ONLINE COURSES
Healthy kick start
Deborah Walls from
leads to a Level 2 certificate in nutrition and health, traditional environment or learn at a different pace to
and consequently we have further students who are the rest of the class, this can be difficult to achieve.
Coombe Boys’ School in
voluntarily signing up to the course. Often a student starts to believe that they are less
We found this approach effective because the able then their peers, but of course this is not the case
students in question were able to learn at their own – they just need to learn in a different way. Once they
Surrey, introduced online
pace on computers, completing units and submitting see that they can do it, that they can learn and achieve
work via the online environment. The students good results, they start to believe in themselves and
vocational courses to help
complete exercises, such as researching and creating achieve more in other subjects.
their own healthy eating plans and menus to help The positive effects of the course have extended
a group of boys build their
them to eat a healthy balanced diet, while our teachers to other areas of the boys’ education and helped them
can track the students’ progress as they go, receiving to make connections with their other studies in food
assignments and sending feedback via the internal technology, PE and science. They can see that the
confidence
email facility. subject matter has relevance to their everyday life and
Unlike classroom learning, where some pupils can it really encourages them. Not only have the courses
lose concentration, the students do not have to listen to helped them academically, but they have taken on board
the teacher for long periods of time and can get on with what they have learnt and applied it to their lifestyle as a
IKE MOST schools across the country, their studies at their own pace. whole – they are realising that having crisps for breakfast
L
we are always seeking solutions for Completing the qualification online allows the is not going to help them concentrate at school!
students who are disengaged from pupils to access the units 24/7, at home or at school, Using this e-learning solution has proven so
their education, those that lack and communicate with teachers and peers via an successful that we are opening up opportunities to
confidence and feel that they cannot internal message board. They particularly like learning other groups of learners. It not only offers our students
achieve as much as their peers. on computers because it gives them a sense of flexibility and control over their education, but gives
At Coombe Boys’ School we independence – they are in control of their learning them a nationally recognised qualification with GCSE
recently had a small group of key stage 4 students who and it enhances their sense of achievement and self- equivalent points. We are looking at other subjects
were at risk of low achievement and even potential esteem. that can complement the curriculum, such as sports
exclusion. They did not believe they could do well in At the end of each unit they complete an assignment, coaching, work skills, and equality and diversity.
their GCSEs and were struggling to stay motivated. submitting it to their teachers online and getting it We want to offer our students the best opportunities
We needed a way to re-engage this particular group of marked and returned to them much more quickly than to gain confidence and reach their full potential. This
students, so to boost their self-esteem and prepare them on traditional courses. It really motivates them when particular group of students is now ready to tackle their
for their exams we introduced online vocational courses they can see the results of their efforts straight away. GCSEs with the belief that they can do it, and taking the
in healthy eating. Once the students have received their marked course has made a noticeable difference to their lessons
We have been accredited with Healthy School assignments they can create an e-portfolio of work that and homework.
status through the government’s Healthy Schools can be used throughout their education and beyond. Not only have the teachers seen the benefits but
programme and are keen to encourage students to When studying for their GCSEs in other lessons, they other students have too, they are approaching us asking
appreciate the link between healthy eating and better need to wait long periods of time before they see the if they too can take one of these courses alongside
school performance. A school theme we have adopted results of their work and for some students this is their GCSEs. It is great to see them recognising their
as part of the Healthy Schools programme is “Eat discouraging and leaves them feeling less enthused for own needs and making these decisions for themselves,
better, do better”. their lessons. Getting a more immediate outcome, and taking control of their education and feeling that sense
We are keen to use ICT to personalise our students’ seeing that they have done well, helps them to believe of achievement they all strive for. SecEd
education and to take a proactive approach to healthy in themselves as learners, which in turn gives them the
eating education and the results have been astounding: confidence to try harder in their GCSEs. • Deborah Walls is a senior leader at Coombe Boys’
the students have achieved 100 per cent pass rate Self-belief as a learner is incredibly important School in Surrey, which uses the Creating Careers
studying for their healthy eating qualification, which and for some students, when they can struggle in a “vision2learn for schools” e-learning service.
Add the world to
your class this year!
The British Council offers a wealth of funding
and free support for international school
partnerships and CPD, which provide new and
exciting dimensions to teaching and learning.
We manage a wide range of schemes including the
DCSF Global Gateway and the DCSF International School
Award, which together put you in touch with schools in other
countries and provide you with the tools you need to
develop global links in your school.
Bring the international dimension alive and start your
journey today by visiting www.globalgateway.org/schools
Discover our world of opportunities by visiting www.britishcouncil.org/learning
The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
14 SecEd • June 18 2009
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