Distance learning is challenging, especially when most of us have not experienced distance learning before. We have had just over two weeks now, so you and your son will be becoming familiar with the challenges that learning from home brings. The information below, (sourced from the Open Polytech), we hope will help you to maximise learning at home.

I have attached four different documents. Encourage your son to read over the information that may be of use to them.

1. Increasing motivation and developing good habits

2. Managing your time while you’re learning from home

• Study calendars
• Planning your weekly schedule
• Making your schedule work
• Getting the most out of your learning time

3. Study, concentrate and remember

• Techniques for Active Learning
• Improve your memory
• How to mind map
• Review to remember
• Improving your concentration

4. Multiple Platforms – Support for Learning at Home

Additional School Support
If your son is struggling, the first point of contact should be the subject teacher. If you are not satisfied with the support offered, then please contact the Head of Faculty, and then myself if the issue is not resolved.

• Teacher aides are available for one to one support. This can be to help with classwork or time management and planning. Email coe@stbedes.school.nz
• Counselling and Guidance Services - The team in the Centre of Wellbeing are available to support students and whanau, to make an appointment email wgray@stbedes.school.nz
• Peer Tutoring – This is up and running and involves older students tutoring their peers online. To access this, complete the google doc via the link below: 
  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cQW2UO2pQCeJU_b2ddLpk9BrBmdtHUPwfVtyKJ3wG3Q/edit

Jon McDowall
Deputy Rector - Teaching and Learning