How Bethany School swapped classrooms for remote learning

Reflections on an education in lockdown – from Bethany School pupils, parents and staff

The UK Government closed schools on Friday 20th March 2020 until further notice due to the continued spread of Covid-19. Thanks to the hard work of staff and pupils, Bethany was very well prepared for this announcement and pupils successfully swapped their classrooms at School for a classroom at home.

Bethany staff have been receiving in-depth training on using online learning systems, including Microsoft Teams, for over two years, therefore the School was well prepared to make the transition to remote learning seamlessly. The Bethany Science department tested metals and non-metals remotely, Food & Nutrition Studies pupils followed tutorials via Instagram and even PE and Games pupils were able to continue their learning by creating online activity diaries.

Proudly British, Bethany also has pupils from several different countries. Consequently, processes were put in place so that pupils could join lessons from anywhere in the world.

One pupil participated in a poetry class from Belgium, and another attended an English as an Additional Language class from China.

The feedback on our remote learning offering from parents and pupils alike was overwhelmingly positive:

“Although we’re only a few hours in – both children have said, unprompted, ‘this is working’. They are very much benefiting from the structure and visibility of their teachers and classmates and they are both feeling positive about this setup.

“I also wanted to say that in chatting with other friends about their children’s respective school setups during this time, what Bethany is doing is far above what other children seem to be getting.

“The fact that all kids have laptops and online access to everything has made Bethany well placed to handle a crisis like this.”

Parent of pupils in Years 7 and 9

“I am so impressed with Bethany. Today, my son has seamlessly transitioned to online learning. He is having virtual lessons, talking with his friends, completing work and loving it! His routine continues, and he is happy and engaged. It has also meant that I am able to continue working from home to support my clients.”

Year 7 parent

“I have to say that I was really impressed with the system, my son was able to just get on with his schoolwork while my husband and I continued working from home.

“I have also heard extremely positive feedback from other Year 7 parents. Long may it continue.”

Year 7 parent

“Both girls had such a positive experience with remote learning and didn’t feel nearly as isolated with all their friends available. A huge thank you to you all – it takes a team, and the dedication required from the school to make this work, in such stressful times, and in the short period of time we had, is nothing short of amazing.

“Well done, and thank you, Bethany! It’s a huge relief to know that the girls’ education won’t slip during these trying times.”

Parent of pupils in Years 7 and 9

Headmaster Francie Healy said: “When I started teaching, I never thought for one minute that I would end up being Headmaster of a School that was delivering all of its lessons remotely. I would like to pay tribute to the amazing teaching staff who have worked incredibly hard on top of all their other commitments, so that they can deliver remote teaching excellently. I would also like to praise our pupils who have adapted to this enforced change so well.

“All of us here at Bethany really do appreciate the very complimentary emails that many parents have sent into the School praising the level of service that Bethany is providing.”

This article first appeared in Which School? 2021, which is available now in print and online. You can read the full version here...