Information for Students and Parents Wednesday 7 May 2020

Dear Parents & Students,

We hope you continue to stay safe and well. Please see below updates regarding

Summer Assessments 2020
Updated Goggle Classroom Codes
Benefits of Post Leaving Cert courses

Summer Assessments 2020

Over the last week we have been gathering input and advice from a number of different sources in an effort to develop an informed, manageable and meaningful approach to our Summer Assessments. The following key principles underpinned the decision making process:

1. Inclusivity and equity of access by all students.
2. Transparency.
3. A consistency of approach across all subjects and year groups.
4. Completion of the assessment process by Friday 29 May 2020.

The decision making process on our Summer Assessment plan has been informed by the advice and direction provided by a number of stakeholders. These include:

Review of submissions from GCC staff and subject departments
DES advice to schools with regard to Assessment at Junior Cycle
ETBI policy template on School Based Assessment Policy for Junior Cycle Students
Consultation with other schools through the Cork ETB principals forum
Consultation with other schools through National Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) forum.

Our 2020 Summer Assessment procedures for all students will include the following 2 components:

Recognition of Prior Learning: Total Weighting: 70%
May 2020 Assessment (an element of which will include a reflection on subject learning): Total Weighting: 30%

Parents and students are asked to note:

Junior Cycle
With regard to Junior Cycle students only we are asking teachers to base their grade for the ‘Recognition of Prior Learning Component’ on the pattern of assessment results during the period September 2018 to March 2020 (beginning of 2nd Year to early March this year) with a particular focus on Pre-Examination results. Teachers of 3rd Years are asked to give grades (A/B/C etc. or Merit/Higher Merit/Distinction etc.) as appropriate instead of percentages.

All Year Groups 1st Year through 5th Year

· For the May 2020 ‘Assessment Component’ the nature of the assessment tasks/assignments will vary depending on the subject.

· We cannot be overly prescriptive in relation to the assessment element of the process as there is just too much variation in the type of subjects offered in the school and too much disparity in the ability of staff and students to engage online.

· Subject departments have been asked to forward their planned assignment/task for the ‘May 2020 Assessment Component’, the date on which it commences and the date by which it must be submitted. This will be uploaded to the school website early next week for the information of parents and students.

· Many subject departments have planned to give more than one assignment/task. This is perfectly valid but the mark given for this component will be based on the student’s best mark from the assignments/tasks given.

· All components to be completed and marked by Friday 29 May 2020.

· All reports to be completed on VSware by Friday 5 June.

· An assessment report will issue electronically to parents via VSware the week beginning Monday 8 June.

We hope this information has provided clarity to parents and students regarding the upcoming Summer Assessments.

A further update will be provided early next week.

Post Leaving Cert (PLC) Courses

Please click on the link below to view a brief document outlining the benefits to students of PLC courses

Benefits of PLC

Google Classroom Codes

Please click on the links below to view the most up to date access codes for individual teachers and classrooms on Google Classroom and/or Edmodo online learning platforms. Each link begins with a brief graphic/explanation of how to log into a Google classroom.

A reminder to parents, staff and students that we must continue to be realistic in our expectations of online teaching. The quality of delivery is affected depending on a number of factors including varying broadband speed in different areas, availability of ICT infrastructure at home (for both staff and students) plus individual IT skills. As a result delivery of content may be inconsistent.

We would like to emphasize to parents and students the importance of keeping up to date on all work assignments and we ask you to continue engaging with teachers (as far as is practicable) during normal school hours. Parents are asked to email the school if they don’t have access to mobile devices or if there is a particular reason why their child is not engaging. We will endeavor to offer support through our SEN, Pastoral Care and Management teams. As highlighted in previous updates, parents and students need to be vigilant around the impact of online platforms to daily work routines.

Our online Google Classroom is a very useful means for us to support your child’s continuing engagement in learning. It is important to highlight once again, that access to and use of this platform is a privilege and should be treated with the utmost respect. The terms of use are underpinned by our Internet Acceptable Use Policy and by our Code of Behaviour. Parents are asked to review and discuss your son/daughters online class activity regularly. We are also asking parents to ensure your son/daughter has changed their password, which only they know. You should be aware that any inappropriate commentary or online activity will result in your son/daughters account being suspended and they will be denied access. S/he may also be held solely responsible for the content posted and subject to any actions, as outlined in our policies.

Goggle Classroom Access Codes

1st Year_Google Classroom_Edmodo_Access Codes_05May20