So when are we going back to school?

[RaraRachael]

I was under the impression that NS had announced that all schools in Scotland would start back on August 11th. I have had surveys from my local authority asking when we would like the week's holiday in lieu and if we want 1 or 2 in-service days before we start back in August.

Last night a colleague posted a piece showing all the start dates from the different authorities - some were 10th August, !1th, 12th up to the 18th and 19th.

I am totally confused

For some subjects Spottedelk and they are trying to have us move as much as possible but not practical ones. A science lesson needs a science classroom etc.

Screens is not something I have heard mentioned. A physical barrier would be really upsetting to a lot of pupils. I don't think many parents where I teach would like that especially for our new S1s who are pretty apprehensive already. To be honest I am wondering what it will be like to teach sitting behind a desk not moving around looking at jitters and pointing things out.

Jotters - spell check never likes jotters

Blew my mind when I found out that jotters is a Scottish term.

Apparently down south they call them "exercise books". Jotters is a MUCH better word.

He got his jotters

Great expression!

I don't know if the one day in school will be an actual lesson or just going over what they have done at home and answering any questions.

can someone give that tabby link for cases etc

What I don't understand is who is supposed to be available to support my dc learning - if teachers are in school teaching full time to the groups in school, who is going to support the children not in school that day?

Currently my dc are getting support via Teams, and teachers are pretty responsive. This is not going to be the case if they are teaching classes all the time. There really needs to be some extra support planned.

Travelling tabby link:

www.travellingtabby.com/scotland-coronavirus-tracker/?fbclid=IwAR2oxn1kHIOPigrCZxzfIBdnBwNn8ZBqGuv_bPJpxJ169clVWVlbbk_TqfA

Personally, I'd be happy to have teachers behind screens if it gave them some protection and therefore made them feel happier to be in class. I think that children would get used to it quite quickly. If children are reasonably happy being taught online (eg by tutors) then being taught by a teacher behind a see-through screen shouldn't be too much of a problem?

I wish the Scottish government would arrange something for the holiday period, while the weather is warm. I can imagine lessons happening outside (much safer), maybe under gazebos. Such as small groups of primary children reading and writing a little, to get back into the swing of learning (for those who haven't been doing much).

You must live in a different part of Scotland to me...

Teachers deserve their holidays and children need a rest. Plus I think actual academic work needs fewer distractions, not wasps and midgies.

It looks like they’ll go back in small groups anyway.

It could be the tutors they are apparently going to use in England...

I saw something that said they would be making use of the probationary teachers to help with classes

Might be just north Lanarkshire Council- they have said all 195 of newly qualified teachers will get a full time contract

good point re: when and how teachers can teach online if they are busy with other classes

(thanks for tabby link)

I have been shouting at the telly ever since NS and JS came out with the blended learning crap notion, "But who is going to provide the online learning when teachers are back in class teaching pupils?"

Since this began, planning, providing, checking and giving feedback on my online classroom has taken SO much more of my time than being in school would have.

I wish somebody would ask this question at some of the webinars or question times.

I disagree with on screens Spottedelk. One of the very first things you learn as a rookie is not to remain behind your desk and not create barriers. Some children would be fine with them - many would not.

A classroom is not a transitory location like a check out or bank counter. The pupil teacher relationship is constant evolving. There is a fantastic (if a bit cheesy) piece on The Recovery Curriculum and what teachers will be doing to rebuild relationships. A screen suggests they need to be protected from us and vice versa.

But Lidfix you might not have a screen but you will absolutely need to remain at your 2m section at the front of the classroom. None of the usual walking about to help pupils.

I know. And I will and I'll adapt. We have probationer who I feel heart sorry for. My poor DD1 is embarking on her prob year. But a screen would be so unpleasant for everyone. We have lots of questions for SLT about procedures if pupils refuse to follow instructions regarding social distancing. The majority will and will be mortified if they slip up but there will be some don't . There will be some who think it hilarious to cough or touch stuff.

But I still can't wait to be back in the classroom .

At WDC, they are setting up a virtual learning academy called campus @ wdc which is being run and led by its own headteacher. Not sure who the actual teachers will be or what kind of teaching it will be.

So much effort into setting this up, rearranging timetables, rearranging classrooms, putting up signs and 1 way systems and NS could put things back to normal come August.

I'm sure the unions and SMTs would be delighted after all that effort - there will be more arguments and delays again!

A screen would be less unpleasant than contracting COVID-19 I imagine

Oh get a f'ing grip Message . Or let me me know how amazing and talented a teacher you are so you can impart me with your skills in managing anxious young people, delivering a curriculum and creating a positive learning environment separated by a screen to pupils separated from you and each other.

FYI we lost a family member. DH lost a member of his team. Neither had pre existing conditions or were in high risk categories. So we fucking know!

Pesky teachers . Shame on them that they want a non threatening environment for young people to attend after many months out of conventional schooling.

Have you actually read this whole thread?

West Lothian are doing a crackpot convo of Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday extended days to make it up to 50% and bugger all cleaning in between groups because they invested in the electrostatic cleaning (apparently we are not to use any antibacterial wipes or sprays - things will only need wiped with a micro fibre cloth for 3 months). I’m raging and terrified at the same time!

what's electrostatic cleaning?

Is it fogging?