Curriculum

Pulse Surveys and Remote Learning, Part 2 

At the end of Week 8 last term, we again surveyed students about their wellbeing and experiences of learning during the current remote period. Mr Simpson has detailed the Wellbeing data gleaned from recent surveys in an article elsewhere in this Especean. Here, I address aspects of data related to learning. 

The preferred approaches to learning did not vary much from the first survey to the second. Students in all year groups welcomed the use of break-out rooms and opportunities to collaborate with each other. The extended time in lock-down means that lessons online are a valued opportunity to connect with their peers. Other observations from the data showed that students valued: 

• teachers talking with students more often than talking to them
• interactions between students and between teacher and students
• teachers checking in on how they were going – both in terms of schoolwork and wellbeing
• having balance and variety in approaches to lessons
• time off screen
• teachers conducting lessons in a manner similar to face-to-face classes, with a special mention of an appreciation for fun, a sense of humour, warmth and welcome and
• feedback and checking for understanding.

Given the amount of time away from school and screen fatigue setting in from so much time online, it was no surprise to find students looking for more interesting ways to be engaged and stay motivated in lessons. They also appreciated clarity, consistency, and clear expectations of student work and behaviour. 

In the open field comments, the dominant theme was appreciation for teachers and their efforts – their efforts to value each student, master new forms of technology, trying new things, and including everyone as best they can. 

We were able to use the feedback from student surveys on our recent staff development day in planning for and improving approaches to remote learning for this term. We will also be surveying students and teachers at the end of this week so that we can factor in everyone’s concerns and needs as we return to face-to-face learning after such a lengthy time away. The themes that emerged from remote learning in 2020 and again this year, however, are consistent with what we tend to value in any form of learning – relationships, connections, care, consistency, and clarity.   

We are all looking forward to having the boys back on site – Year 12 from next week and everyone else on 25 October. Best wishes to all and stay safe! 

NAPLAN 2021 

NAPLAN results arrived at the end of Week 9 last term. These results were posted to families of boys in Years 5, 7 and 9 at the end of last week. If you have not received your results in the mail by Friday of this week, please let me know via email: denise.lombardo@spc.nsw.edu.au. In next week’s Especean, I will have a report to the community with a brief analysis of our most recent results. 

Denise Lombardo 

Director of Learning and Innovation