Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can we have more live sessions?
Can we have more live sessions?
At present, pupils from Years 2-6 have been receiving a minimum of 3 sessions of 30-45 minutes per week and the Foundation phase 2 x 30 minutes. In addition to this small groups receive specific interventions in live sessions such as a literacy and numeracy catch up session as well as ALN pupils who receive 1: 1 support such as speech and language. Each of these sessions must include at least two members of staff as a copilot is needed for safeguarding. Live and telephone ELSA sessions take place regularly for vulnerable pupils as well as pupils who need welfare support.
In addition, live session schedules need to be carefully timed so that they do not overlap as families share ICT equipment.
It is important to note that remote learning should be blended approach (see response to What should I expect from distance learning ? below )
Can We Have Longer Teams Meetings?
Can We Have Longer Teams Meetings?
At present, pupils from Years 2-6 have been receiving a minimum of 3 sessions of 30-45 minutes per week and the Foundation Phase 2 x 30 minutes. From our experience as staff over the lock-down period 30-40 minutes of on-screen concentration is enough for most pupils and many (not just the younger children) struggle to sit still and concentrate) Pupils receive preparatory work before the live sessions and there are follow-up activities.
At present, pupils from Years 2-6 have been receiving a minimum of 3 sessions of 30-45 minutes per week and the Foundation Phase 2 x 30 minutes. From our experience as staff over the lock-down period 30-40 minutes of on-screen concentration is enough for most pupils and many (not just the younger children) struggle to sit still and concentrate) Pupils receive preparatory work before the live sessions and there are follow-up activities.
Can we get paper copies of the work?
Can we get paper copies of the work?
In exceptional circumstances we are more than happy to provide paper packs for pupils, but this should not be the norm. Collecting and distributing packs to most pupils would mean that we do not operate within Covid guidelines. In addition, getting the work back for marking and feedback is particularly difficult. We have tried to ensure that most pupils in our school have access to ICT equipment (by borrowing school equipment where necessary) and so that they can access a wide variety of different tasks according to their ability provided by staff . By using the Google / J2E site we are also successfully developing the digital competence of our pupils.
In exceptional circumstances we are more than happy to provide paper packs for pupils, but this should not be the norm. Collecting and distributing packs to most pupils would mean that we do not operate within Covid guidelines. In addition, getting the work back for marking and feedback is particularly difficult. We have tried to ensure that most pupils in our school have access to ICT equipment (by borrowing school equipment where necessary) and so that they can access a wide variety of different tasks according to their ability provided by staff . By using the Google / J2E site we are also successfully developing the digital competence of our pupils.
Can we have training / support for parents on Teams?
Can we have training / support for parents on Teams?
We think that running a parent support / training group on Teams is a great idea. Following the half term holidays, your class teachers will contact you to arrange short evening sessions and get an idea of the kind of things you would like us to review.
We think that running a parent support / training group on Teams is a great idea. Following the half term holidays, your class teachers will contact you to arrange short evening sessions and get an idea of the kind of things you would like us to review.
Is it possible to get everything bilingual?
Is it possible to get everything bilingual?
Although we set the work menu weekly and fortnightly, it is not possible to translate ALL tasks. There are examples in English for parents and there is often a lot of instruction in English too. It is important to remember that the tasks / videos and guides are to assist the pupils as they would in the classroom. If parents of youngest children in particular have difficulty understanding the tasks, they are most welcome to contact the class teachers for further explanation.
Although we set the work menu weekly and fortnightly, it is not possible to translate ALL tasks. There are examples in English for parents and there is often a lot of instruction in English too. It is important to remember that the tasks / videos and guides are to assist the pupils as they would in the classroom. If parents of youngest children in particular have difficulty understanding the tasks, they are most welcome to contact the class teachers for further explanation.
Can we have tasks to complete on a daily basis?
Can we have tasks to complete on a daily basis?
The provision for pupils through our online site seeks to be as flexible as possible taking into account the home situations of all pupils. As many parents are working from home, there is a lack of ICT equipment and many school age pupils are at home at present, we feel that offering a weekly / fortnightly menu gives pupils and their families the freedom to complete tasks when convenient / appropriate with them. Teams meetings are specifically scheduled but the work menu is an opportunity to offer pupils flexibility while promoting independent learning.
The provision for pupils through our online site seeks to be as flexible as possible taking into account the home situations of all pupils. As many parents are working from home, there is a lack of ICT equipment and many school age pupils are at home at present, we feel that offering a weekly / fortnightly menu gives pupils and their families the freedom to complete tasks when convenient / appropriate with them. Teams meetings are specifically scheduled but the work menu is an opportunity to offer pupils flexibility while promoting independent learning.
Can our Google site be improved?
Can our Google site be improved?
Although most parents are happy with the site, we are very keen to gather the views of those who have identified aspects of improvement. The website has been created by our staff across the Federation (rather than any professional company) and the staff themselves are responsible for updating it on a weekly basis. Not any professional company or the LA, therefore we have only received a small amount of training. However, we are very open to ideas for improvement.
Although most parents are happy with the site, we are very keen to gather the views of those who have identified aspects of improvement. The website has been created by our staff across the Federation (rather than any professional company) and the staff themselves are responsible for updating it on a weekly basis. Not any professional company or the LA, therefore we have only received a small amount of training. However, we are very open to ideas for improvement.
Q What is the definition of Critical workers?
Q What is the definition of Critical workers?
Following discussions with Cllr. Emlyn Dole, Leader of the Council and Cllr Glynog Davies, the Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services we have now reviewed our ‘list’ of critical workers who are able to access on-site provision. A decision has been made to follow the guidance provided by Welsh Government, full details can be found on their website https://gov.wales/identifying-children-critical-workers-guidance#section-58147 .
Following discussions with Cllr. Emlyn Dole, Leader of the Council and Cllr Glynog Davies, the Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services we have now reviewed our ‘list’ of critical workers who are able to access on-site provision. A decision has been made to follow the guidance provided by Welsh Government, full details can be found on their website https://gov.wales/identifying-children-critical-workers-guidance#section-58147 .
What should we expect from remote learning?
What should we expect from remote learning?
School will use a blended learning approach which will include a mixture of methods to suit all pupils. A work programme will be set for each class on Google sites, including teaching videos and activities tailored to meet the needs of all pupils. There will be some 'live streaming' for older pupils too. We aim for a blended/flexible approach in order to get as many pupils fully engaged in the learning. A paper which contains more detail on the blended learning approach in included on this site.
School will use a blended learning approach which will include a mixture of methods to suit all pupils. A work programme will be set for each class on Google sites, including teaching videos and activities tailored to meet the needs of all pupils. There will be some 'live streaming' for older pupils too. We aim for a blended/flexible approach in order to get as many pupils fully engaged in the learning. A paper which contains more detail on the blended learning approach in included on this site.
How do I contact my child's class teacher if I need advice or help?
How do I contact my child's class teacher if I need advice or help?
Your school will provide you with the class teacher's e mail address should you need to contact them. However you can also e-mail the Headteacher regarding any general issues you may have - rhian.evans@ponthenri.ysgolccc.cymru
Your school will provide you with the class teacher's e mail address should you need to contact them. However you can also e-mail the Headteacher regarding any general issues you may have - rhian.evans@ponthenri.ysgolccc.cymru
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