St Edmund's Catholic School launches virtual timetable to bring live lessons into children’s homes

Teachers and pupils at St Edmund’s Catholic School have been allocated timetables with subjects being delivered over 15 hours of direct teaching time. Using Microsoft Teams, one teacher delivers the lesson using power points, visualiser and video links while a second uses the live chat feed to ask and answer questions.

Previously, as with most schools, students worked through independent online tasks. The live lessons have certainly been a hit with pupils, many of whom have been struggling with lockdown and the isolation of being away from school.

Year 10 student, Joe Broad, 15, said: ‘I found the first few weeks very hard – it was difficult to focus on my work without the support of my teachers. This is much easier as you get a live explanation and can ask questions. This whole situation has made me realise not to take school for granted.’

Year 8 pupil, John Amgue, 12, added: ‘Everything was a bit unbelievable at the start. I now understand much more about the need for lockdown and care about how my actions affect others. Science has been my favourite virtual lesson as it has been interesting and I find it easier now I can ask questions.’

After installing classroom cameras and purchasing 40 laptops to distribute to those who needed them, the school ran a live lesson pilot before half-term. The timetable, which has been running for two weeks, even includes practical subjects such as dance, drama and PE.

John added: ‘The teacher gets us to find our own individual space where we can do activities such as skipping and push-ups. We can record ourselves so we can compete against each other.’

Pupils who may be less confident in a large classroom environment have thrived in the more relaxed atmosphere of taking part from the comfort of home.

Amber Kryemadhi, 13, said: ‘It can often feel like it’s just you and your teacher and so it’s easier to ask questions. It’s easier to focus as there are fewer distractions.’

It’s not just the pupils who have enjoyed getting back to live lessons.

Science teacher Louise Hooker said: ‘I was really nervous before my first live lesson but I actually feel like a real teacher again – helping students to prepare for their GCSEs.’

Head of computer science Robert Hughes said: ‘I’ve been able to teach the curriculum again and get involved in a real interactive discussion. It wasn’t too dissimilar to lessons we would have done in school.’

SEE ALSO: Hampshire headteachers’ GCSE concerns for returning Year 10 pupils

There has been between 96 and 99 per cent online attendance - which the school says is a good sign given the uncertainty of what will happen in September.

Headteacher Simon Graham said: ‘We really hope pupils can return but we are trying to cover all bases. The next step is to trial the same lesson where some students will be in class while others will be at home.’

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