Remote Education

Remote Education at Our Lady’s

At Our Lady’s Catholic High School, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil continues to receive a high-quality education whenever they are unable to attend school due to exceptional circumstances. While attending school remains the best place for pupils to learn, we recognise that there may be occasions when remote education is necessary. Our aim is to ensure that learning continues with as little disruption as possible, enabling pupils to remain engaged with the curriculum and prepared to return successfully to the classroom.

Our remote education provision reflects the same ambition, high expectations and carefully planned curriculum that pupils experience in school. Learning is sequenced so that pupils continue to build their knowledge, deepen their understanding and develop the skills required for future success. We remain committed to providing an inclusive education that supports every pupil to achieve their full potential.

When Remote Education May Be Used

Remote education may be provided when:

• a pupil is unable to attend school for a short period due to exceptional circumstances;
• a class or year group is required to learn remotely;
• severe weather or other unforeseen events prevent attendance at school;
• other exceptional situations arise where learning cannot take place on site.

Remote education is intended to complement, not replace, attendance at school. Wherever possible, pupils are expected to attend school in person.

Our Approach

Teachers will continue to deliver the planned curriculum as closely as possible to the learning taking place in school. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• live or recorded teaching through Microsoft Teams;
• lesson resources and assignments;
• independent practice activities;
• retrieval and recall tasks to reinforce prior learning;
• online quizzes and assessments;
• opportunities for feedback and improvement.

Teachers will provide clear explanations, appropriate challenge and regular opportunities for pupils to demonstrate their understanding. Learning will be designed to help pupils remember more over time and make continued progress through the curriculum.

Digital Learning Platforms

Our primary platform for remote education is Microsoft Teams. Pupils may also be directed to curriculum-specific resources that support learning, including:

• Microsoft Teams
• Sparx Maths
• Educake
• Seneca Learning
• Carousel Learning
• Oak National Academy (where appropriate)
• Other subject-specific platforms used within departments

Teachers will explain how each platform should be used and provide appropriate guidance where necessary.

Expectations for Pupils

During periods of remote education, pupils are expected to:

• engage with learning each day;
• complete work by the deadlines set by teachers;
• attend live lessons where these form part of the learning programme;
• communicate respectfully and follow the school’s behaviour expectations;
• take pride in the quality of the work they produce;
• seek help from their teachers if they encounter difficulties.

Pupils should establish a regular routine, work in a suitable environment where possible and minimise distractions to help them learn effectively.

Expectations for Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting successful remote education. We ask families to:

• encourage regular attendance at remote learning sessions;
• provide a quiet place for study where possible;
• support pupils in establishing positive learning routines;
• notify the school if there are difficulties accessing remote learning;
• communicate with the school if additional support is required.

We recognise that every family’s circumstances are different and will always seek to work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure pupils remain engaged with their education.

Feedback and Assessment

Teachers will continue to monitor pupils’ engagement and understanding through submitted work, online assessments, questioning and other appropriate methods. Feedback will be provided in a way that supports pupils in improving their work and addressing misconceptions.

Assessment information gathered through remote education will help teachers identify where further teaching, retrieval or intervention may be required once pupils return to school.

Supporting Pupils with SEND and Additional Needs

Our commitment to inclusion continues during periods of remote education. Teachers will make reasonable adaptations to learning where appropriate and will continue to work closely with the SEND team to ensure pupils receive the support they need.

Where appropriate, teaching assistants and pastoral staff may provide additional guidance and support to individual pupils and families.

Access to Technology

We understand that access to technology is essential for successful remote education. Families experiencing difficulties accessing suitable devices or internet connectivity are encouraged to contact the school as soon as possible so that appropriate support can be explored.

Safeguarding and Online Safety

The safety and wellbeing of our pupils remain our highest priority whether learning takes place in school or remotely.

All pupils are expected to use digital platforms responsibly and in accordance with the school’s Acceptable Use Agreement. During live online sessions, pupils should behave respectfully, follow staff instructions and communicate appropriately at all times.

Parents and carers are encouraged to support safe online habits by supervising younger pupils where appropriate and discussing responsible use of technology.

Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the school immediately using the usual safeguarding procedures.

Contacting the School

If pupils or families require support with remote education, technical issues or access to learning resources, please contact the school office or your child’s Head of Year. Subject-specific questions should be directed to the relevant class teacher through the usual communication channels.

Working together, we will ensure that every pupil continues to learn, grow and flourish, whatever the circumstances.