School update advice to Parents/Carers 23.03.20
23.03.20
Please note that Porthcawl Comprehensive School continues to be closed to reduce the spread of coronavirus. However, Bridgend Council has opened a number of Hub schools, that are open to look after the children of ’’key workers’’. There is an application process, for the allocation of places at the Hubs and there is a form to be completed. There is a copy of the form on the website in the section ’PARENTS, Letters Home’. Then please email completed forms back to BCBC at [email protected].
However, please do not send your child/children to a Hub school, unless this is your last resort for childcare.
Thank you
19 March 2020
Dear Parent / Carer,
Whilst school remains closed we will do our utmost as a staff to maintain continuity of learning during normal school hours. This will be done via the following methods:
1. Use of Google Classroom
– Classrooms have been created for every class for every subject.
– Access codes have been created for each child for all the classrooms they need access to. Codes have been distributed on paper to each child. If a child has been absent codes have been sent home electronically.
– Where children have not yet joined the classes they will be reminded to use their code via the Parent App.
– Staff have prepared and uploaded work including video tutoring and voice over Powerpoints.
– Work can be submitted to the class teacher for marking and feedback.
2. List of online resources.
A non-exhaustive list that might help those affected by school closures due to coronavirus,
compiled by home educators.
Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org
Especially good for maths and computing for all ages but other subjects at Secondary level.
Note this uses the U.S. grade system but it’s mostly common material.
BBC Learning
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/coursesearch/
This site is old and no longer updated and yet there’s so much still available, from language
learning to BBC Bitesize for revision. No TV licence required except for content on BBC
iPlayer.
Seneca
https://www.senecalearning.com
For those revising at GCSE or A level. Tons of free revision content. Paid access to higher
level material.
Openlearn
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
Free taster courses aimed at those considering Open University but everyone can access it.
Adult level, but some e.g. nature and environment courses could well be of interest to young
people.
Blockly
https://blockly.games
Learn computer programming skills – fun and free.
Scratch
https://scratch.mit.edu/explore/projects/games/
Creative computer programming
Ted Ed
https://ed.ted.com
All sorts of engaging educational videos
National Geographic Kids
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/
Activities and quizzes for younger kids.
Duolingo
https://www.duolingo.com
Learn languages for free. Web or app.
Mystery Science
https://mysteryscience.com
Free science lessons
The Kids Should See This
https://thekidshouldseethis.com
Wide range of cool educational videos
Crash Course
https://thecrashcourse.com
You Tube videos on many subjects
Crash Course Kids
https://m.youtube.com/user/crashcoursekids
As above for a younger audience
Crest Awards
https://www.crestawards.org
Science awards you can complete from home.
iDEA Awards
https://idea.org.uk
Digital enterprise award scheme you can complete online.
Paw Print Badges
https://www.pawprintbadges.co.uk
Free challenge packs and other downloads. Many activities can be completed indoors. Badges
cost but are optional.
Tinkercad
https://www.tinkercad.com
All kinds of making.
Prodigy Maths
https://www.prodigygame.com
Is in U.S. grades, but good for UK Primary age.
Cbeebies Radio
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio
Listening activities for the younger ones.
Nature Detectives
https://naturedetectives.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/
A lot of these can be done in a garden!
British Council
https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/find
Resources for English language learning
Oxford Owl for Home
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/
Lots of free resources for Primary age
Big History Project
https://www.bighistoryproject.com/home
Aimed at Secondary age. Multi disciplinary activities.
Geography Games
https://world-geography-games.com/world.html
Geography gaming!
The Artful Parent
https://www.facebook.com/artfulparent/
Good, free art activities
Red Ted Art
https://www.redtedart.com
Easy arts and crafts for little ones
The Imagination Tree
https://theimaginationtree.com
Creative art and craft activities for the very youngest.
Toy Theater
Educational online games
DK Find Out
https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/?fbclid=IwAR2wJdpSJSeITf4do6aPhff8A3tAktnmpaxqZbkgudD49l71ep8-sjXmrac
Activities and quizzes
Twinkl
https://www.twinkl.co.uk
This is more for printouts, and usually at a fee, but they are offering a month of free access.
3. ICT support remote for all learners.
Students can email [email protected] if they get issues with google classroom at home and we’ll get back to them as soon as possible.
4. Paper based resources for those without technology.
5. Access to Health and Wellbeing classroom for all pupils, including mental health support.
6. Parental queries that come in to school will be re-routed from the central mailbox to the relevant staff if possible.
We appreciate your ongoing patience, support and understanding at this challenging time.
Yours sincerely
A Slade
