At Richmond Hill Academy, we understand the importance of planning for a range of circumstances which may affect our ability to provide face to face learning for some or all of our children. Throughout the pandemic, we have ensured that we are well prepared, able to cater for, and engage with all our pupils in the event of remote learning. During the lockdowns; school was committed to providing the full curriculum online in a way which is accessible and engaging for all. All members of the school teaching staff took responsibility for supporting children to learn remotely by providing lessons, differentiated activities and personalised learning via videos on our chosen online platform, ClassDojo. Each class engaged with some live sessions each week to support the wellbeing of the children, promote connectedness and provide opportunities for meaningful feedback on learning.
We gave careful consideration to what makes effective remote teaching and learning, and all online lessons adhered to some key principles:
- Ensure the learning is meaningful and sequential
- Always builds on prior learning
- Scaffold small step to support children’s learning and help them to master a new skill or concept
- Include direct teaching and detailed modelling in every session
- Give personal feedback (via the portfolio on ClassDojo) and check for understanding
- Ensure that learning is accessible without substantial adult support and can be completed through independent practice.
We consider it our duty to work with parents and carers as partners in their children’s learning. We are committed to providing children with remote learning in the event of any absence from school due to COVID-19 and will ensure that materials are immediately available online (but also accessible in a paper copy wherever necessary) which support children’s progress through iteratively revisiting prior learning.
We will provide personalised support and help each family to overcome any barriers they may have to accessing or engaging with remote learning. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher or a member of the Senior Leadership Team if you have any questions or need any support with your child’s learning at home.
