22nd Jan, 2021

Update 22 January 2021

Video conferencing/ live streaming of  lessons agreement

Thank you to all parents/ carers who completed the online video conferencing and live streaming agreement. Please note that if you did not complete the online permission form or if you did not give permission, please ensure that your child(ren) does not join a live online lesson. Your child will still need to be able to use Google Classroom (except the video conferencing function) in order to access set activities and resources. 

We would like to draw all parents' attention to the section below which is taken from the agreement and ask that this is followed for any and all online live lessons.
"Parents can support their child(ren) with the technology but must not engage with, view or play any part in the online lesson".

Home learning provision

Earlier this week we sent you details regarding the school's home learning provision. This constitutes 3 approaches.
Please see summary below:
 

1. Live or synchronous lessons/ sessions

• This will involve a live lesson, session, seminar or tutorial delivered by the teacher using Google Meet through Google Classroom.

• The structure and approach taken for the lesson will be determined by the relevant department and class teacher.

2. Asynchronous teaching/ check in where the teacher has set work and is available on line

• During each timetabled lesson, subject teachers will be available online  for the duration of the lesson. During this time teachers will be able to offer written help, instruction, guidance, clarification and feedback related to the work set.  

3. Self study sessions

• Pupils to catch up on work already set or new work set on Google Classroom.

• Opportunity for pupils to consolidate, organise their work, read or work on longer term project work.
  Teachers will not be available for communication with pupils during self study sessions.

We will make a small change to the way work will be sent out to pupils. Work for many online lessons to date has been 'released' at the scheduled lesson time. However, after receiving feedback from a number of pupils, from Monday 25 January, teachers will schedule most Google Classroom work to be released between 8.30am-9.00am each morning for that day's lesson. This will enable pupils to plan their day more effectively. For example they will know what type of lesson to expect and what equipment they will need for each lesson in advance.

GCSE, AS and A level Qualifications 2021

On Wednesday 20 January 2021 we were informed by Welsh Government that GCSE, AS and A level grades for 2021 will be determined by schools based on an assessment of a pupil's work. We sent all pupils and parents/carers a letter from Qualifications Wales on Wednesday outlining this change. As things stand at the moment, we await more specific detail from Qualifications Wales and the WJEC regarding the mechanics of how this system will work. This will include guidance relating to assessment frameworks, assessment materials and relevant timelines to which we will have to work.
We understand that this is an unsettling time for exam year pupils. As soon as we receive more information we will share it with pupils and parents. However, in the meantime, pupils and teachers will continue to work together to develop content knowledge and skills to enable pupils to progress to next stages of education or employment.

Sixth Form Admissions

The school is delighted to announce that our Sixth Form Virtual Admissions process will start on Monday 25 January 2021. All the information you need to make an informed choice about the next stage of learning will be available on the school's website. We will be back in touch with Year 11 parents and pupils on Monday with the appropriate links and supporting documents.

We wish all families a restful weekend.

Yours sincerely,
Cowbridge Comprehensive School Senior Leadership Team.