Shebbear College, an independent school in North Devon, has said it will continue with its virtual learning provision in September, alongside lessons on the school site.
The school is currently installing webcams in every classroom, enabling teachers to record their lessons and transmit them live to pupils who cannot physically be at the school.
The school received praise from parents for its academic and co-curricular provision during lockdown, with small class sizes and individual pupil focus. For pupils that were struggling, academically or emotionally, one-to-one lessons or socially-distanced home visits were carried out.
“During lockdown we offered a remote learning platform that was extremely well-received by both parents and pupils alike,” said Matt Newitt, deputy head (academic). “Pupils continued to follow their usual timetable, registering with their tutor in the morning and taking part in live lessons with all their subject teachers.
If we need to move back to remote learning next term, Shebbear will be able to do this seamlessly, just as we did in the summer term – Matt Newitt, deputy head (academic), Shebbear College
“Our wellbeing and pastoral care was more important than ever and even our extra-curricular activities programme continued, with students enjoying a huge range of creative and sporting challenges. If we need to move back to remote learning next term, Shebbear will be able to do this seamlessly, just as we did in the summer term.”
Head Caroline Kirby said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming all of our pupils back to school in September but we want to be fully prepared for anything that Covid-19 throws at us in the autumn term.
“Some of our boarding pupils may need to quarantine when they return to the UK, whilst other children may be isolating in their household, not to mention the possibility of a second wave of the virus.
“Filming the lessons and transmiting them live through our virtual learning platform will mean that all of our pupils will have full access to their timetable and support system remotely and do not need to worry about falling behind.”
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