Braeview doorstep drop-offs for pupils

T E AC H I NG sta ff h ave launched a new contactless drop-off serv ice wh ich has seen dozens of pupils ha nded laptops a nd workpacks to use at home.

To give the students the opportunity to continue their learning during lockdown, Braeview Acadamy’s pupil support staff have been arranging the doorstep deliveries.

More than 90 families have benefited from the drop-offs so far, which head teacher Lesley Elder hopes will lend a helping hand during home schooling.

She said: “Young people and their teachers are dependent on learning at home, through Glow and Microsoft Teams. More than ever before, laptops, tablets and wifi access are becoming vital learning tools.

“We understand the challenges families face in borrowing laptops, young people sharing with siblings and the cost implications of buying them. That is why we have been checking in with our families and asking what IT they need and providing a laptop when we can.

“As part of our support role we have contacted all of our families. We value our relationships with them and are working hard to keep in touch with everyone. Having conversations and knowing that people are coping has been reassuring to us all. We offer help with school work, a chance to share lockdown experiences and try to help everyone to continue to feel part of our school community.”

The school was forced to reassess learning processes in 2018 after a huge fire led to pupils being sent to Craigie High and Baldragon Academy.

Many students became adept at online learning during that process and since the fire, the school has continued to increase laptop provision and this has helped its response to the current situation.

Braeview is due to receive 50 more laptops and wifi cards over the next few weeks.

Katie Phinn, an S4 pupil, had a school laptop delivered and has praised the school for helping students make the best of what has been a difficult situation.

She said: “The school has been really supportive. It has really helped me get through lockdown.”

Pupil support worker Jacqui Benmalek prepares some workpacks.