Information for Parents & Carers

Remote learning technology and student access

Wakefield College uses the Microsoft 365 platform with Microsoft Teams to facilitate online learning ‘live lessons’. Moodle, the College’s Virtual Learning Environment, complements Microsoft Teams and offers students access to a wide range of learning support and informative resources. Students can access both platforms through their College login details.

Loan devices are available to students who need equipment and, for those without connectivity at home, onsite provision is available subject to lockdown rules.

The remote curriculum: what we teach students at home

A student’s first day or two of being educated remotely might look different from our standard approach while we take all necessary actions to prepare for a longer period of remote teaching.

What should our students expect from immediate remote education in the first day or two of studying at home?

All lessons will revert to being delivered remotely. The content of lessons may vary; especially for practical lessons. The length or structure of lessons may change to allow for breakout sessions and independent learning.

What should our students expect from remote learning?

We teach the same curriculum remotely as we do in College wherever possible and appropriate. However, we have needed to make some adaptations in some subjects. For example, practical skills-based course delivery plans have been rescheduled to allow for the front loading of theory, knowledge and understanding to be delivered remotely. This is supplemented with practical demonstration and supporting media.

Methods of remote delivery are primarily through digital education (synchronous online learning, during timetabled lessons) supplemented with asynchronous education (prepared by the member of staff and accessed at any time by students). However, this may not always be possible and in some cases, teachers will set appropriate work for students which they will then submit or consider in the next online session.

Students will get feedback from teachers during lessons and on any work submitted. ILPs and Progress Reviews will continue remotely.

Some students may receive hard copy resources through the post if this is the most appropriate approach for them.

Remote teaching and learning methods will vary from lesson to lesson, depending on the needs of students, and will take account of screen time, development of independent learning skills, the level of the programme, and the subject matter being learned. Teaching and learning methods may include (but are not limited to):

• Presentations
• Discussions
• Group exercises
• Written tasks
• Research tasks
• Performances
• Practical demonstrations
• Quizzes
• Videos
• Individual tasks

Remote timetables

As far as possible, practical and appropriate, students will follow their normal College timetable remotely. Where there is deviation from this, students will be informed of changes.

What we expect from students in remote learning

We expect the same standards of behaviour and engagement from students learning remotely as we do in face to face sessions. Students should behave in line with the Student Code of Conduct at all times. Deviation from this will result in normal disciplinary processes being invoked.

Students are expected to attend all aspects on their programme. Failure to do so will result in the normal disciplinary processes being invoked.

Students should engage fully in remote education (via live lessons, worksheets, text-book questions, quizzes, homework, assignments etc..) completing all to the best of their ability.

Students should not leave their College account open if they are away from their computer.

It is preferable that students and staff have their cameras on during the lesson with a blurred or added background and, if possible, students should wear headphones during their lessons.

Students should be punctual and prepared for learning with all the equipment they need.

Students with Additional Needs

If a student normally has Learning Support in a face to face lesson, then the Learning Support Assistant (LSA) will be invited to join the remote lessons via Microsoft Teams. LSAs will then follow up on the lessons with students.

Students with EHCPs are contacted throughout the week to monitor their engagement and wellbeing.

EHCP reviews continue to be carried out via Microsoft Teams and staff attend online school reviews of students hoping to start at the college in September.

Students who are self-isolating

Students who are self-isolating will be able to join the classroom lesson online, observing all classroom activity and being included by the teacher as far as is practical. Self-isolating students will get the same assessment and homework activities as those in the classroom/workshop as far as possible and practical.

Support for Students

The Student Central support services continue to provide the full range of services remotely with a limited on-campus facility to ensure crisis, wellbeing and safeguarding needs are met for those in attendance on-campus. The services are accessible via Moodle, through email and Microsoft Teams with students receiving ongoing support also through direct contact information. Services include youth work, financial support, careers, BACP counselling and achievement support. We continue to maintain safeguarding protocols and support for wellbeing which includes physical, mental and emotional support. A wide range of activities are accessible remotely both in groups and for individuals to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of students remains a priority.