Kyalami Schools keep the kids busy

After President Cyril Ramaphosa implemented the closure of schools, Kyalami Schools came up with a solution to keep the learners abreast with their curricular activities and not fall behind with their school work.

Using technological tools, such as Google Classroom and YouTube, the group of schools comprising of Kyalami Preparatory Scool and Beaulieu Preparatory and College rolled out their home-schooling programmes.

Jorge Ruiz-Mesa, deputy head of academics at Beaulieu College explained that there were two models being used at present.

“Teachers arrange live online conference calls with the pupils using Google Hangouts or Zoom. The lesson is fully interactive and recorded live. Once the lesson is completed the teacher shares it on Google Classroom for all learners, but especially for those who could not be part of the live lesson.

“The lesson is recorded using digital technology. The lesson is then uploaded to the college’s YouTube channel and also to the class’ Google Classroom. All learners receive a notification and access the lesson on their devices.”

Ruiz-Mesa added that assessments are also conducted using Google Forms or other platforms which the teachers embed into Google Classroom. “We have received a large number of complimentary emails from both parents and learners.”

Ruiz- Mesa concluded that in these uncertain times he would encourage other schools to share information and resources. “We have created a YouTube channel and the resources are available online.”

Gary Botha, CEO at Kyalami Schools, added they would be monitoring engagement from a productivity perspective. “The children will receive their work online and submit the finished product back to the teacher. We are still expecting work to flow back to the teacher from their pupils so that it can be assessed.

“Naturally, it is easier with our older pupils, but even our youngest pupils have been sent both physical and electronic work packs to keep them engaged.”