This information is intended to provide clarity and transparency to pupils and parents or carers about what to expect from remote education where national or local restrictions require entire cohorts (or bubbles) to remain at home.

Information for Parents

In situations where national or local restrictions necessitate that entire cohorts or groups remain at home, The Blue Coat School is committed to providing clear and transparent remote education.

On the first day or two of remote learning, students will receive appropriate work for each lesson via Microsoft Teams. Students are part of class Teams groups from the start of the academic year and should familiarise themselves with the location of resources.

Following the initial days, students will be taught broadly the same curriculum as they would in school, wherever possible and appropriate. However, adaptations may be necessary in subjects like Sciences, Physical Education, and Technology, which require equipment not available at home. 

Remote Teaching and Study Time Each Day

• Daily Expectations: Students in Key Stages 3, 4, and 5 are expected to follow the same timetable as they do in school.

• Lesson Structure: The length of lessons or breaks may be adjusted to provide students with breaks from online teaching (screen time breaks).

Accessing Remote Education

Students will access all live lessons and online resources primarily through Microsoft Teams. Students may also be directed to use additional platforms to support independent work, such as Kerboodle, Dr Frost, and GCSE Pod. Teachers will provide further information as relevant.

Recognising that some pupils may not have suitable online access at home, the school offers support to ensure all students can access remote education. If your child requires assistance due to a lack of equipment, including a laptop or Wi-Fi, please contact the welfare team at welfare@bluecoatschool.org.uk

The school employs a combination of remote teaching approaches, including: Live teaching (online lessons), recorded teaching (e.g. GCSE Pod, video/audio recordings made by teachers, and printed paper packs produced by teachers.