Year 7 Pastoral Care – Online Learning

Wow, what a unique time we are currently living in. Online learning has definitely been a learning experience for both staff and students. I’m pleased to report that Year 7 are adapting very well and embracing the change to online learning. This form of adjustment develops character and resilience, as well as lifelong skills such as independence and organisation. An online learning survey was sent to Year 7 last week to gain valuable feedback for the Year 7 PC team and entire Magdalene staff. Approximately 150 students completed the survey and 94% reported the online learning experience is either going ‘excellent’ (17%), ‘good’ (27%), or ‘ok’ (50%). Students reported they enjoyed online learning because they were home with family and were happy to work at their own pace. However, students were concerned with the workload and missing the interactions with their teacher. As a College staff, we will address these concerns. 

A significant piece of the online learning puzzle is Pastoral Care (PC). During PC when at school, students are provided time to develop relationships and connect with their PC class and PC teacher. The PC teachers have been working diligently to provide Year 7 with a similar experience online. As a cohort, we came together for a Zoom year meeting, with over 170 students in attendance! This was a great re-connector. Below is a selection of what has been happening during Year 7 PC time:

 Sample ‘Check-in’ Questions:

• How is online learning?
• Do you need support with the work you are completing?
• What can you do to support yourself?
• What are you doing to keep active?
• Why is a balance between work, rest and play important?

 Themed Days:

• Thankful Tuesday/Talk up Tuesday
• Workout Wednesday
• Thoughtful Thursday/Teach me something Thursday
• Fun-time Friday/Free Friday/Friday journaling

 Online Activities:

• Zoom charades
• Riddles
• Video blogging
• Reaction timed games
• Online Uno
• Guess the word games
• Card tower challenge
• Doggos to brighten your day
• Design a mascot (7P)
• Online diary

 Zoom Meetings:

• PC class Zoom meetings
• Year group Zoom assembly

 On behalf of the Year 7 PC team, I would like to thank every student in Year 7 for the mature approach to online PC. We are very proud of your effort, flexibility and positive approach to online learning! To those students still finding this change difficult, it is normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Please talk to your family and teachers – we are here to support you. Also, on behalf of the students and families, I would like to thank the Year 7 PC teachers for their ongoing support during this challenging time.

To finish, below are a couple of riddles posted to Year 7. Parents and carers, do you know the answers?

 1. If a lilypad doubles each day on a pond, and after 60 days it covers the entire      pond, on what day was the pond half-covered?

 2. What belongs to you, but is used by others?

Mr Tim Manns

Year 7 Coordinator