Kettering teachers prepare lockdown lessons for pupils across the nation

A Government-backed online classroom full of material for pupils during the coronavirus lockdown features lessons from two Kettering teachers.

Kettering Buccleuch Academy art teacher Adriano Di Salvo and head of science Sophie Dale are part of a team of top teachers involved with the new Oak National Academy website.

Alongside delivering online learning for their own pupils, Adriano and Sophie have been volunteering their time and expertise to help create educational resources for pupils across the country.

In Adriano’s online art lessons students begin by taking part in a multiple-choice quiz which is followed by a video of Adriano demonstrating that lesson’s activity. They are then encouraged to try the task for themselves before completing a summary quiz to reinforce their learning and understanding. In one Year 7 lesson this week pupils were encouraged to use items such as cotton buds or match sticks to paint with different strengths of coffee.

He said: “It’s a good opportunity for pupils to hear and see a teacher rather than receiving a set of instructions to follow through. The response we’ve had on social media from parents has also been great as pupils have been able to access the content on their own. We’re not asking them to print anything – they can just work on paper or use whatever resources they already have a home.”

Sophie began the week by delivering an online lesson to Year 8s on plants and photosynthesis, which her own pupils from the Weekley Glebe Road school tuned into.

She said: “It’s amazing to see how many pupils are engaging with something we have helped set up. The feedback has been incredible and we will always be looking at how we can improve to better support pupils and teachers who are already doing a fantastic job.”

The new resources hub looks to help pupils from the reception years to Year 10 who would normally be at school.

Principal of Kettering Buccleuch Academy, Dino Di Salvo, said: “It is fantastic to see two of our teachers contribute to the Oak National Academy and help provide such high-quality educational resources to pupils up and down the country at this unprecedented time.

“All of us are incredibly proud of Adriano and Sophie for the hard work and tireless efforts they have put into this initiative, and to the unwavering commitment they continue to show to our pupils at KBA during this distance learning period. I look forward to continuing to encourage and support them in this endeavour.”