RGS Worcester leads the way in Remote Learning with Apple
The RGS Family of Schools are continuing with their Remote Learning and we have pleasure in sharing with you a summary for this week, shown in the film below. Thank you to everyone for sharing your clips and please do keep sending them to us!
Mr John Jones, Director of Innovations for RGSW, has shared with us below his latest update regarding Remote Learning and presenting at a recent Apple Distinguished School Virtual Conference:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has set us all many challenges. Families, businesses and organisations have all had to reinvent what were once everyday routines. The RGS Worcester family of schools are no different; shifting to an almost full timetable of remote schooling in a matter of days was a steep learning curve for us all.
“Nevertheless, the achievements of our pupils and staff have been incredible. Indeed, recognition of how RGSW have successfully adjusted our teaching model to overcome the national school shutdown has come from tech giants Apple, who asked me to present at the Apple Distinguished Schools (ADS) Virtual Conference that took place on 14 May.
“Over 25 Independent Schools from across the UK tuned in online to hear how different schools were coping with the coronavirus outbreak. The virtual conference was designed to facilitate the sharing of best practices from across the Apple Distinguished School community, discuss solutions to overcome challenges and help colleagues to plan for remote teaching and learning in the coming months. Furthermore, it was the RGS Worcester story that was showcased.
“I shared how each of our four schools have managed to adapt to teaching and learning remotely, initially by focussing on staff training. One of the biggest barriers to successful remote schooling is the fear surrounding technology. Thankfully, our DLP meant that many of our teachers were already skilled with the necessary tools, but we ensured those that were less confident had the opportunity to learn with a selection of bespoke workshops at school whilst we were still able. I also highlighted the significance of the online professional development opportunities that the Computing and IT department have subsequently hosted. Teachers have been provided with opportunities to collaborate, model and share best practices every single week since 20 March.
“I was able to focus on another impressive feat accomplished by RGSW; that live lessons are being successfully delivered from Year Two to Upper Sixth pupils across four schools. This coverage has been made possible by the loaning of iPads to families in Years Two, Three and Four in our Prep Schools and provides the pupils with the valuable opportunity to continue to learn, interact with their classmates and correspond daily with their teachers. Furthermore, the DLP means that the different dynamic afforded by remote schooling has actually encouraged pupil engagement, innovation and different ways of learning from those Early Years, right up to our Sixth Form Students.
“The Apple Distinguished Schools Virtual Conference also provided the opportunity for other members of the RGSW teaching staff to contribute. Mrs Emma Faulkner, Mr Matt Warne and Mr Craig Miller all shared stories from RGS Dodderhill, RGS The Grange and RGS Springfield respectively. They offered insight into the nuances of each school’s remote learning programmes, the incredible co-curricular and pastoral activities that have continued daily and the wonderful effort made by each teaching cohort to deliver the exciting lessons that all our pupils have been able to enjoy. Indeed, delegates at the ADS Virtual Conference could not help but be impressed by the incredible efforts made by the RGS Worcester community to tackle the challenges presented by COVID-19 in such a diligent, confident and ground-breaking way.”
