonderful.
“Kiarah has cystic fibrosis, so we have been strictly shielding since March and it has been a very worrying time for us.
“Getting a laptop from Murray Park has meant we have had one less thing to worry about and Kiarah is able to stay connected to her teachers and friends. We are so very grateful.”
Providing every pupil with the appropriate technology, equipped with firewalls and safeguards, has meant that the entire school day has now moved online.
Lessons are frequently delivered ‘live’ so pupils can see teachers and ask questions, but they are often also recorded so pupils can revisit them.
Mum Catherine Pearch has two children at the school, Callum in year 10 and Bethany in year 8.
She said: “The teachers at Murray Park have been amazing. Callum and Bethany basically go to school in their bedrooms now – they start the school day at the normal time, have form time as usual and almost every subject is taught in real time.
“I know staff are wary of too much screen time, so they usually deliver a short lesson and then set them work. The teachers stay on screen so they are available to answer questions straightaway.
“I also have a younger son and a fulltime job, so the way Murray Park has adapted has been a lifeline. My children like routine and structure and this is exactly what they have.”
Derby school Murray Park’s head teacher has praised the community’s selflessness in supporting home learning during lockdown.
Teachers at the school are the first to admit that online learning can never replace the emotional, social and psychological benefits of being in school together.
Assistant Headteacher George Hagen said: “The beauty of recording many of our live lessons means that pupils can replay the lesson and pause before moving to the next task, this helps them to manage their time.
“It is clear that lockdown has naturally improved everyone’s knowledge and competence in computing. This will serve students well for the rest of their lives.”
The school has also introduced a wellbeing afternoon, where pupils are encouraged to take part in an activity away from the screen.
Phil Gregory, Assistant Head for key stage four, added: “Having time away from the screen is also very important and we are introducing enrichment activity afternoons which encourage students and staff to explore a personal passion and share their chosen experience with the school community.
“These enrichment activities will be “screenless” such as writing stories, reading, the arts or taking on a physical activity challenge. These things are vital for our mental and physical health.”
Head teacher Nicola Caley said: “I am so proud of the entire school community who have adapted to a new way of working. Teachers have helped each other to master the art of teaching remotely and now we know this will be continuing until at least mid-March we are in a really good place to keep supporting our pupils.
“I must also praise the local community, who have been very supportive. We have had people in Mackworth and Mickleover bringing in old laptops to see if they can be of use – which has been wonderful.
“It is important to say that every leadership team across the country has a different context to consider when putting together remote learning packages. All schools will implement a system that they feel is in the best interest of their students, staff and parents.
“There isn’t a one size fits all approach, but this is ours and we are delighted with how it is going so far.”
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