Please note: This page is currently for the year 2021-2022. It will shortly be updated shortly for the upcoming 2022-2023 academic year. Stay tuned!
UK Virtual School
Parents & Students
A 3-Way Partnership
Education only works when there is a collaborative relationship and shared understanding.
At UK Virtual School, we want families to share our vision and values.
In order for children to gain the most benefit from the sessions, we have certain expectations and terms
Updated: 22th July 2021
What You Can Expect From Us
Professional & Tailored Service
- We will work with you to ensure a smooth transition onto our courses
Good Communication
- We aim to get back to you between 2-3 working days. Our working hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
- We will communicate any concerns, suggestions or helpful tips
Quality Teaching
- Our specialist teaching staff have an average of 10 years of experience
- Teacher training and development is at the heart of our school
Quality Resources
- From homework to the video resources, we aim to provide quality and engaging resources
Our Expectations
All Classes
Please note all our classes run at UK time. They start on the first Monday of each month and run for 3 weeks at a time. We do not have classes in December and August. All our classes have a maximum of 10 children.
1. Resources
- Parents may be required to purchase additional resources to support online classes
- This may include textbooks, equipment or teaching aids
- Item list with suggested links will be included in welcome emails
- Ample time will be provided for ordering items before they are required in class
2. Learning Environment
- Lessons to take place in a quiet room away from distractions
- Stable internet speeds of at least 5Mb upload and 10Mb download speeds (Check your internet speed here)
3. Missing Class
- If your child misses a class, there will be an expectation they will catch up using the video uploads
4. Homework
Classes alone are not enough for students to progress. A student needs to see a new concept numerous times before it becomes embedded in their memory. Homework is one brilliant tool to reach this goal. Please ensure it is completed. Please allow up to 24 hours for homework to be uploaded onto your portal section.
We don’t mark homework. Bring your homework to next class to check solutions.
Safeguarding & Quality Assurance
The safety of our students is of the utmost importance. The ways UKVS ensures the zoom classes are safe and secure are described below. We also have systems in place to ensure quality remains consistent
1. Zoom links
- We change our zoom links every month
- We ensure our classes are password secured and have waiting room enabled
2. Recording classes
- We record all classes, including interactive classes
- This enables us to check footage if there are any raised concerns
3. Monitoring by Parents
- As with any activity involved with online devices, we expect children to be monitored by their parents
Terms
- By enrolling onto our courses, you agree by these terms and conditions and the expectations.
Interactive Classes
By nature, our interactive classes work best when there is a level of interaction through audio, video and chat, but in order to run smoothly, there are certain expectations we have.
1. Audio & Camera
- Audio and camera devices to be connected and working ahead of your first class
- Cameras are to be switched on during class (if there is any reason for cameras to be switched off, please let us know in advance of classes)
- Failure to switch on cameras during interactive classes, will result in the removal of students from the class and students will be expected to catch-up via playback
- Students must mute themselves when requested by teachers
2. In Class
- Arrive on time to class. Students arriving after 5min of the start time, will not be admitted into the class
- Students must be appropriately dressed
- Only first names should appear on screens
- If using phone devices, turn on “do not disturb” to avoid notifications.
- Failure to be present in class (ie on camera) will result in the removal of students from the class and students will be expected to catch-up via playback
3. Behaviour
- We want to create a positive learning experience for students.
- Consistent disruptive behaviour will result in time-out in the waiting room
- We are an inclusive environment, and welcome SEN students.
- Students are expected to understand that teachers are aware of the difference between disruptive behaviour that warrants a few minutes break in the waiting room, compared to a child who is struggling with change, anxiety and overwhelm.
- Please understand everyone’s journey is different and we are here to support each other
4. Teacher / Parent Communication Portal
At UKVS we believe teachers should focus on what they do best – teaching. We understand parents want to be able to receive feedback directly from teachers and as a result we have introduced a communication portal in your accounts. Please note, this portal is only for teachers to give feedback to parents (and for parents to respond). All admin, tech, sales communication should be directed centrally via FB messenger or email. To access the portal, please click on the “My Messages” menu option once you are logged in. Please exercise appropriate use of this system so our teaching staff are not overburdened with admin task of responding to messages.
One-Way Stream Classes
Our One-Way Stream classes are a hands-off approach to learning for those keen independent learners who want to work at their own pace, and own their schedules.
1. Audio & Camera
- Audio and Cameras are to be switched OFF during class (switching on, will interfere with recordings)
- Students must remain muted throughout
2. In Class
- Only first names should appear on screens
Common Questions
How do I know if my child is progressing?
Circumstances have changed, how do I cancel?
What happens if my child isn't in the right group?
If your child is struggling, we may suggest moving them down a year group, or moving from a weekly programme to a daily programme where the classes are more paced.
Similarly, if your child is finding the content too easy, we can move them up a year.
The children need to be matched to a group that challenges them but allows them to grow in confidence in the subject too.
