Beechen Cliff’s remote learning policy is in line with the ‘MNSP Remote Learning Protocols’, which can be found as Appendix 3 of the T&L Policy. All MNSP external policies can be found here:
Whilst we hope that there is not another occasion where Beechen Cliff students will need to work entirely remotely, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic, we realise that there may be times in the future where some remote learning is necessary. Therefore we have outlined below our approach to remote learning, should this be necessary in the future.
Our remote curriculum provision follows the policy set out by the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership which is available via the link:
At all times the curriculum provided will be as close as possible to what would usually be provided. We expect parents to support their child’s remote learning as best they can by providing an appropriate place to complete their studies and the required equipment. Where there is a financial issue we encourage the parent to contact the school so we can support.
All Beechen Cliff students will access their remote learning via Google Classroom. Google Classroom can be accessed with their normal school login, which is the same login they use to access the school network and their school email. Remote learning will follow the normal timetable which can be accessed via Arbor.
Please click here to access our student homepage: https://sites.google.com/msnpartnership.com/bcsstudent
Please click here to access Arbor: https://login.arbor.sc/
Below we have summarised our remote provision for different circumstances:
Full or partial closure due to staff shortages (e.g. due to industrial action)
We will always aim to be open and run normal lessons for as many students as possible, depending on the number of staff we have available. Students in exam year groups (Year 10, 11, 12 and 13) will be prioritised for lessons in school if we do not have capacity to be open for all year groups. Where staff shortages are more acute, students who are taking their exams that summer will be prioritised (Year 11 and Year 13). In the event that we must close for any year groups, online learning will be provided via Google Classroom. Where possible vulnerable pupils will be invited into school to work in supervised computer rooms and pupils with SEND will be supported by the Learning Support team. Parents of pupils in younger years may be able to request to send their child/children into school if childcare is an issue.
Significant Staff Illness
In the event that significant numbers of staff are off work ill then this would reduce our provision. This could lead to partial school closure with some year groups learning remotely from home with centralised setting of work online. Such a decision would only be made in consultation with the CEO of MNSP and parents would be informed.
Closure or year group isolation due to contagious disease (e.g. COVID-19)
Year Group Isolation
In the event a year group is required to self-isolate, remote learning will be provided as per the usual timetable using Google Meet (live lessons) and/or work set/pre-recorded videos on Google Classroom. The school day will begin with a live tutor session via Google Meet each morning and pupils will then follow their usual timetable for lessons 1-5. Remote learning, following as closely as possible to the normal curriculum, will be provided for all subjects except PE/Games. Home work-out videos will be provided by the PE Faculty to support pupils in taking regular exercise. Students should also check their school email regularly for important communication. All students/pupils in other year groups will attend school as normal and receive face-to-face teaching.
Full Closure
In the event of a full school closure a remote curriculum will be provided using a mixture of live lessons using Google Meet, pre-recorded videos and assignments on Google Classroom.
Whilst learning remotely children will spend increased amounts of time online.
Parents may find this guide from the Children’s Commissioner useful in these circumstances.
In addition there is further information on online safety on the safeguarding page of our website.