Remote Learning at The Dorcan Academy

Remote learning will be utilised by The Dorcan Academy under specific circumstances:

• The school is unable to open due to conditions outside of its control, however access to technology is readily available for its teachers
• The school is forced to close either to the whole community, or particular cohorts due to Government directives, such as a response to a pandemic situation or staff absences in exceptional situations
• Absences, where a student is well enough to complete work, however, is unable to attend school due to a directive from a professional third party, such as Government legislation.

In the first two instances, where the period of time is two or less school contact days, remote learning will be provided through Show My Homework (www.satchelone.com). The content provided will aim to follow the curriculum plan, and there will be short quizzes to measure a students’ engagement and understanding. Where the period is for more than three days, a remote learning timetable will be devised and disseminated to all parents via School Gateway and the school website.

The timetable will mirror, (where appropriate and possible) the existing school timetable and will include a blended learning diet of ‘live’ lessons through Microsoft Teams and remote independent learning opportunities. In addition, there will be ‘live’ Tutor sessions each day. Guidance for expectations for both types of lessons will be distributed in a timely manner. Parents and carers will be directed to the school website and curriculum pages, to support their role in this process.

Where a student is absent, a specific request must be sent to the class teacher at the earliest opportunity, that they wish to join the lesson remotely. If the member of staff receives the request and is able to facilitate this, Microsoft Teams will be utilised to support this.