Remote Learning

Our remote learning page has information for students and their parents / carers about our remote learning offering, delivery arrangements and expectations.

What is remote learning?

Remote learning means that instead of coming into college, you will learn from your home. This might mean attending your lessons virtually using video call software Microsoft Teams or we can send learning resources to you directly by email and post.

Staff will also call you to make sure you are getting on okay whilst learning from home. Welfare calls will happen at least once per week during term time.

When would I need to learn from home?

You can do remote learning when:

  • You are well but need to self-isolate at home

  • You are shielding so must stay at home

  • You cannot get to college because of transport problems

  • You are unable to come to college because of your health

What types of remote learning are available?

Remote learning includes:

  • Accessing lessons through Microsoft Teams

  • Learning packs – digital or hard copies

We will listen to your views on how you would like to learn from home. Whilst some sessions are better delivered using one method or the other, so long as you are learning at home we will work with you to suit your needs.

How do I know when I should start remote learning?

Once we are aware of your absence, you can start remote learning the next day. Your Curriculum Manager or tutor will contact you to confirm that you will be learning remotely and to talk to you about your timetable.

What do I need for remote learning?

You will need access to IT equipment that has access to Microsoft Teams.

You can download Microsoft Teams as an app, or you can access it via your internet browser.

What do I do if I don’t have the IT equipment?

If you do not have access to the internet and a device that lets you access Microsoft Teams, please talk to our IT team. You can call the College on 01509 815696 or you can email IT Support using your college email account.

What do I do if the IT equipment is not working?

If you have problems using the IT equipment, you can ask for help from our IT department and your tutor.

What support will I get whilst learning from home?

You will get the same support from tutors that you would in college. You will also get help from our Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) who will assist you online, through video calls, phone calls and / or emails.

How will you check my progress whilst I’m learning at home?

Progress checks will be carried out in the same way that they would if you were at college.

Tutors will assess your learning. They will receive your completed work and provide feedback to you.

You will be able to talk with your Progress Mentor or Personal Tutor via email, phone call or video call to support your wellbeing. You can tell them if you have any concerns about your progress.

As a remote learning student, what am I expected to do?

As a student learning from home, you should:

  • Complete your learning materials by the deadline set by tutors

  • Be contactable during your normal college days and hours (unless we have agreed an alternative schedule)

  • Ask for help from tutors and LSAs if you need it

  • Tell tutors if you are not able to complete your work

  • Participate in welfare calls at least once a week

  • Contact the teaching team during college hours. Outside of these hours, staff will not respond until their next working day.

As a parent / carer of a remote learning student, what am I expected to do?

As a parent or carer, you should:

  • Support the student to be able to continue learning remotely

  • Make the college aware of any absences during the remote learning period

  • Make staff aware if students cannot complete the required work

  • Ask for help from the college if you have any challenges

  • Be responsive and respectful in communication with staff

  • Engage in welfare calls in the best interest of the student

  • Be patient with responses – staff are teaching throughout the day so will respond as soon as they can. If you contact the College after hours, staff will respond on their next working day.

Who can help me?

If you have any challenges at all whilst learning remotely, please contact your Curriculum Manager, or email contactus@homefieldcollege.ac.uk.