Dear Parent/Carer
I hope you and your family are well. As we approach the end or our first week of remote learning for all year groups, I want to update you on the distance learning package that we are providing for our students.
The vast majority of remote lessons we offer are live, via Google Meet, with students following their normal timetable. We know, from your feedback during the first lockdown, that live lessons are the most effective way to engage students and keep them on track.
Each school day starts at 8.45am with an online registration with form tutors. Teachers will communicate with students and send the links to live lessons through Satchel One (Show My Homework) and via school emails. It is vitally important that you contact us as soon as possible if your child is unable to access these methods of communication and we will do what we can to support you – office@sharplesschool.co.uk
We realise that managing your child’s learning at home can be challenging. With this in mind, the “distance learning” section on our website brings together some essential information to help you to get the most out of our provision. On the website you can find the timetables for each day – please note that there are no split lunchtimes during distance learning. You can also access the key contacts for each year group, guides to the learning platforms that we use, as well as a link to a weekly assembly to motivate students in these challenging times. Please take the time to have a look at this useful resource – https://www.sharplesschool.co.uk/distance-learning/
Feedback from staff indicates that our students have made a great start to distance learning and that they are showing a real determination to “Learn, Dream and Achieve” in challenging circumstances. In order to celebrate those students who go the extra mile, we have relaunched our “Sharples Stars” scheme to celebrate their successes. We are also running a weekly “Community Challenge”, which students can get involved with to further enrich their learning experience.
As always, I would encourage you to read our weekly newsletter and to follow Sharples Twitter. Both showcase the brilliant work our students are completing during lockdown, as well as the many thoughtful ways in which they are supporting their families and the wider community.
This has been a very positive start to our distance learning provision and your hard work in supporting your child has had an important part to play in this. Thank you for your continued support.
Finally, we believe that by working in partnership, and by communicating effectively, we will enable our students to continue to excel in these uncertain times.
We are always happy to help.
Take care and stay safe.
Ms A Webster
Headteacher
Click here to view original letter as PDF.
