DURING the last month, children and staff at Hayward’s Primary School have had to adjust to a new way of teaching and learning.

The school has been closed to most pupils since March 21, while remaining open, including over Easter, to cater for the children of key workers.

All children in Years 1 to 6, both at home and in school, have been using Google Classroom to access their daily learning. The children in the EYFS have been continuing their learning journey through Tapestry, a programme that enables parents to upload examples of the learning that they are producing at home and to communicate with their teachers everyday.

However, staff have also worked hard to safely deliver paper copies to families without internet access or IT devices.

The school kitchen provided packed lunches for collection for pupils entitled to free school meals before the Government’s voucher scheme was up and running.

Head Teacher Andy Smith explained: "Teachers have worked hard to make the online learning as fun and engaging as possible.

"The online platforms, put together brilliantly by Mr Gordon in a very short space of time, are interactive so children are able to remain in contact with friends and their teacher.

"In addition, there have been virtual assemblies, put together by Hannah Down, including a fortnightly assembly led by ‘Open the Book’ added to the online learning, teacher videos produced for the children and a staff rendition of Gary Barlow’s ‘Sing’.

"Each day, children are set maths and English tasks, and a range of hands-on ‘Pick‘N’Mix’ activities to choose from during the afternoons. The children in Reception have been baking and recording recipes, building towers and planting seeds. Year 1 children have been producing Tudor Houses, learning about the Great Fire of London and looking at mini-beasts.

"The children in Year Two have also had a great time designing dens, building board games and making sock puppets. The Year Three children have been making dream jars, penning poetry and learning how to draw in 3D.

"The Year Four children have had a brilliant time using a range of maths and English skills designing their own theme parks whilst our oldest children have been designing ‘Stations of the Cross’ for Easter, carrying out science experiments and making Ancient Maya art and models.

"Teachers have continued to work hard with the children in this new virtual world. They have continued with training and courses alongside running the virtual classrooms.

"Through bespoke training, staff have been equipped to support the children’s wellbeing, anxieties and mental health, ready for when they return to school."

Mr Smith added: "The school has had amazing support from the wider community, with the Crediton Foodbank being instrumental in providing food parcels to families who need help at this difficult time and we are grateful to the Crediton Library for releasing e-books to enable the children to develop their love of reading.

"The staff of Hayward’s would like to tell the children we miss them and can’t wait to see them back in school. We would also like to thank families for their support with home learning. You’re all doing a great job!"

 

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