Dear Parents

This week, BIS Hanoi secondary teachers experienced first-hand remote teaching and learning, when teachers were advised to provide distance learning from their own homes.

However, enthusiasm remained high and our dedicated professionals rose to this new challenge.  Staff meetings and briefings continued, as normal, via our online platforms; meanwhile, staff reported one of our best weeks to date for student engagement.

Importance of Feedback

With the school closed to visitors, it is important that we remain in touch with parents and receive their feedback.  Last week, we listened to parent suggestions and have implemented some changes to our distance learning strategies, for example, increasing our provision of online lessons for exam classes; providing a weekly schedule in advance for Key Stage 4 and 5 students to aid self-organisation, and introducing a daily challenge for Key Stage 3 students.

Please take the time to provide your feedback on this week’s learning. 

Key Stage 3 Parent Feedback: https://forms.gle/n2sMcAN452FwQ6rc7 

Key Stage 4&5 Parent Feedback: https://forms.gle/j8m9ySgZTdEX5n4Q7

Exam Update

We remain in very close contact with Cambridge International and the International Baccalaureate- our two external examination Boards.  Currently, neither exam board intends to move the examination sessions, which will begin from 28 April 2020.

Our priority is to ensure that BIS Hanoi remains open as an examination centre, even if we are closed as a school.  We will inform parents, as soon as we have confirmation of this arrangement.

Wellbeing

Remote learning has made staff aware of the wellbeing challenges faced by anyone who is staring at their computer screen all day.  It is important that teachers and students take regular breaks from their screen; rest their eyes; take some physical exercise, whilst avoiding crowded places and find some way of socializing by spending time with family members, friends or neighbours.

High Quality Work

Finally, despite the difficulties we face, our teachers are still succeeding in inspiring our students.  Please take a look at this wonderful art work.

Enjoy your weekend.

Tim Webb

Head of Secondary