Learning is not so remote at Sunderland school

Teachers at a Sunderland school are making a positive solution out of the current situation to help youngsters.

Staff at Redby Academy, in Fulwell, are turning the trying times they find themselves in into a positive.

Following a positive Covi d -1 9 c a s e b e i n g re p o rte d which resulted in the Year 1 and 2 groups isolating at home, the teachers turned to online teaching.

A f te r up s k i l l i n g th e mselves on using Google Classroom, they are now providing remote online lessons direct to each house.

Children access live daily phonics and maths lessons, followed by a story, read by their class teacher, allowing the youngsters to keep in touch with their teachers and classmates.

One parent remarked that the live lessons add structure to the time spent at home and the day flies by with the remote learning being a great success.

Her daughter, Lydia, aged five, told the school she likes it when her teacher asks her questions and she unmutes the laptop to answer.

Lydia also loves to see her friends every day.

H e a d t e a c h e r, M e l a n i e Wight, said it is important to keep learning going as far as possible.

She said it is equally important to consider the mental well-being of very young children.

Miss Wight is delighted that Reception children are accessing online learning in phonics, maths and story, while they also isolate.

Miss Wight added: “These are extremely challenging times, however, we endeavour to give our children the very best opportunities possible and we will continue to walk the extra mile to support our families.”

Teacher Jennifer Kirby during one of her online lessons.