During lockdown, we offered a remote learning platform that was extremely well-received by both parents and pupils alike. Shebbear Pupils continued to follow their usual timetable, registering with their tutor in the morning and taking part in live lessons with all their subject teachers. Our Wellbeing and Pastoral Care was more important than ever and even our extra-curricular activities programme continued, with students enjoying a huge range of creative and sporting challenges.

We received a great deal of praise from parents for this provision, with our small class sizes and focus on each individual pupil really coming into fruition. Some teachers arranged 1-to-1 lessons or (socially distanced) home visits for any pupils that were struggling, either academically or emotionally.

We are all set up at school to continue with this provision should we need to at any point in the future. We have webcams in every classroom which will enable us to seamlessly return to remote learning if we need to – or to transmit lessons live to any pupil who is unable to be at school.

Below is some of the positive feedback we have received from parents. We are so pleased that you appreciate what we have been doing so thank you for writing to us!

“Our son’s remote learning provision was a privilege to watch. We saw and heard him at school – part of his day that, ordinarily, we would not have experienced. Creative, sensitive and always with their usual sense of humour – the Staff found inspiring ways to structure, engage, teach and entertain. Sensitively thought through and wonderfully imaginative, the children worked hard and played hard – business as usual, in unusual times”

“We are so thankful to the staff of Shebbear College, who provided a fully enriched and engagingly academic remote classroom experience which has kept our children mentally and physically healthy. The sounds of Shebbear life have flooded through our house each day as the children settled to their lessons and I love that we have had the privilege of seeing inside the classroom.”

“The children are encouraged to learn through a host of creative and inspiring activities; equally, there are moments when head down concentration or conversation with a skilled teacher is needed. We hear glimpses of content from the hugely knowledgeable and passionate teaching staff as well as the responses from the children, including the moments of giggles – which warms my heart. These members of staff have gone above and beyond to make the learning experience as deep and engaging as they can.”