Blended Learning & Contingency Plan

Blended Learning at Hornsey School for Girls - Updated Jan 2022 

Blended Learning is an approach that combines opportunities for interaction online alongside traditional place-based learning. With the onset of Covid 19 the school has had to adapt its curriculum in the first instance to deliver solely through digital platforms, and latterly to plan with three scenarios in mind.  All platforms are password protected to ensure safeguards are in place for your daughter.

The contingency plan for the school is available at the bottom of this page.

Due to Covid, our planning encompasses the following scenarios:  

  1. Entirely in school learning - digital learning becomes enrichment, support, and extension.
  2. In case of a significant disruption- learning will be a mixture of in school learning with remote learning support. Those self-isolating will receive entirely remote learning that reflects the current curriculum delivery
  3. Entirely remote learning- no  traditional school-based learning

The most common apps your child will use are:

Google Classrooms and Show My homework

Individual subjects may also use a number of the following: 

Kerboodle, Maths Watch, Hegarty Maths, Lexia, GCSE Pod, Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, You Tube, Kindle, Kahoot and Quizlet.

Specialist subject apps are included in the subject directory.

Please find below the way in which you can expect the different subjects to use Digital Learning.

Creative Enterprise: Art.

In Art we aim to ensure that a high proportion of classroom-based activities are practical, and skill based with use of specialist material – including a wide range of resources. Where possible,concepts, context and theory are taught and/or consolidated virtually to enrich the student’s knowledge and understanding of art. This may include virtual gallery visits and critics/reviews.

Lesson readiness – virtual learning will encourage pupils to be more lesson ready - to get straight into all practical work through understanding what is required before the lesson via either reminders, Google classroom chat, demos, or discussions.

Exemplar material will always be provided, both in the classroom and online, to reinforce learning. This may include examples that address common misconceptions along with leveled examples where appropriate. We will aim to use video demonstrations, both prerecorded and live, to support the execution of tasks and enhance the student’s skills.

There is an expectation that pupils upload work regularly for feedback and assessment. One-to-one support will continue both in the classroom and online. We are setting the expectation that all pupils are fully engaged both online and in school.

Homework is being set on SMHW to form a bridge between physical classroom contact and virtual independent tasks.

Creative Enterprise: Business

In Business we aim to ensure that learning is a combination of both digital and classroom based from the outset. Key concepts will be taught in class and have digital resources such as case studies to reinforce learning.

Exam Readiness- We use both Seneca Learning and GCSE Pod to support and develop subject knowledge and understanding. These are a combination of short videos, quizzes and assignments. Both platforms help the teacher and the student to identify strengths and any gaps in learning.

Exemplar material and lesson PowerPoints will always be provided both in the classroom and online to reinforce learning. This may include examples that address common misconceptions along with leveled examples where appropriate.

There is an expectation that students will complete all set assignments on these platforms. Homework is being set on SMHW to form a bridge between Google Classroom and Seneca Learning and GCSE POD , virtual independent tasks.

Creative Enterprise: Computer Science

In Computer Science, a significant proportion of the content requires access to web based technologies. Resources have been developed, which are shared on Google Classrooms and these are linked to online learning platforms such as GCSE Pod and CAS.

More abstract principles in computer science, such as logic and algorithms, will be further supported through pre-recorded pod casts, which are made available from Khan Academy.

All resources will provide students with an opportunity to test their understanding by completing exam based questions. This self-marking interactive tool will allow students to engage with OCR exam builder directly.

There is an expectation that students will participate in virtual tutorials, where students will be given an opportunity to meet with teachers one-to-one or as a group.

Homework will be set on SMHW and this will be directly linked to Google Classrooms. There is an expectation that pupils upload work regularly for feedback and assessment. ​

Creative Enterprise: Design Technology

The Design Technology curriculum uses digital media currently to support and extend its curriculum thinking on the core key skills of:

Identify and Investigate: use a variety of online tools to research and investigate different sources of primary and secondary information.

Design and Make: develop formal drawing techniques using ‘how to’ videos. CAD: in school students use 2d design. A review of students’ licenscs is underway.

Analyse and Evaluate: listen to dedicated design podcasts, read articles and books, watch tv programmes, develop an independent viewpoint on the impact of design and technology on wider society.

Technical Principles: knowledge and understanding will be strengthened through the use of  AQA Exampro, GCSE Pod and Seneca Learning

Exemplar material both in the classroom and online to reinforce learning, talking through PowerPoints and additional resources will be provided as appropriate.

There is an expectation that pupils upload work regularly for feedback and assessment. One-to-one support will continue both in the classroom and online. We are setting the expectation that all pupils are fully engaged online as well as in school.

Creative Enterprise: STEM

STEM uses a cross over diet of platforms that supports and extends learning within its curriculum. Examples include:

Questioning like a Scientist: support from platforms such as Kerboodle and BBC Bitesize, to support learning in scientific principles

Apply principles like a Technologist: these will be through talking PowerPoints extending learning in class

Build like an Engineer:  ‘how to’ videos include making catapults in year 7 and fake wounds in year 9

Deduce like a Mathematician: support from  platforms such as Mathswatch. 

Exemplar material both in the classroom and online to reinforce learning, talking through PowerPoints and additional resources will be provided as appropriate.

There is an expectation that pupils upload work regularly for feedback and assessment. One-to-one support will continue both in the classroom and online. We are setting the expectation that all pupils are fully engaged online as well as in school.

English & Media

The English & Media department is keen to embrace and utilise new technologies, recognising that competency in this area stretches beyond the classroom and will continue to drive forth independent learning and success in the work place. We use a number of platforms to support teaching and learning and we are developing our expertise quickly, to adapt to the ever changing, exciting digital age. The teaching of Media at GCSE explicitly involves using moving image, editing and navigating social and digital media, in order to meet the demands of the course.

We currently use the following digital platforms to enhance and support learning:

  • Lexia and Lexia Plus to support reading fluency
  • Accelerated Reader
  • On-line reading: Sora app
  • AQA on-line resources, EMC et al

We curate the digital content for learners’ needs as part of our blended curriculum.

Geography

In KS3 Geography we support online learning by using a range of platforms, to ensure students’ academic progress continues to be supported. Learning is guided by a variety of online task sheets, that not only revisit prior learning but provide challenge tasks. These relate to a knowledge organiser.  In addition, students at KS3 are encouraged to develop Geography in the News sheets through a variety of reading articles, listening to podcasts and research tools.

Predominantly at KS4 we have recorded PowerPoints which are on our bespoke YouTube channel. Each topic has a series of support PowerPoints and booklets with tasks to complete.

Knowledge and understanding, is supported by GCSE Pod and Seneca Learning, which provide short interactive activities and feedback.

History

The History Department uses a range of online platforms to support blended learning and ensure that students’ academic progress is supported outside the classroom.

We are keeping abreast of new platforms and technologies that are appropriate for our students while recognising that we do not currently have consistent or universal usage as students have different levels of access to technology at home.  For example, at GCSE we recognise that GCSE Pod is likely to be an effective platform for student recap and revision because it can be used on a phone and requires no typed input.

On our main school platforms of Show My Homework and G-Suite we provide online learning which is more closely aligned to lesson resources and has digital links embedded as part of learning activities. GCSE Pod is being used as regular recap and quiz homework tool.

As required, we will be able to offer tutorials and lessons using Google classrooms.

Maths

At Hornsey School for Girls, the maths department support students’ learning using the online platforms MathsWatch and Hegarty Maths. Every student has access to both and their login details are as follows:

 MathsWatch – https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk for a fictional student “Janine Samuels”:

 Username: JSamuels@hornsey    Password: Hexagon (every student has the same password, which is case sensitive)

 Hegarty Maths – https://www.hegartymaths.com/login/learner  

1.       Select the name of the school

2.       Enter your first name, surname and date of birth

  1.  Choose your password (all passwords have been reset to begin the new academic year)

MathsWatch and Hegarty Maths are vital aspects of our digital learning programme.  Both provide a mix of video, notes and practice questions. Work set reflects class learning, and provides students with the opportunity to consolidate and extend their learning. These online platforms also allow students to work independently and tackle topics that have not been set by the teacher should they wish to revise or work ahead of the schemes of learning. Teachers will set work on one or both of these forums and create a task on Show My Homework to inform students on how to complete the tasks.

Students can also be proactive and contact teachers first if they have any issues – they do not need to wait for a teacher to communicate first. We are here to help and support during these uncertain times and look forward to working together to ensure that students receive the best from us.

MFL Department Approach to Blended Learning

We subscribe annually to Kerboodle, which gives us access in KS4 to the AQA coursebooks and online learning resources in GCSE French and Spanish.

These are fully differentiated between Foundation and Higher Tiers and activities for each theme and topic area are offered in all four attainment targets in MFL learning: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. All are accessible to our students in school and at home and all students have individual log-in details.

In additional to this we subscribe to Allez  1 and Allez 2 for KS3 French and Claro for KS3 Spanish. All students are able to access these from home and our curriculum maps represent the content covered in these brand new resources which we consider are an excellent foundation to the more rigorous GCSE courses in French and Spanish which we encourage all of our learners to consider in terms of their future learning.

Memorise has proved to be particularly popular with our learners as far as acquiring the necessary vocabulary is concerned in French and Spanish and the interactive approach has certainly facilitated enhanced acquisition of individual items of lexis, particularly among our KS4 learners.

Performing Arts

Blended learning in Performing Arts will support the curriculum and learning in our practical lessons. One of the challenges we face is how students access the practical work from home. A range of theatre, dance, music and sports organisations have developed high quality, free resources that are suitable for teaching, however we recognise that not all students have access to space, sports or music equipment and therefore need to provide adaptations and alternatives where appropriate. Some of these can be seen below:

  • Oak National Academy (Music)
  • PE with Joe Video workouts
  • National Theatre Online Library (Drama)
  • TED-ED
  • Loom/Narrated PowerPoints
  • Visualiser videos to model exam answers.
  • EduHam at Home (Gilder Lehrman Institute)
  • Youth Sports Trust Videos and Resources (PE)
  • Rambert at Home
  • Royal Opera House ‘From our house to your house’
  • Shakespeare’s Globe ‘Playing Shakespeare’ videos.
  • Music Composition Programmes (GarageBand, Ableton, Logik and Sibelius)

As a result, our curriculum planning reflects a variety of needs.

Our plans and resources will be uploaded throughout this term onto G suite.

Religious Education

Religious Studies department, in line with the school’s policy on Blended learning, has put together a bank of flexible digital on-line resources and worksheets to enable students to access RS schemes of learning and learning activities in school and remotely. We aim for students to learn at their own pace and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in the way that fits their individual learning styles.

At Key stage 3, Kerboodle digital classroom resources are used for a lot of on line and remote learning activities. All teaching resources have been updated and adapted as necessary. 

At KS4, GCSE Podcasts and Edexcel (our exam board) digital resources are used with other planned learning activities for option and non-option groups.

Remote lessons have been carefully planned with useful and relevant learning experiences to enable students to gain adequate knowledge and understanding of the topics. We have incorporated different learning experiences by using resources such as PowerPoints, images, audio files, video files etc. to engage and stimulate students.

All RS lessons include key skills, and attitudes such as understanding, evaluation, interpretation and reflection are incorporated in every lesson. This ensures that the values emphasized in schoolwork are continued in distance learning. Varied assessment activities are included to evaluate students’ learning and monitor their progress. This allows for intervention and support according to each individual student’s need.

Science
In Science, the main resource that will be used to provide remote learning is Kerboodle where students have access to the textbook that is used in class, summary activities, videos and quizzes. We supplement this with Oak Academy, SENECA and Carousel. Oak Academy provides online video lessons with subject expert explanations, modelled exam style questions and opportunities for independent practice. Learners should pause the videos when appropriate for them as instructed by the teacher leading the video and self-assess their work in green pen as they watch the lesson. SENECA is an online revision guide which involves short quizzes for students to assess their learning and is recommended to support revision at home. Carousel is a website where students can use online flashcards to revise and then take a quiz set by their class teacher. Learners do not need a login for Carousel - only a link sent by their teacher. Their class teacher receives the learners’ feedback from both SENECA and Carousel which helps us to address areas of strength and weakness and adapt learning accordingly. To ensure all learners are able to carry out and engage with practical scientific investigations, the Science department has also secured a website (which is again accessed by a link rather than login) where learners can complete practicals virtually. This link will be provided on Show My Homework when necessary.

Social Sciences: 

Student progress remains our main priority when teaching, whether that be in the classroom or through blended learning. Although there are not many online platforms available to the Social Sciences subjects, we are confident that we are able to make effective use of what is available to enhance and support our students’ learning:

We are currently using Show My Homework to set homework and tasks for Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, CPHSE, Citizenship and Creative Studies.

In addition, there are components of SENECA that are relevant to our GCSE Psychology and GCSE Sociology courses. These components are identified by individual teachers depending on their class needs, tasks will then be assigned on SMHW.

Lessons, textbooks and revision material are available for students to access from the department G Drive. 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WjfKYNVh_vVoExLlQy-1s6Hak5T0DeWG

We would also encourage our students to make use of the online resources and past exam papers as found on the exam board websites.

Psychology – https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/psychology-2017.html

Sociology – https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/gcse/sociology-8192

Citizenship – https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/citizenship/gcse/citizenship-studies-8100

Health and Social Care – https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/health-and-social-care.html

Furthermore, the Social Sciences Team have put together revision materials for all Social Sciences GCSE subjects.These have been printed and provided to all students to support their learning both in the classroom and from home. 

What is Blended Learning?  FAQs

What is the best way to support your child’s digital learning?

Make sure your login to Show my Homework is working and discuss with your child questions about their home learning. Research shows that when parents get involved it helps support their child. If you are not clear on anything, please contact your class teacher in the first instance.

I’m confused by G suite and SMHW - which is more important?

All homework will be set through SMHW. Classwork and support material, including lesson PowerPoints will be set in parallel on G suite

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Hornsey Contingency Plan Jan 2022 V1 04th Jan 2022 Download