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Online learning resources

Online education resources for school children – University of Warwick

Colleagues at the University of Warwick have made us aware of the following education resources for parents, children and teachers [https://warwick.ac.uk/about/community/projects/educationresources].

We would recommend the above online resources for students.

In addition, a set of online learning resources [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-online-education-resources-for-home-education] have been published by the Government.

25 June 2020 -  DfE has updated their guidance for online education resources [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources] for home learning to include additional resources and new tips to help parents and carers with home education

Launch of BBC Bitesize

On Monday 20 April 2020, the BBC  relaunched BBC Bitesize [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize], an education package across TV and online, featuring celebrities and teachers, helping to keep children learning at home and supporting parents.

Oak National Academy

Oak National Academy [https://www.thenational.academy] is a new collection of high-quality lessons and online resources. Backed by the Government, it has been created in response to the coronavirus lockdown. Our online classroom offers free access to great teachers, delivering video lessons, quizzes and worksheets. Available for both primary and secondary levels, it covers a range of subjects. All of the lessons are ordered so your child can learn along a clear plan. We’ll provide new lessons and resources each week. We at the CELC will shortly be offering specific advice regarding how best to use these resources. Please feel free to use these excellent resources in the interim.

Stay safe online

Your Money Matters [https://www.young-enterprise.org.uk/resources/your-money-matters-financial-education-textbook/], the first-ever curriculum-mapped financial education textbook, is aimed at students aged 15 to 16, and will teach them about topics such as savings, budgeting, borrowing, student loans and identity theft. It was written by the financial education charity Young Money with guidance from Martin Lewis (Money Saving Expert).

Parents and carers may choose to supplement the school or college online offer with support from online companies and in some cases individual tutors. In their communications with parents and carers, schools and colleges should emphasise the importance of securing online support from a reputable organisation/individual who can provide evidence that they are safe and can be trusted to have access to children. Support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online includes:

Support for SEND Students

ChatterPack [http://chatterpack.net/] is a voluntary-run, special educational needs and disabilities hub. The resources are free once you sign up to their newsletter.

English

At CELC you will find we are committed to supporting your child to reach their full potential.  We have a varied curriculum that includes the study of English Language and English Literature.  Our students have the opportunity to gain formal qualifications in Functional Skills during year 10 and GCSE qualifications in year 11; this ensures they are equipped with the necessary skills that are so fundamental to the outside world.

Preparations begin in year 7 with the study of a range of texts, both fiction and non-fiction to ensure our students have a broad understanding of the skills needed to succeed.  Speaking & Listening is also a fundamental part of our preparation through Key Stage 3 and 4 as we realise the value in preparing our students to be independent, critical thinkers who can form their own opinion and know-how to approach formal interviews for future employment or education.

We have high expectations of our students and provide a supportive learning environment to enable them to make good progress. Students come to English understanding the expectations we have of them in terms of work, commitment and behaviour.  We will work collaboratively with students and parents to bring out the best in each individual student, adapting work and resources to suit their particular need.

See our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page for all remote learning resources for English [microsoft-edge:https://celches.sharepoint.com/sites/CELC-Home/SitePages/English.aspx].

Additional resources

Maths

Our GCSE Maths curriculum ensures that all pupils:

  • Develop the skills needed to function effectively in the real world, in everyday situations, thus enhancing their future wellbeing.
  • To be able to communicate mathematically with others and solve problems efficiently; a skill desired by many employers.
  • Gain the qualifications needed for progression into the next stages of their lives, whether it be a college course, an apprenticeship, or gaining any type of employment.
  • Have their gaps in knowledge identified quickly (through baselining, questioning, regular summative assessments, and formatively through APP grids, and Mock exams), and offer a wider range of intervention strategies than they would receive at a mainstream school, including a personalised maths program for Year 11’s based on the analysis of their Mock papers.

The skills acquired from the course form a trio of ways in which they will be ‘thinking mathematically’:

  • Becoming fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
  • Reason mathematically, by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
  • Solving problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

The progression of the course leads on from either;

The KS3 curriculum at CELC (mapped out by the AQA Unit Award Scheme), and the explicit teaching of Functional Skill Level 1 & 2 Maths, which provides a stable pre-requisite for the functional elements of the assessment in this GCSE course.

OR (more often)

Pupils come at different stages of KS4, from having being taught a variety of different versions of the maths curriculum (some start in year 9 or year 10, and follow different exam boards/route maps), and many have simply missed large amounts of knowledge & skills.

The ‘Foundation Tier’ caters for grades 1-5, and pupils have a pathway to the higher grades 6-9, through the ‘Higher Tier’ if they are progressing at such a rate.

Both tiers aim to develop pupil’s knowledge and skills in all the following 6 strands:

  • Number
  • Algebra
  • Geometry and measures
  • Ratio, proportion, and rates of change
  • Probability
  • Statistics

The course is embedded in a CELC long-term plan that spans 2 years, ensures pupils receive a proper GCSE transition for the techniques and terminology not met at KS3 and builds in opportunities for pupils to experience mathematics in wider contexts, incorporates British values and PSHE themes, create awe and wonder about mathematics - by linking resources and discussions to various Social, Moral, Cultural, and Spiritual contexts.

See our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page for all remote learning resources for Maths [microsoft-edge:https://celches.sharepoint.com/sites/CELC-Home/SitePages/Mathematics.aspx]

Additional resources

  • Corbett - Maths [https://corbettmaths.com/contents/] – This is a great site, which has a vast range of resources for both KS3 and KS4. We often use worksheets, and exam style questions from here within lessons. Watching the topic related videos would be useful for pupils to support them with each topic.
  • BBC Bitesize: GCSE Maths revision [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z38pycw] - A highly regarded site, renowned for its excellent GCSE revision resources.
  • BBC Bitesize: AQ exam specs [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8sg6fr] - Currently we use AQA for years 10 and 11: resources, where you will find methods, followed by Question and Answer revision, and short tests on the adjacent tab:
  • Maths made easy - Maths [https://mathsmadeeasy.co.uk/revise/] - Revision (all key stages), and past papers – If you have a printer handy, it is worth printing some past papers off form here, giving them a go – Then checking your answers using the mark schemes.
  • TES - secondary subjects [https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/hub/secondary] (sign up email) – Mainly used by teachers from around the world who share some amazing resources with each other, more often than not for FREE. As a pupil/parent there is no harm in signing up and searching for a topic to see what you can download and try. Summaries and guides are good here too.
  • Transum Mathematics [https://www.transum.org/Software/] - Famous for its excellent short problems (often used at the start of a lesson). This site is amazing, and has some of the best, most puzzles, activities, and games there is available. The interactive element of this site is outstanding, and very easy to navigate.
  • Khan Academy [https://www.khanacademy.org/signup?isparent=1] (sign up as Parent / Learner) - Great maths videos. The videos carefully demonstrate each and every topic in a step-by-step way. Well worth signing up for! Revision questions are available to supplement the videos.
  • Bitesize Daily [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zn9447h]- From 20 April, you’ll be able to access regular daily lessons in English and Maths, as well as other core subjects, in an expanded version of our website and also on special programmes broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button.
  • My Maths - Maths [https://www.mymaths.co.uk/try-mymaths.html] (Password: Obtuse, username: Coventryelc) – One of the most comprehensive, and interactive maths sites around. Complete lessons available in every topic (KS3 and KS4). If you need a bit of light relief from the step by step lessons, support your learning, and indeed your problem solving skills, by trying some of the games on here! How to login and use My Maths [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/32612/how_to_log_in_and_use_mymaths]

CELC Maths Challenge

You can submit answers your answers to CELC@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:CELC@coventry.gov.uk]

You should include your name, the challenge, and your answers in the following format.

Example:

Name:  _________

  1. A
  2. B
  3. A
  4. E

Etc.

Also, here are some extra puzzles you might like to have a go at just for fun

10 Teaser Problems [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/33267/10_teaser_problems]

Science

Science at CELC starts in KS3 where we aim to enthuse and inspire students through a practical approach to Science whilst preparing the building blocks to GCSE.  Students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics and this foundation of key knowledge and concepts aims to encourage them to recognise the power and importance of rational explanation and develop their excitement and curiosity about the world around us. Students are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse the causes.

Students at KS4 follow either Combined Science A (Gateway Science) or Chemistry A (Gateway Science) which provides a flexible approach to teaching. The specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of biology, chemistry and physics. The teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and they are assessed through the written papers.

Why study science?

Studying science provides the foundation for understanding the world around us. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all students are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, process and uses of science.

Students are encouraged to:

  • develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
  • develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
  • develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills
  • develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively

See our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page for all remote learning resources for Science [http://microsoft-edge:https://celches.sharepoint.com/sites/CELC-Home/SitePages/Science.aspx]

Additional resources

Geography

At CELC students get the opportunity to study a wide and interesting range of topics that ultimately lead to them undertaking a GCSE in Geography at the end of Year 11. Central to the delivery of the subject is the understanding of the interactive role that humans have daily with the natural world that has evolved around them. Students will have opportunities to research and reflect on how we can have a positive and negative impact on the habitats of plants and animals both on land and in the world’s oceans.

They will be aware of the processes that have shaped and continue to shape our planet and be able to identify the evidence of these processes in existing landforms, including those shaped by tectonic activity, wind and water. They will look at climate change and our role in it through industrialisation, urbanisation, resource management, deforestation and the changing methods in agriculture. Our aim within the Geography department is to ensure all students have an opportunity to be informed and aware of the very real dangers we will encounter soon due to our current actions and attitudes. Students will look at these issues and the processes that cause them on both a local, national scale and on a global scale.

We hope that during their studies within Geography they will become more aware as global citizens of the role they can play in impacting sensitively and kindly on our planet. And, alongside this be mindful of the many processes over many millennia that have gifted us the world we now live in.

See our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page for all remote learning resources for Geography [microsoft-edge:https://celches.sharepoint.com/sites/CELC-Home/SitePages/Geography.aspx]

Additional Resources

Music

  • Music Mark - Music based online resources for all age groups

Art

Art and design at CELC enable our young people to explore the visual arts through 2D and 3D compositions.

We study various art movements and artists, paying attention to experimenting and developing their use of colour, movement, shape and form. The creative process enables our students to explore critical thinking as well as creative/ artistic language skills.

We offer the bronze and silver Arts Award to students who show an interest in the creative process. This gives them a sense of achievement and success.

See our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page for all remote learning resources for Art [microsoft-edge:https://celches.sharepoint.com/sites/CELC-Home/SitePages/Art.aspx]

Additional Resources

Art News

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, visited the Belgrade theatre on Tuesday 18 May 2021. The photographs show Mr Street with the Chief Executive of the Belgrade Theatre Coventry.

The artwork shown in the photographs is that of the students from our Wyken site which facilitates KS3.  Mr Street said that he was enormously impressed with the exhibition. We are so proud of our young people and their commitment to the creative process. 

We look forward to CELC’s continued collaboration with the Belgrade theatre and thank them for the opportunity for our students to be able to display their work.

Ns art 5 Ns art 6

PHSE

PSHE is the subject that crosses over many areas of the curriculum and puts that learning into real-life situations. PSHE is broken into three main areas, these are:

  • Health and Wellbeing – mental health, drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, gang-related issues, health, puberty, healthy lifestyles.
  • Living in the wider world – careers, setting goals for the future, community, financial skills, dangers of the internet
  • Relationships – diversity, discrimination, respectful relationships, identity, extremism and radicalisation, intimate relationships.

See our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page for all remote learning resources for PHSE [microsoft-edge:https://celches.sharepoint.com/sites/CELC-Home/SitePages/PSHE.aspx]

Additional Resources

Lessons and resources for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 PHSE [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/6051/phse].

Additional PHSE resources added 15 June 2020 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/6168/phse_resources_-_15_june_2020].

Food preparation and nutrition

At CELC Key stage 3 students take the AQA unit awards which covers a range of cooking and preparation methods from around the World. The AQA Unit Award Scheme is invaluable as it is an important pathway for our students to receive accreditation for their achievements. It provides a wide range of units which are differentiated, making accreditation accessible to all pupils regardless of their ability. Furthermore, through allowing amendments and writing our units, we can expand and customise units to our pupil's learning interests and needs providing a pathway towards an accredited GCSE qualification. Students undertake various project-based work such as Mc Millan coffee event, medieval foods, healthy diets these cover a range of skills. Students gain cooking and teamwork skills completing a range of project-based learning often lead by the students. This provides an opportunity for students to learn life skills as well as reinforcing literacy and numeracy skills.

At Key stage 4 students take the Level 2 Food Hygiene course which has been designed to help anyone who handles, prepares or serves food in the catering industry understand their legal responsibilities and know what constitutes best practice in regards to controlling food safety hazards, controlling temperatures, food storage, food preparation, personal hygiene and premises cleaning. The life skills and integrated literacy numeracy will help students in their learning across the curriculum.

See our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page for all remote learning resources for Food Preparation and Nutrition [microsoft-edge:https://celches.sharepoint.com/sites/CELC-Home/SitePages/Food-preparation-and-Nutrition.aspx]

Additional resources

Sport and fitness

At the CELC sports is offered by the Northampton Saints Foundation.  The programme that Northampton Saints Foundation offers promotes the wellbeing of our students, which aims to improve the interaction, communication skills and to encourage positive self and social behaviours of our students.

The sessions that are offered, encourage interaction, understanding and personal development, with pupils discussing and developing their knowledge of [the core values] and how they are applied in and support real-life situations. The programmes offered are bespoke which suit our learners’ specific needs.

See our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page for all remote learning resources for Sport [http://microsoft-edge:https://celches.sharepoint.com/sites/CELC-Home/SitePages/Sports.aspx]

Additional resources

YouTube HIIT home workouts for students from Educ8:

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

CELC has developed a new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to ensure that our students can continue to access learning when unable to attend our centres due to COVID-19 issues. When students are required to isolate they will be provided with work via the VLE. Students who are isolating thus need to monitor each of their subject areas in the VLE for work assigned and ensure that they submit this work and respond to staff feedback. Video guides are provided below to explain how to access the VLE and how to hand in assignments.

We understand that some families may have difficulties in providing devices (e.g. laptop, tablet) or an internet connection required to access the VLE.  We have thus sent all parents/carers a ‘Remote Learning Checklist for Students’ to identify where this may be the case. Students have completed their section to ensure they know how to use the VLE. If you require support, please contact us.

Additional information

Computer Science / ICT

At CELC we have designed our ICT curriculum to help our students progress forward, learning new skills that will help them in the workplace after they have finished school. Our KS3 and KS4 ICT curriculum builds on pupils existing ICT skills helping them understand the continuation of learning from their previous lesson.  As teachers we ensure our students understand their learning and will show them how they can secure their knowledge and understanding by developing and building on their skills using our Chromebooks, allowing them to expand on their ICT skills through our curriculum. We believe that our students should be allowed to build upon their existing skills base and widen their learning with the courses we offer.

Our courses have been carefully selected to ensure effective learning can take place at KS3 and KS4, our students will be given the care and support needed to help them progress further and gain a qualification and attainment suited to their level.

At Key Stage 3, we have specialised designated teachers who are following ‘AQA’s specification’ and have been accredited as an ‘approved’ centre.  We aim to accredit our students in years 7,8 and 9 as they complete individual units – installing a positive mindset within our students, giving them a sense of achievement as they go along completing each unit – encouraging them to want to achieve further – through the completion of more units. 

Within our Key Stage 4 centres, we have designated teachers who seek to look at how our students can achieve qualifications regardless of their previous educational background. Given that students can arrive at our centres at any time during year 10 and 11 – we feel following OCR’s Functional Skills at entry-level, level 1 and level 2 would give our students the best start at developing their skills and competences in ICT. 

See our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for all remote learning resources for ICT [microsoft-edge:https://celches.sharepoint.com/sites/CELC-Home/SitePages/Computer-Science-ICT.aspx]

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