St Helena : St Helena Students “go the distance” at Prince Andrew School
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 30.06.2011 (Article Archived on 14.07.2011)
Over the last academic year, no less than 18 courses have been running through some form of distance learning and self study at Prince Andrew School. These have involved 11 students plus 3 teachers covering 18 different subjects ranging from AS and A Levels to Diplomas in career orientated subjects.
Students “go the distance” at Prince Andrew School
Over the last academic year, no less than 18 courses have been running through some form of distance learning and self study at Prince Andrew School. These have involved 11 students plus 3 teachers covering 18 different subjects ranging from AS and A Levels to Diplomas in career orientated subjects.
Since September 2010, Prince Andrew School has enhanced its provision of Distance Education and in doing so has increased teaching and learning opportunities for students, offering subjects not otherwise available through the mainstream curriculum.
The strategy adopted for this provision has been to interpret distance learning in its broadest sense and provide programmes of study which work to the learning needs of students.
Three different modes of learning are used that run alongside the normal curriculum:
Distance learning – Study packages are bought for chosen subjects from various support providers. Providers include the National Extension College and the Oxford Distance Learning College which offer a wide range of courses. Students using this method of study follow their course materials provided online and/ or in hard copy study packs and work with the support of their online tutor.
Supported Distance learning – A UK Educational Resources Provider, Nelson Thornes, is used for this and students undertaking this type of distance learning are supported in their studies by weekly video conferences with a UK tutor, who tutors them as a class online in real time.
Blended learning – This could be using a combination of online learning using the many teaching and learning facilities via the internet but led by a subject teacher in school, or an outside-of-school tutor. Some students for example attend evening classes under AVES then continue their studies in school during the day. Other students study independently, even without a teacher or a distance learning study pack but follow examination board specifications. They are self taught, making use of as much online material as possible.
With the enhanced Bandwidth and IT facilities the school is able to take advantage of online resources and subscribes to “Kerboodle" an online resource which enables teachers and students to access teaching and learning materials such as worksheets, quizzes and revision materials relevant to the AQA GCSE and AS/A Level subjects they are studying.
To date, five distance learning courses have been successfully completed. They include AS Biology, AS Fast Track Sociology, AS Environmental Studies and Level 3 Diplomas in Criminology and Animal Care. Currently, distance learning students are sitting examinations in AS and A2 Sociology, AS Psychology and A2 Level Biology. Independent study students will sit A2 Environmental Management and Chemistry.
A Distance learning Coordinator has also been appointed. Since September 2010, Pamela Lawrence’s role is to manage all registrations and organisation of courses and to identify which packages are appropriate to buy. She also works with IT support in the school to facilitate the video conference tutorials and is the Link Tutor with Nelson Thornes.
Pamela supports the students’ learning, and although she does not actually teach the subjects she observes the lessons taught via video conferencing and reinforces learning through any follow up work, keeping students on task and makes sure unit work and assignments are completed on time. Additionally, Pamela conducts weekly one to one tutorials with all distance learning students and where necessary, helps them in their private studies.
Despite distance learning being in its early stages it is progressing well. All students have had to adapt themselves to become more independent learners and develop their research skills, structure their work, manage their time and above all, be self-motivated.
The introduction of distance learning has been a significant advantage for those applying for University Scholarships in 2012. Without the option of distance learning and enhanced internet access they would not have been able to study those subjects which are essential for entry into the course areas they wish to pursue at university level. As a distance learning student, universities and employers also look positively at the independent learning skills students acquire.
The additional benefits of distance learning include the ability of the school to be able to link learning programmes with student career aspirations and guarantee progression from GCSE through to A Levels. Thus, offering information, advice and guidance to students on careers and post school aspirations particularly with the 6th Form students, has become an integral part of Pamela’s role. Distance learning also means there is no disruption of courses if teachers leave.
This year, for the first time, distance learning subjects will be offered at GCSE level. Courses currently being looked at are GCSE History, GCSE Sociology and GCSE Psychology. These courses were chosen to underpin A Level studies and extend provision where there is no specialist teacher available.
The option of distance learning has been discussed with next year’s Year 10 and 6th Form students. A ‘taster ‘video conferencing session with Nelson Thornes has already been held for those who have expressed interest in studying by distance learning as part of their GCSE programme from September. A second ‘taster’ was held for those who will do AS Psychology. In both sessions, students were joined by adults who have enrolled for both GCSE and AS Level Psychology supported distance learning courses.
In September 2011, it is envisaged that at least 25% of the Year 10 students and at least 50% of the 6th Form academic students will be studying 1 or more GCSEs via some form of distance learning.
Public Relations/Information Office
The Secretariat
16 June 2011
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