Full scale remote learning rolls out

CCGS made history on Tuesday 24 March as we transitioned from face to face to remote learning.

In response to COVID-19, Central Coast Grammar School, along with schools across Australia, began a very different mode of learning and delivery that was a completely new experience for junior and senior students and teachers. 

Rapidly changing circumstances and advice to schools saw CCGS implement our Learning Continuance Plan. This was the greatest change in one day since the foundation of the school and a fundamental paradigm shift in teaching, learning and student wellbeing.

Foundations set for a new wave of change

Whilst the speed of this transition was unprecedented, considerable investment in learning management technology, teacher quality and digital literacy, driven by the school’s Next Generation Teaching and Learning strategic plan, meant that we had strong foundations to support the incredible commitment of staff.

Teachers and students were already familiar with the school’s learning management platform, MyCCGS, and could quickly extend functionality. The Harvard Teaching for Understanding framework had given teachers a common approach K-12 and they were able to collaborate in strong professional learning communities to support each other and their students. A long-term focus on digital literacy meant staff and students could confidently use technology for effective learning. 

Teachers rallied together to create comprehensive remote learning activities from K to 12. They received training and help on setting up new digital programs and were given help with tools to support a remote learning campus. 

ICT Curriculum Support staff worked around the clock to scale up our MyCCGS with additional pages, classes and functionality. The Information Technology team rolled out Microsoft Teams Education creating almost 1000 new virtual classroom and department teams, a project in itself that would normally take six months plus to complete. Devices were configured and delivered to every student ensuring digital access across the community.

Remote learning transcends into every day lessons

CCGS went virtual. And we’ve been embracing the new with excitement and vigour. 

Roll call on Microsoft Teams, fun Science lessons via video conferencing, Music lessons, Drama and English, Mathematics and Sport. At the heart of remote education is ensuring learning is more than a set of transactional tasks. Learning needs to continue to be relational, responding to the needs of each individual learner to address their personalised learning journey and wellbeing. 

Feedback from parents and families has given us all a lot to feel grateful for in these uncertain times.

“After one day of home schooling my level of admiration for teachers has tripled! Thank you very much for making possible for the kids to be doing it from home, on top of your work with the kids at school."
- Mrs J Foganhole -

“They [our sons] had clear direction as to their expectations, and how they would be communicated with for each class, and this took away any anxiety or questions they had about what they had to do. So, once again, thank you for all that you are doing both in and out of school hours, and behind the scenes to keep them engaged and going forward.”
- Mr and Mrs Cochrane-Smith -

“Thanks for the ongoing updates. Please pass on to all teaching staff our gratitude and thanks for all they are doing for our children at the moment.  They have been providing our students with such impressive teaching structures and support!  We really appreciate them all and are keen to continue to partner with them in this uncertain time. May you all stay well.”
- Mr and Mrs Trethewy - 

What the future holds

One week in and each and our kids are teaching us all new digital skills! Every one of us has learnt a lot.

There is no blueprint or map to follow on how we can best deal with this challenge. As a school we are taking each moment step by step, learning from others around the world and listening to one another. The one constant we have is education and our joint commitment to that for our students.

We don’t know the challenges ahead but together we will face those challenges individually, as a family and as a school community. 

You can go behind the scenes of school life during COVID-19 by following our journey, CCGS remote in action.

Note: As of 2 April 2020 CCGS remains open on the basis of NSW Health advice to support our community as needed.