Students continue working despite uncertain lockdown
COVID-19 AND THE IMPACT ON EDUCATION
THEIR students may not be able to attend school at the moment, but teachers across Wexford town are working to ensure the coronavirus doesn’t curtail the progress of our brightest young minds.
At Selskar College it’s business as usual with students continuing to adhere to their timetables from the comfort of their own homes.
‘Our teachers are working online with them every day,’ explained Principal Denise Lennon Hennessy. ‘They’re following the timetables as per schedule, so if a teacher is supposed to have a class at a certain time they are liasing with that class at that time, assigning work and then providing individual feedback provided to each student.’
‘We were already using online platforms before this so students are familiar with working online. And all of our teachers have Microsoft Surface Pro devices and have had training in working remotely, both in terms of handson training and video tutorials and instructions.’
This has seen classes delivered via Powerpoint presentation, complete with voiceovers, and one-to-one tuition via facetime,
And rather than be a hindrance, Denise says some of the school’s students have excelled in this new working environment.
‘We thought they might be overwhelmed by the situation but they’re so used to working remotely, so used to doing everything online that they’ve adapted perfectly.
‘One of the teachers has told me that some of her students are doing better than she expected because they don’t have the distractions of the classroom and all that comes with it. That’s opened our eyes up to the possibilities.’
The Digital Learning Strategy within Selskar College and across all WWETB schools, is supported by a dedicated team of IT Engineers and Digital Learning support team in WWETB, who have been developing infrastructure and capacity in our schools for digital learning to support classroom based learning. Like all schools, Selskar College are doing their best in an unprecedented situation to support students learning at home without the usual classroom-based interaction.
In addition to their daily classes, Denise has also made a number of resources available for the students, particularly those who will be taking exams sometime this year.
‘All of our Leaving Certificate students are now receiving a full twelve-week online revision course in English, Irish and Mathematics at both Higher and Ordinary level to supplement their classwork.
‘In addition some of our Leaving Certificate students are receiving online grinds from Jumpagrade. And in partnership with Wexford Local Development (WLD), all of our Leaving Cert students will be receiving video classes in Irish and French.’
But it’s not just about exercising the minds of the those staying at home, Denise also wants to see her students partake in as much physical activity as possible.
‘The PE teachers were wondering what to do when they were scheduled to be with the students, so they’ve done up fitness routines for them to do at home too. It’s important to keep them fit while this is going on, it’s good for their mental health.’
Covering all bases and ensuring there is minimal disruption to their daily schedule is Denise’s priority, and this extends to what they eat at home.
‘As a DEIS school we do free meals for students when they’re here. We’re looking into continuing to provide those meals for students in their homes.’
At Presentation Secondary School students are being asked to continue their education but also to be mindful of the unique set of circumstances we find ourselves in.
In addition to creating a remote teaching timetable for students and staff, Principal William Ryan has offered some additional advice for those working from home.
‘Many of our staff are finding it difficult to juggle remote teaching and also looking after their own children, so I would ask parents/guardians to be patient in these uncertain times,’ William said,
‘Also, staff are fully aware that many of our students are helping out at home, minding smaller siblings. These are not normal times.’
Yet in spite of everything, the Principal says everyone at the school has reacted well to the new way of doing things.
‘The general feedback from staff, parents, and students has been very positive. I would like to thank the staff and students for the huge effort they’ve put in.
‘Our job now will be to sustain that interest for what could be a number of weeks, or months.’
As an ‘iPad ready school’ students at Presentation Wexford have been using e-learning and technology for a numbers years. However, William is aware that not every home in the county has access to broadband.
‘We are very cognisant of the fact that Wifi and broadband access can be limited or non existent in certain parts of the county,’ he said.
‘Each student would have homework buddies which is a system that works in normal times in the school, and is a way for those who are having difficulty accessing emails to receive their assigned work.’
For William the key to everything is creating a routine, and he believes students who stick to theirs will continue to flourish while the school is close. ‘I would advise students to set themselves a normal timetable and routine everyday: Get up at the same time as you would for school. Have a good breakfast. Be ready each day for whatever subjects are timetabled for that day – have all your resources ready.
‘Have your break time and lunch time planned and what you will eat. Talk to your friends by phone, social media during
the breaktimes or go outside for some fresh air.
‘Get your work done. There is no excuse for anyone to fall behind in work. Your teachers are putting in the work so should you. I would also advise that students be kind on social media to their friends and others, and to be careful of sending or reading incorrect or false information that is floating around.’
Principal of the Loreto, Billy O’Shea, is eager to keep the school’s students active, but he also wants to make sure they look after themselves and their loved ones.
‘Students have access to teachers and vice versa, it seems to be working but there’s no substitute for face-to-face interactions,’ he said. But the bottom line is this is a national health issue, and the welfare of everyone has to be the top priority.
‘Making sure people look after themselves is by and far away the most important thing, once that’s taken care of we can think about the educational side of things.’
Billy underlined this message in a heartfelt letter sent out to each and every one of the school’s 810 pupils.
‘You will have real concerns to the disruption to your education. Exam students, Sixth Years in particular, will be very anxious about the new arrangements that will have to be made for orals and practicals.
‘Eventually, however, things will slot into place. I appeal to you to remain as calm as possble until then and to concentrate on the revision of course material covered to date and to follow what teachers will send you by email in the coming weeks.
‘But I also appeal to you to support your parents and guardians at this time. They will have many worries and fears they might not be comfortable talking about with you. Please show them love and understanding and try to help them in practical ways with the running of the house in the time ahead.
‘I ask you to remember that your teachers will also have serious fears for themselves and their loved ones. You can help your teachers by offering a kind and encouraging word when in contact with them.
‘You have often heard me say how proud I am of the generosity, commitment and understanding of Loreto students. Now is the time to bring this to an even higher level. We need you.
‘We have to unite like never before to get through this. Let us talk to each other, lean on each other. Do what we are told, when we are told. Above all, love each other. Before too long we will come out on the bright side.’
Meanwhile, at the CBS, Principal Michael McMahon is remaining resolute during this time of crisis.
‘We have a learning plan in place. The students had already set up Office 365 accounts some months ago, so they did have some preparation for this,’ he said.
‘They’re able to work and are interacting with their teachers and there’s plenty of resources available for them to use. In particular, our Digital Learning coordinator is working with them.’
Fully aware of the difficulties of working home, Michael said, where possible, parents should help students to keep busy.
‘The students are enthusiastic, but it’s important they have some structure at home and that parents help them to be organised,’ he said.
Ultimately the Principal’s sole concern is on getting all of his students back to the CBS in the coming months, and he believes young people have a particular responsibility when following the guidelines laid out by the HSE.
‘The main message is this will pass, it’s a short-term, major inconvenience. So long as we abide by the HSE guidelines and follow the updates, that’s the immediate priority.
‘And our priority is to protect the older, vulnerable members of society, and indeed of our school, who may have underlying conditions. Keep the head down and the exams will happen soon.’