Update 01.05.2020

1st May 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

Well done for getting to Friday and completing another week of supporting CamVC home-learning, alongside everything else you’re trying to do.  Here are today’s updates:

Work for Year 11 – English and Maths

There is a national requirement for every student to continue to study English and Maths after Year 11 if they do not achieve a Grade 4 in their GCSE.  If students were, in January, on track for a Grade 4 or lower in these subjects, we recommend that they attempt this work.  

English will be provided via ShowMyHomework on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Students should email their usual English teacher for feedback and support.

Maths work is available via corbettmaths.com  or on the MyMaths or Hegarty Maths sites.  Support can be requested by emailing the Maths Department on: CAM-MathsSupport@cambournevc.org

Years 7 & 8 Numeracy Mornings

From next week, pupils in Years 7 and 8 will be asked to take part in Numeracy Mornings on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

There will be a range of fun and exciting mathematical challenges for students to complete including: Countdown, Futoshiki Problems, Times Tables Rockstars and Numeracy Ninjas. During these 30 minutes sessions, your child will be able to challenge their classmates or even their teacher. They will can improve their Numeracy Skills in order to become a Numeracy Ninja black belt. We hope your child accepts the challenge and joins us for 30 mins of Mathematical madness!

Routines for Home-Learning

We appreciate how hard it is for some pupils to maintain their motivation - even to keep getting up in the morning – during lockdown.   The Education Endowment Foundation, a charity that provides highly-respected evidence-based education guidance has published some advice on learning at home.  Please see the attached document for their blog, a day-planner for pupils, and a short video. 

Immunisation Programme

A number of parents are enquiring about immunisations and concern as to when they will occur.  The previously published dates for the school immunisation programme are being rearranged and we are waiting to hear how this will be implemented.   We will pass on any information as soon as possible.  

Webinar:  Microsoft Teams and OneNote for pupils and parents

The video of this morning’s webinar (minus the obligatory technical hiccup) is now available online for anyone to watch. Links to jump to each section can be found in the video description:

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/d9247506-ab34-48a1-a482-0652f570e900

The Cambourne Crier is on-line this month

You can view or download the magazine at: Cambourne Crier May Edition

Finally, the pupils are completing some fantastic work – thank you so much for all the support you are giving them.  Do take a few minutes to look at our ‘Friday Superstar Shout-Outs’ on this link:  FaceBook – it has made a lovely end to my week.

I hope you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the weekend:  we seem to have got to the end of the rain, and it’s a four-day week next week!

Take good care of yourselves,

Claire Coates

Principal

 

Education Endowment Foundation:  Supporting daily routines during school closures

Blog: Four tips for a smooth home learning routine

Everyone is adapting to an unusual situation and some parents are feeling the pressure to replicate school behaviour systems. When supporting your child’s behaviour, and their social and emotional needs, there are a few key principles that should help:

• Find your new routines. Consistent routines are important for behaviour in school and our routines at home have changed significantly. Routines support behaviour and you will be finding a new rhythm for your family. You could share this video with your child. Talk to them to help them plan their new routines.
• Look for the positives. Because you need to be on the ball when things go wrong, it is easy to focus only on the unwanted behaviours and spend time addressing those with our children. If we can also catch them doing things right and praise this behaviour, we’re likely to get more of it. Could your daily routines include activities where your child is likely to make you proud?
• Model the coping techniques you are using. Children are still learning to self-regulate their emotions and behaviours. It’s likely that we will also face new challenges during this period: finding a new workspace, managing anxiety, being productive under new circumstances. Talk to your child about the struggles you face and how you are addressing them – and don’t be afraid to be open about getting it wrong and trying a different strategy. Encourage your children to explain the approaches they are trying too.
• Remember, there are no shortcuts.The most important principle for teachers in managing behaviour is to get to know and understand each pupil individually. This is good news! You already know your child. Speak to your child and trust your judgement about what works for them above any generic advice.

It's natural to feel anxious during times of uncertainty. The NHS has issued advice on supporting your mental wellbeing while at home here: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

You may find this daily planner useful in supporting your child keep to a healthy routine:  Planner

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