King's Education Online

KING’S EDUCATION ONLINE

KING’S EDUCATION ONLINE

We call our remote teaching and learning programme King’s Education Online and it is designed to be as dynamic, personalised, inspiring, creative and effective as the classroom teaching we are more used to delivering here in Canterbury.

The same level of creativity and expression that we value so much at King’s is encouraged as lessons go ahead remotely in a variety of forms, many involving live face-to-face interaction on-screen.

Our teachers are in contact with their pupils via our new VLE which now uses Microsoft Teams, Sharepoint and OneNote, as well as through email. A variety of teaching techniques is used, just as in the classroom, to move students towards a deep understanding of the material and also, more than ever, to develop their independent learning skills, essential for effective distance learning.

All work set as Assignments (Classwork or Prep) will include provision of and links to a range of resources to support effective and efficient learning. Marks and feedback will be provided on work submitted while reports will be sent out to parents/guardians frequently so they can stay up to date on their child’s progress and engagement.

This document also details other parts of school life which we hope pupils all over the UK and across the world will participate in and enjoy.

LESSONS ONLINE

Online lesson slots in the Summer Term are 20 minutes (40 minutes for a double lesson) with short breaks to take account of family life and the intensity of working at a computer. These run according to the normal timetable in the two-week cycle, fitting largely into mornings in the UK to take account of pupils overseas in different time zones.

Appropriate academic work will be set in addition to the contact time – as Assignments within Microsoft Teams – which is a combination of what would normally be classwork tasks and independent work done away from lessons (‘prep’). Microsoft OneNote & Class Notebook will be used and the live teaching delivered through Teams or other software, eg Zoom. Pupils need access to a PC, Mac, tablet, or laptop to be able to work effectively; a phone screen is too small to support serious study.

Pupils’ interaction during the live lesson times will be registered but lessons will also be recorded so that those unable to take part at the time can review them later. Teachers will note pupils’ engagement with work set in order to monitor each pupil’s progress and brief Interim Reports will be sent home roughly every two weeks. https://vle.kings-school.co.uk/online-learning-for-pupils The Summer Term will run from Period 1 on Wednesday 22 April (Week A) until Period 7 on Friday 22 May and from Period 1 on Monday June 1 until early July (Commemoration is on Thursday 2 July).

Online Lesson timings (British Summer Time) MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

8.35am

Registration

Registration

Registration

Registration

Registration

8.45am

School Assembly

School Assembly

House Assembly

School Assembly

Tutorial Time

Registration

9.00 - 9.20am

Period 1

Period 1

Period 1

Period 1

Period 1

Period 1

9.20 - 9.40am

Period 2

Period 2

Period 2

Period 2

Period 2

Period 2

BREAK 10.00 - 10.20am

Period 3

Period 3

Period 3

Period 3

Period 3

Period 3

10.20 - 10.40am

Period 4

Period 4

Period 4

Period 4

Period 4

Period 4

BREAK

Period 5

11.00 - 11.20am

Period 5

Period 5

Period 5

Period 5

Period 5

11.20 - 11.40am

Period 6

Period 6

Period 6

Period 6

Period 6

11.40 - 12.00pm

Period 7

Period 7

Period 7

Period 7

Period 7

LUNCH 12.40 - 1.00pm

Period 8

Period 8

1.00 - 1.20pm

Period 9

Period 9

1.20 - 1.40pm

Period 10

Period 10 BREAK

2.30pm onwards

Co-curricular Activities

Games

Co-curricular Activities

Games

Co-curricular Activities

SHELL, REMOVE & FIFTHS

Shells –Shell I/GCSE choices are due in by Wednesday 22 April. From Mon 27 April pupils can choose to concentrate on the ten subjects they have chosen for I/GCSE (plus our PSHE course, Life Matters) or to continue with any or all of the subjects they have lessons in.

The I/GCSE option choices are four subjects from: French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, History, Geography, RS, Classical Civilisation, Latin, Greek & Latin, Computer Science, Astronomy, PE, DT (Engineering), DT (Product Design), Drama, Music, Art, Photography.

In June ‘Shell Exams’ (Assignments under test conditions sat at home) are planned to run in the Core Subjects (English, Maths, Sciences) and the Option Subjects studied in the Summer Term.

Removes – continue working on the I/GCSE courses so that, as usual, the majority of the syllabus is covered during this year. In June ‘Remove Exams’ (Assignments under test conditions sat at home) are planned to run in all I/GCSE subjects.

Fifths – until Monday 27 April Fifth formers can hand in any outstanding GCSE work due for consideration.

Week 2 of term (Monday 27 April to Saturday 2 May) will be a Reading & Preparation Week with tasks set.

From Monday 4 May Fifths will have a timetable based on their A level subject choices, studying three, four or five subjects with increased contact time for each of these. The courses will prepare for A level courses and start the syllabus in many cases, so that significant progress is made and we mitigate any disruption in the Autumn from the GCSE retake exams. Preparation for A level courses will run, and Fifths should be able to make significant progress this term.

SIXTH FORM

6b – continue working on the A level and Pre-U courses. 6b Exam week is moved from mid-May and some ‘Exams’ (Assignments under test conditions sat at home) may run after Half Term but there will be a week of exams sat back at school in September to finalise the UCAS predicted grades.

6a – First week (Wednesday 22 April to Saturday 25 April) is for making contact with teachers, finishing off any outstanding A level projects, and choosing from the 40 or so Pre-University Extension Courses on offer.

Second Week (Monday 27 April to Saturday 2 May) is a Reading & Preparation Week to prepare for the Extension Courses. From Third Week (Monday 4 May) onwards 6a pupils attend courses (9am-12pm), one morning a week per course. These are creative and stretching academic courses run by our subject specialists, both for general interest and to prepare for university courses.

The titles include: ‘An introduction to Linguistics’ ‘Reimagining the Renaissance’ ‘Voices and Positions in 20th Century Art History’ ‘The Gothic & American Literature’ ‘Plato to NATO – Political Philosophy in the 21st century’ ‘The economic and social impact of global pandemics’

‘Spanish Literature - preparing for university’ ‘Preparing to be an Architect’ ‘The Chemistry of Nature’ ‘How the City works’ ‘Shakespeare Performance’ ‘Psychogeography and the Sense of Place’

CO-CURRICULAR

Co-curricular activities will also be encouraged in the afternoons in as many different areas of school life as possible. This is an opportunity for pupils to widen the breadth of their activities when under normal circumstance other school commitments would have prevented this from being possible.

Activities: On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, activities will start at 14.30 or later and last up to 45 minutes each. Some activities will run weekly, whilst others will be either a one-off activity or last just a few weeks.

Some will be live, and others pre-recorded so can be accessed at a more convenient time if required. There will be a creative new style of Music and Drama opportunities available, as well as those that are more sport based, interactive quizzes, cultural prospects and life skills available. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn to cook some culinary treats from the expertise of some of our staff! Some of the regular offerings will still continue through the term (eg Sixth Form Club and Young Enterprise).

Pupils will be expected to sign up for activities in advance on Microsoft Teams and all pupils are encouraged ideally to take at least two activities a week, but are obviously welcome to take more.

There will also be a number of non-school activities suggested (eg museum virtual tours) for those who want more to do. Parents and families might like to join some of these.

All pupils are encouraged to take the opportunity to read, both fiction and non-fiction. The library pages on the VLE give links to some useful sites for audio books for those who would prefer to listen (and perhaps to rest their eyes). Those who have homes well stocked with a variety of books could take advantage of this. https://vle.kings-school.co.uk/library

Games will run on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons with all pupils encouraged to participate and there is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to take part in the unique King’s Challenge. There will also be some more sport specific sessions or extra fitness sessions at various times of the week for those who wish to push themselves a bit further.

There is plenty of free time at the weekends when it is hoped families could exercise together.

Music lessons will continue where possible, remotely, by arrangement with individual teachers around the online lesson slots when pupils are free, and at other times during the week.

As the term progresses there will continue to be a varied and interesting programme of opportunities available for all pupils to access in the cocurricular offering.

PASTORAL CARE & WELL-BEING SUPPORT

We want to assure you that there are many members of the King’s pastoral team who are working remotely and who are available to provide pastoral and wellbeing support to our pupils and their families.

HOUSEMASTERS & HOUSEMISTRESSES (HsMs) The HsM remains responsible for the overall wellbeing and progress of all pupils in their houses. As such the HsM will carry out regular ‘roll calls’ or check in times with their pupils and they will be available to talk to pupils just as they would be if everyone was in house as usual. The HsM will continue to address any issues which are affecting pupils, perhaps there are motivation issues or there may be other ongoing issues which the HsM already knows about. The HsM will continue to be supported by their Deputy HsMs and by a team of tutors in each house and they will be able to assess who in that team is best placed to support any pupil, and will involve the relevant person on the team as appropriate. The HsM will continue to talk to parents about any issues, just as they would have done if the pupil was physically with them.

The HsM will want to hear about other things that the pupils are involved in, perhaps they have taken up a new hobby, or are volunteering or have become an entrepreneur over the break? Any of this information will be welcomed and celebrated.

The HsM will continue to run regular house meetings and will inform pupils as to timings of these.

TUTORS Pupils will have tutorial time on Friday mornings at 8.45am, giving a chance to chat as a group with their tutor and to touch on any general issues. In addition all tutors will arrange a time for a 1:1 conversation with each tutee at least once a fortnight.

THE CHAPLAINCY The Chaplains continue to be available to the whole school community through this difficult time. If a pupil would like to speak with a Chaplain email them and they will arrange a suitable time. Assemblies and Sunday services will continue and the Chaplains will keep everyone informed about access to these.

Rev: lrfc@kings-school.co.uk Father Martin: mcr@kings-school.co.uk

COUNSELLORS Our counselling team; Marcus and Jenny Averbeck, Nicky Crouch and Toni Howes, remain available throughout this period. If a pupil has already been seeing them regularly, or they were on the waiting list at the end of term, then they will receive a direct email invitation for continued online sessions. These sessions may be held by phone or on Teams, whichever seems to work best for the individual.

If a pupil feels they need counselling support during this difficult time then they are welcome to self-refer via the central counselling email address below and one of the counsellors will respond. Equally, if a parent is concerned about their son or daughter they are welcome to refer via the same email address.

The demand for counselling sessions will no doubt be high, it is therefore very important that pupils do check their school emails regularly and that they inform their counsellor if they are unable to attend a session, so that that session may be offered to another pupil.

The boundaries around confidentiality and how to make the most of the counselling service will be explained to the pupil when their sessions begin. counselling@kings-school.co.uk

MEDICAL MATTERS All NHS medical records for pupils are held by the Canterbury Medical Practice. Their phone number is 01227 763377 and they can be contacted directly for any medical questions. If a pupil needs a repeat prescription these are available from the Practice. Parents will need to provide their child’s full name, date of birth, the name and dosage of the medication and the name of a local pharmacist for the electronic prescription to be sent to.

The School’s Health Centre is closed at present, but the Senior Nurse, Mrs Kate Abbott, is available via the email medical@kings-school.co.uk to answer any questions or concerns.

We do understand that at this time it may be easier for you to register your son or daughter as a temporary patient at your local surgery.

Details with regards to this are here: https://www.nhs.uk/commonhealth-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-atemporary-resident-with-a-gp/

We are very aware that the Covid-19 outbreak has been life-changing for the entire community. The feelings of fear, sadness, boredom, frustration, loneliness and anxiety, have all been expressed by members of the community over these past weeks.

It is very clear from surveys carried out by mental health organisations that loss of daily routine and social isolation are the major contributing factors to these feelings and the sudden closure of our school will have been a shock to many.

The ongoing relationship with the HsM will be key to ensuring that all pupils are provided with a good level of emotional support. If a HsM feels that they do not have the expertise for the needs of some individuals then they may ask the Deputy Head (Pastoral) to step in to provide that support.

The Deputy Head (Pastoral) Miss Tanya Lee pastoral@kings-school.co.uk +44 (0)1227 595560 Tanya Lee remains available for any other matters not covered by those named above.

The Deputy Head (Pastoral) will be issuing a short but regular wellbeing survey, which we hope that pupils will engage with fully. This will enable us to assess what other needs we need to find ways to support as we move through this unknown territory together.

Pupils are reminded that they already have a ‘wellbeing’ button available to them on the VLE. They should press this button and explore the resources available to them there.

Miss Lee’s tips for mental wellbeing: •

Keep in mind that not everything you read or hear is true.

•

Remember to talk each day to loved ones by whatever means you have available to you.

•

Reflect, take time out and enjoy a hobby, perhaps a new one.

•

Stand up, take screen breaks, get outside if you possibly can.

•

Recognize the importance of sleep, and that you may need more of it at this present time.

•

Remind yourself that ‘this too shall pass’.

Please do also contact Miss Lee if there is a bereavement in your family as she will coordinate with the Senior Chaplain and ensure that all specialist support is available to you at this difficult time.

LIFE MATTERS COURSES Life Matters (Personal, Social, and Health Education) will continue for the non-exam years as a part of the standard timetable. These lessons will provide time for any concerns to be raised about this new kind of life that we are all living together.

OTHER PASTORAL MATTERS The importance of nutrition and exercise King’s pupils are used to regular meals, which provide them with the well-balanced nutrition which they require to carry out their very busy daily lives, as well as ensuring that everyone takes exercise. It is a known fact that mental health is maintained and supported through nutrition and exercise. It is, therefore, very important that time is found for regular meals, preferably together as a family, and that pupils fully engage with the remote games provision on offer, as well as perhaps taking up some new form of exercise which is possible in their environment.

The importance of sleep Numerous studies have informed us over the years that teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night.

Studies coming out at present suggest that in the current climate teenagers should be sleeping towards the higher end of that, possibly around 10 hours per night. Good sleep ensures numerous benefits; improved concentration, reduced anxiety, improved immune system amongst other things. It is, therefore, more essential than ever that pupils keep in routine and sleep well.

RULES & EXPECTATIONS

•

Pupils should be ready to start their day with registration in house groups, followed by any assemblies / tutorial time as instructed and then period 1. Registers will be taken as normal at times when pupils are expected to be interacting in lessons or any other required school activity

•

Pupils should be dressed appropriately (as should everyone else in the household who may be observed via webcam) and be aware of what may be visible in the background. If necessary pupils should use the option on Microsoft Teams to pick a neutral background

•

Where possible, pupils should undertake any online lessons, tutorials or co-curricular activities in a public space in their house and not their bedroom. We are mindful that there may be other children undertaking online lessons and adults working from home so this may not always be possible

•

The room should preferably be free from distractions and the rest of the family should be aware that a lesson is taking place to avoid loud or embarrassing interruptions

•

Pupils should have pen and paper ready before lessons start, and mobile phones should be switched off during lesson times

•

Standard classroom behaviour is expected from all participants. In particular, content may only be shared that is appropriate and directly related to the subject. Pupils should be considerate of others when interacting online and not talk over each other or interrupt inappropriately

•

Pupils should follow any instructions given with regard to turning off video or muting themselves

•

Pupils must ensure that any communication with other pupils and staff as part of the school day is responsible and sensible

•

The break times built into the academic part of the day are important as a chance to have regular time away from the screen. Pupils should use these times to stretch their legs for 5 minutes, get a snack and be back in time for the next lesson

•

Pupils should be aware that if using Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other applications required for use by the school, the lessons and their content are recorded and individual use can be monitored and logged

•

Pupils must not record or take photos of other pupils or teachers during any online teaching sessions, nor share lessons publicly. Any breach will invoke a disciplinary response in line with the School Rules and the Behaviour Policy

•

Pupils must not deliberately browse, download, upload or forward material that could be considered offensive or illegal.

•

Pupils are reminded that the Acceptable Use Policy still applies.

•

A pupil who is ill or unable to join classes should try to ensure their Housemaster or Housemistress is aware of this and can sign them out for the day

Where teachers feel pupils have not given due consideration to the above rules and expectations, this will be reported to the Housemaster or Housemistress in the first instance so they can address the situation with pupils or parents as required.

Teachers will be encouraged still to give Bene Fecits and Commendations where appropriate for impressive work.

It is understood that some pupils are in time zones that will make live interaction at all times of the ‘normal’ school day much harder. These pupils should communicate any such issues with their Housemaster or Housemistress in the first instance so that due consideration can be given to this by teachers.

SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

We understand that the current situation will be stressful for our parents at times, as you juggle working from home while supporting your child’s education, together with the additional uncertainties that the COVID-19 pandemic brings. Do remember that we are here to support the whole of the King’s family. Please speak to your child’s Housemaster or Housemistress if there are additional factors that we need to consider and we will do all we reasonably can to help E-SAFETY At school we use numerous different online systems to ensure our pupils are kept safe. We do, therefore, encourage parents to ensure that they have: •

Set filters on their home connection

•

Checked their parental controls via their broadband provider

•

Checked that they have suitable anti-virus protection in place

•

Ensured that their son or daughter is ‘broadcasting’ from a suitable place or blurred their background, and that they are always suitably dressed when participating in any school activity

For advice on setting up controls offered by your home internet provider, we recommend the UK Safer Internet Centre.

For more general advice on parental controls, the NSPCC, in partnership with O2, provide a very good checklist.

In addition, the O2 NSPCC Advice Line offers advice on apps, sites, games and online safety (0808 800 5002).

This document was created by: Peter Roberts, Headmaster Liz Worthington, Senior Deputy Head eaw@kings-school.co.uk Luke Bartlett, Deputy Head (Academic) lgb@kings-school.co.uk Tanya Lee, Deputy Head (Pastoral) pastoral@kings-school.co.uk Greg Hunter, Deputy Head (Co-curricular) gah@kings-school.co.uk Ian MacEwen, Deputy Head (Admissions & Marketing) ism@kings-school.co.uk

www.kings-school.co.uk Design by Kieran Orwin, Head of Marketing