Schools not out for all!

The dramatic lockdown of the country to try and prevent the spread of the virus caused shock – but also reassurance, to many. Schools were ordered to close for a least the next 14 days, but in reality most do not believe that they will return before Easter, especially after the 15-day extension.

However, one local British school, Sierra Bernia in Alfaz del Pi decided that life must go on and pupils attended lessons as normal on Monday… from the comfort of their homes.

Year 3 teacher Emma Hutchinson

spoke to CBN about this incredible and ingenious idea that the school quickly put into place so that the pupils did not fall behind with their educational development.

Secondary pupils have a 100% full timetable on webbased platform Zoom and already had ipads, as all their classes are already paperless! Primary are using a combination of Zoom, YouTube – they have made their own channels and ClassDojo and Foundation are teaching phonics through YouTube channels. The children upload their work onto Dojo and it is corrected together.

“The most enjoyable part of the day” said Emma “is the family member participation class Zumba Challenge!”. The children have been doing it over the last month as part of their ‘Healthy Eating’ project and it’s a great way to start the day, involving all the family. This new way of teaching has been a real learning curve for all – teachers, pupils and parents but also great fun and Sierra Bernia are certainly putting their pupils first.

Many parents have expressed their gratitude for keeping the children occupied and active without losing valuable lesson time in these complicated times. Well done to you all.