Donations have become a real boost to home learning at Wylye Valley School
Since the beginning of January, most children have had to embrace remote learning from home.
Pupils at Wylye Valley C of E Primary School are no different and many have taken on the challenge of online education with great determination and enthusiasm. Teachers have uploaded lessons and resources so that the children at home are learning alongside those vulnerable children and children of critical workers lucky enough to still be attending school.
Head Teacher Rob Barnes said: “The situation is not ideal but, in a world where we are required to ‘Stay at Home and Stay Safe’ to help our NHS, schools and their pupils are having to constantly adapt.
“There is, however, a glaring problem with the online learning situation in that not all families have access to a computer or tablet. This clearly puts some children at a disadvantage and the danger of these children falling behind in their learning is very real.
“Fortunately, Wylye Valley School has been inundated with generous donations, financial and technological, from people and businesses within the local community with magnificent support from Codford Parish Council.
One donor said: “The Codford Community greatly appreciate the work of the Head Teacher, Robert Barnes, and the staff of Wylye Valley School, during these difficult times. One challenge has been to connect pupils to distance learning. Led by Smith’s Budgens Codford Shop and the parish council, several residents generously donated money to buy much-needed computers.”
A total of £3,300 was raised and the school purchased four laptops and six iPads. Another four laptops have been donated by local people.
Mr Barnes added: “I am overwhelmed by the amazing generosity of our local community. Every pupil now has access to the online learning we have developed to provide a comprehensive and inclusive educational programme which takes each child through all the key curricular subjects day by day. The children at home are learning at the same pace as those at school. They are also able to take part in our weekly class Zoom lessons – an important lifeline for many of our children. I cannot thank the local community enough for their continued support and generosity.”