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Online Learning - The Journey So Far

Online Learning – The Journey So Far

As the Whitsun Term draws to a close, remote learning has now been in place for 6 teaching weeks and teachers, pupils and parents have begun to get used to it as a way of continuing to deliver the best education we can in a lockdown situation. As with any new challenge, remote learning has proved to be a learning curve for all of us, and there have been challenges along the way. But thanks to the determination, commitment and engagement of all, this unique way of learning has quickly become the ‘new normal’ and continues to evolve.

Although the community may be physically apart, the values of the School have remained strong, including our commitment to deliver the best possible academic and learning opportunities. From the youngest in the Nursery class, to those on the cusp of completing their secondary education, pupils have been able to engage with their teachers, attend virtual lessons, learn new skills and complete projects that have been set in their own time.

Feedback from parents, staff and pupils has been invaluable in helping us adapt our provision. Over the past few weeks we have received many unsolicited (but very welcome) emails from parents expressing their support and gratitude, which is, of course, reciprocated and which we have all found highly motivating. Among some of the parental comments we have received are:

Distance learning from Wells is offering an excellent structure of teaching for my daughter. She enjoys a smooth running timetable with all her teachers providing fully comprehensive lessons throughout the week.” – Senior School Parent

“It is as close to the normal school day as remote learning would seem to be able to emulate and that is impressive considering how quickly it all came to be.” – Senior School parent

“I am deeply impressed by the efforts that the School is making; our daughter is in our view receiving pretty much a ‘full’ education and I really think the School should be applauded.” – Senior School parent

“My wife and I really would not want our daughter to be at a different school right now, nor when, or if, we ever get back to some sort of normality.” – Senior School parent

“Year 4 camp has been the absolute highlight of our lockdown. Thank you to all the Junior School staff who have worked so hard to keep all our spirits up this term and have made such enormous efforts to look after the children and support them. All the videos and feedback have made a big difference. Nothing can ever replace face-to-face contact, but you have helped them stay in touch with their class and still feel a part of the unique Wells community.” – Junior School parent

“I wanted to express my feelings on how fantastic your teachers are. The curriculum produced each week has been wonderful. Lessons have been immersive, interactive and, in fact, we are all learning something new together. You have amazing staff who go beyond the call of duty.”  – Junior School parent

“Due to the current circumstances the software and organization that has gone on to make sure we have the next best thing besides school to learn and carry on with our academic endeavours has been amazing.” – Senior School pupil

In addition to benefiting from their academic timetables, pupils of all ages have attempted new challenges, learned new skills and enjoyed the opportunity for greater independence and self-reliance that home learning has provided, not least via our Wells Award initiative. It has been so encouraging to hear of pupils learning to touch type, to use sign language, to cook and to support their local communities in all manner of ways.

The School looks forward to maintaining its current remote learning provision throughout the Trinity Term. We are committed to ongoing reflection and continuous re-evaluation of how we can improve our offering. Regular surveys of staff, parents and pupils will continue to guide us and inform our teaching and support, both academic and pastoral.