In a time when there is so much uncertainty, it has been essential to ensure learning at TIS Puchong is consistent and that all learners follow a routine. We have been using Google Classrooms and Zoom visual online software in the secondary school for a couple of weeks now and a routine following a different learning environment from previous learners has been established.

Essentially the pattern follows that Core (English, Maths and Science) subjects get an extra Zoom session per week per learner compared to foundation subjects. This actually means that every learner still has some face to face contact with each subject teacher each week. That’s around 12 face to face sessions between learner and teacher each week. This is then followed up by learning activities projects following the existing curriculums and syllabus for each subject which is then uploaded and shared with learners via the Google Classroom. Essentially the target for the work set for learners between the Zoom sessions and Google classroom activities equates to almost the same workload for learners as if they were based in school in the classrooms.

This established routine has worked well and we have had a great response from the parent and student survey concerning this process and we will continue to follow this from Monday April 20th with one exception, we are likely to bring forward the starting time, to start some of the Zoom sessions at 9:00am instead of 10:00am, with the last daily session finishing at 2:30pm instead of 3;00pm. The reason for this is that we are experiencing a drop in online connection quality at around 2:30pm. It has been suggested that this is due to Europe and the UK are starting their school days and thus impacting the streaming quality of the Zoom sessions here in Malaysia. It will mean that timetables will follow the same pattern as normal just everything starts one hour earlier than the existing timetables. Confirmation of these changes will be posted in the Google classrooms ready for starting back in term 2.

In addition we have also created a Holiday Learning Pack for each year group/learner in Secondary. This will take the form of online work, projects and activities that can be completed by learners independently. It will be accessed via the Google Classrooms available for each Year group. These activities are targeted to extend and support the learning following the skills that have been developed from the curriculum taught within school time. They can be completed independently or you may wish to allow learners to create their own small online learning group so they can support each other with these tasks.

Finally I would like to invite you for a brief chat and coffee (virtually at least). To manage this, we will send a Zoom link to you via the Engage portal and from the different Year group Google Classrooms. These will start at 10:00am each morning during next week; Monday for Year 7 parents, Tuesday for Year 8 parents, Wednesday for Year 9 parents, Thursday for Year 10 parents and Friday for Year 11 parents. The Zoom software will limit the numbers to approx 100, so please join if you can. These will aim to last for around 30 mins, but I would like to know how the home learning is going directly from your side and I can share a few strategies that we have noticed that could be helpful for you while managing the learning at home.

Please note that teachers may be unable to respond to emails or texts during the break, they are catching up on some well deserved rest while getting some family time and also preparation time for starting back on Monday 20th April. I will aim to respond to queries if you need anything urgent, you can email me directly on moreton.michaeldavid@pc.tis.edu.my.

Please stay safe and take care.