teachers to differentiate more. Teachers realise too that students need unstructured time online to chat with each other.
Remote learning has also forced teachers to rethink how students are assessed. And for skills- focused subjects such as English, this is critical, says Ms Johnson. “In my subject, we focus on the process – such as drafting and revision – rather than the end product. Students might see assessment as something that is ‘done to them’. As a school, we’re trying to change that perception and promote a growth mindset instead. And the detail you can go into with digital assessments has really helped that.”
HOW TO BALANCE SCREEN TIME Online learning can be intense, and especially for young children, says Mr MacMorran – they need activities that bring them back to the “real” world and help them interact with their families. Some parents swear by a short trip to the park before the school day, work permitting. He recommends scheduling “non negotiable no-screen” time when the whole family can take a break together – mealtimes are an obvious opportunity. Board games, cookery classes, fancy dress meals, letter writing, photo shoots – try anything age appropriate that encourages family bonding. A routine that includes physical activity is critical, teachers say – and Southbank made this easier during lockdown with a livestreamed daily lunchtime session led by PE staff which saw everyone down tools and join in. Short breaks between on-screen lessons help refocus young minds – with a bounce on the trampoline for younger kids, juggling balls, hula hoops – try anything physical.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR ONLINE LEARNING Try to encourage your child – regardless of age – to take ownership of his or her learning, advises Mr MacMorran. “Ask what works best to help them learn.” Help them to plan their own day, and give them leeway when they’ve had enough, he advises. Children have different concentration time spans – remember in a normal lesson, just a short chunk of time is focused on “intensive” learning. Southbank encourages collaboration at school – wherever possible, try to support this to continue online.
SILVER LININGS
Lockdown has prompted teachers to review and adapt their teaching. “This is an opportunity to step back and reconsider our priorities,” says Ms Johnson. “National debate centres on what children have ‘lost’, but we need to consider skills they’ve gained. While many of our students are intrinsically motivated, for those who weren’t, it’s been a very positive time. I think they’ve been able to develop resilience.” While the school will do all it can to remain open, remote teaching has been a positive experience, says Mr MacMorran. “We want our children to be inquirers,
thinkers and communicators – and be able to adapt. All of those skills came out online.”
For more information visit the Southbank International School website or see the School Fair Feature Page at
relocate.com
Left & above: Students from Southbank International School
| Think Global People & Relocate Magazine |
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