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20 March 2020
Schools across the UK are to close on Friday because of the coronavirus epidemic but its business as usual at Cornish all-girls school, THS, which is moving its lessons to a brand new virtual school with a complete network of digital classrooms.
The move follows the announcement by the Government that all schools must close, except for the children of those people defined as key workers.
Headmistress, Mrs Sarah Matthews said: “Our priority will be to ensure that the quality of learning does not change. We do not simply want the girls to maintain their standards over the coming weeks and months, we want them to be stretched, to complete their curriculum coursework as planned and to continue to make excellent progress.”
The school intends to do this by means of a network of online classrooms with the girls dialling in to join lessons. The majority of its teachers will conduct these lessons from their normal classrooms and timetables will be provided if there are any changes to the usual school day.
Once ‘in’ the classroom, the girls can hear the teacher, can ask questions and be given individual support and additional tasks, just as they would in a normal lesson.
The school is also developing opportunities for students to work without their screen in some subjects such as Art and PE where work will be allocated with the teacher available for feedback and guidance online, by email and by phone.
Mrs Matthews continued: “The hope is that the vibrant and holistic education our parents know and trust will continue in a way that will allow them to adapt to any changes that may have been imposed on their lives by the current worldwide situation. The initial trials carried out over the last few days with some of the girls have proved very popular and, as reflective practitioners, our staff will adapt and refine the process over the coming weeks.”
