Year 8 - Order and Progress

Danielle Cooke

Head of Learning HPE

Home Group 8N

Members of 8N have proved to be great company during Home Group sessions, demonstrating remarkable care and consideration for each other most especially through lockdown periods.  

While remote learning may keep them in their homes, the students take every opportunity to be involved in online Home Group sessions and to stay connected to each other and to the wider school community.

Home Group sessions give us all the chance to discuss issues, problem-solve, collaborate, play games, laugh and look after each other.  This experience sees them developing social skills that will be highly valued as they move forward in their education.

During Lockdown 5.0, we discussed the importance of Home Group and what strategies students were using to stay organised in remote learning.

Charlie Di Florio

Home Group 8N

Home Group is important in lockdown - it is a chance to catch up and have fun with the class.  By making sure I have my books on hand and my laptop ready to go I am always ready for classes. 

Lucas Zomaya

Home Group 8N

I have a setup at home that keeps me really organised!

Aleksandra Marijan

Home Group 8N

Home Group is so important in remote learning, because it's a good way to check if everyone in the class is feeling positive and well, and to support our classmates if they're struggling with anything.

When I am learning at home, I try to get the assigned work done in class time so that I can relax alter school.  

Remote learning can be extremely difficult. Staring at a screen all day is mentally draining. It can sometimes be hard to focus however, there are simple ways to resolve this. For example, I find it’s much easier to work from home if I organise my time and space well.

My desk is positioned to be facing the front yard. I find this to be a good motivator for me, because it reminds me that once I’ve finished my work, I can take a break.

I assign work that I need to complete on my laptop, so I’m reminded of essential tasks that must be done. I use a program called Microsoft To Do where you can put reminders for tasks and include the due date so you don’t forget to complete it. I find it very useful because I’m able to see tasks that I must complete. I’ve created folders for each subject, so I can put the projects in each individual folder and it’s neatly organised. I would highly recommend using this software!

I will do the assigned work in class time and once I have, I’m allowed to have time away from my screen, which I usually spend taking my dog for a walk. This benefits my focus for the next class because I’ve had a break and I’m prepared to learn.

Remote learning is hard for everyone, although there are easy steps that can ensure that everyone can have positive wellbeing. Stay safe! 

Wilhemina Rankin MacDonald

Home Group 8N

It is good to catch up with class members and have a break from [formal] learning during Home Group. To stay organised at home I keep a clean desk and I note down on things I need to remember on my white board.

Dominic Poletti

Home Group 8N

Home Group is important because we need this time to learn about our peers, to get to know each other.

When learning from home, I use my homemade desk (thanks Dad!) . I keep my books to one side and my computer, monitor, keyboard and DJ Controller on the other side!

Alara Eryurek

Home Group 8N

In remote learning, Home Group is a chance to have some fun with your teachers and classmates instead of being bored at home!  So that I am ready for my next class, I always put out the books that I will need.

Eve Gilbert-Koska

Home Group 8N

I enjoy Home Group sessions when in remote learning even more,  because I can connect with others. This is so important as we can't see anyone when in lockdown.  To keep on track, I use an online calendar and Microsoft To Do to remind me of homework.

Sarah Nicholson

Home Group 8N

To help with school organisation, I use an app called Microsoft To Do (on my laptop) where I can set reminders for myself.   I look forward to Home Group because it is fun and I can spend [virtual] time with my classmates.