Update to Parents 26.02.2021
Dear Parent/Carer,
As you will be aware, since 22 February 2021, we have been welcoming specifically identified senior phase (S4/S5/S6) pupils back into our school building for the completion of SQA related practical activities. Working to strict Scottish Government criteria, this means our young people can now access their practical learning as they work towards their qualifications. Observing our senior pupils throughout this week, I am exceptionally proud to see them conduct themselves so responsibly and respectfully - our school values in action.
Adjustments to remote learning – teacher availability
As we now have an increase of pupils within our school building (senior phase practical, key worker and identified vulnerable young people) there is an increased demand on our teaching staff to plan and deliver a wider range of learning experiences. Therefore, you may see some adjustments to our remote learning offer.
Pupils engaging in remote learning should continue to follow their regular timetable. Please be assured that our teachers will continue their commitment to providing remote learning experiences through a mix of approaches, such as live lessons, recorded lessons and supported lessons. However, due to increasing in-school commitments, our teachers may now not always be available for ‘real time’ engagement.
In addition to remote learning approaches at Baldragon Academy, I’d like to remind you of the many additional supports that remain available for remote learning through the Education Scotland National e-Learning Offer:
- LIVE lessons are being organised and delivered through eSgoil – for more information on their live webinar sessions and other learning supports, including how to register, please visit www.e-sgoil.com.
- RECORDED learning video sessions, available via West OS, provide recorded learning experiences for children and young people. All young people can access these resources using the West OS tile on the Glow Launchpad or the link on the Baldragon Academy Remote Learning Portal.
- SUPPORTED content material form part of the National e-Learning Offer and are a series of spreadsheets that cover a number of senior phase national qualifications: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/glowblogs/nationalelearning/resources-2/.
S2 to S3 Course Choice
Building on the overwhelming success of our senior phase course choice information evenings, I am delighted to inform S2 parents that we will be holding an S2 to S3 virtual course choice information session on Monday 8 March 2021 at 6.30pm. This event will be held via Microsoft Teams with course choice for S2 into S3 commencing on Tuesday 9 March 2021, concluding Monday 22 March 2021. More details, including how to access the session, will be sent to all S2 parents shortly via groupcall/Xpressions.
Additional Information
Like you, I am eager for news and the next Scottish Government announcement. I will keep you informed as I receive information which affects schools, as appropriate to the national route map out of COVID.
In the meantime, my very best wishes and please stay safe.
H McAninch
Headteacher