anglo-chinese school (junior) · closure, re-allocating curriculum time to give more time for...

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Anglo-Chinese School (Junior)

A Methodist Institution (Founded 1886) 6 April 2020 Dear Parents/Guardians

1. In light of the developing COVID-19 situation in Singapore, we have put in place strict precautionary measures over the past two months to keep our school a safe environment for our students, and to allow our students to continue learning. Due to developments in the COVID-19 situation, schools will move to Full HBL from 8 April (Wed) to 4 May 2020 (Mon). The school, working in collaboration with MOE, will provide parents with any further updates on FHBL during the FHBL period.

FULL HOME-BASED LEARNING (FHBL)

2. Parents will receive the daily HBL package either on the eve or on the day of HBL by 8am via Parents Gateway (PG). The weekly HBL Timetable for the entire FHBL period (8 April to 4 May) will also be sent to parents via PG by 8 April, 8am. The HBL package is designed for the level in alignment with the Scheme of Work (SOW), with customization of the level materials for each class by the subject teacher where necessary. For students with learning support, the subject teachers will adopt a targeted approach to email the parents of these students separately if the materials need to be adapted. The HBL process, procedures and guidelines for students stated in the previous letter to the parents dated 30 March are still applicable.

3. In preparation for FHBL, the Form Teachers (FTs) will guide their boys to clear their

desks and bring home their learning materials over these two days, 6 & 7 April. FTs will arrange with parents of HQO/SHN/LOA/AA students to collect their boys’ learning materials from the General Office by 7 April, 3pm. For parents of existing HQO/SHN/AA students, the school will arrange for home delivery of learning materials by post.

4. On the days of FHBL, teachers will communicate with their boys and monitor their well-being and learning progress through various means such as Student Learning Space (SLS), phone calls, video conferencing calls via Google Meet/Zoom (web browser version), FormSG and other online platforms. Students will be notified of any video conferencing sessions in the HBL package at least one day in advance so that students will get ready for the sessions according to the schedule. Should your son be unavailable during the scheduled video conferencing sessions, he will need to inform his teacher directly. Your son will still be able to access any learning materials presented in the video conferencing session via SLS the next day. We have attached the Video Conferencing Guide for students for your reference.

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EXAMINATIONS

5. With FHBL, school-based assessments and examinations for the year will need to be adjusted where necessary. All school-based Mid-Year Examinations will be cancelled. However, national examinations, including the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) will proceed as planned and with the necessary precautionary measures in place.

6. With the new measures and the current situation, we understand that some of you may have some questions about the school's plans to support your son in his preparation for the PSLE. We would like to assure you that the various departments have alternative plans in place to support your son and his learning would not be compromised.

7. The school will take stock of what has been covered during the period of school closure, and recover lost curriculum through a combination of measures such as conducting make-up lessons to recover any learning loss during the period of school closure, re-allocating curriculum time to give more time for examination subjects for graduating levels, and recovery of curriculum time in following academic year for non-graduating levels. The school has processes in place to ensure close monitoring of students’ learning during this period of FHBL as we continue to review and, if necessary, make adjustments and refine our existing HBL plans to meet the learning needs of our boys. As we continue to prepare the boys for the PSLE, revision practices and other customized support will be given throughout the period of FHBL as well as when school resumes.

8. With reference to the upcoming assessments indicated in the School Calendar during FHBL period (8 April to 4 May), we are making the following adjustments :

Oral Practice Sessions for English & Mother Tongue (non-weighted)

The school will give your son a simulation of an oral exam through SLS so as to enable him to learn and practice his oral skills. For the reading component, students will record their reading, and marks and feedback will be provided. For the conversation component, the EL & MT teachers will set up a fixed schedule with your son for a live conference to assess him.

Composition Practice for English and Mother Tongue (non-weighted)

We will be conducting this in class when school resumes. It will be in the form of a practice paper and marks will be given.

Written Exam Papers for All Subjects (non-weighted)

All students will be given a full written exam paper as a practice paper when school resumes. These papers will be marked but they will not be weighted. Feedback will be provided.

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9. MOE is also working closely with Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) to support graduating students who may be affected by the implementation of FHBL, and provide schools with further details in due course. Let's continue to assure and encourage our boys that they are indeed able to rise up to the occasion and make the best of the opportunities in the midst of the many changes they are experiencing.

SCHOOL OPERATIONS DURING FHBL DAYS

10. The school will continue to remain open in order to assist students who need additional support during FHBL (e.g. require access to internet and/or digital devices, learning support, or lack of childcare arrangements due to both parents being employed in essential services and having no alternative childcare arrangements). However, we will prioritise the students of higher needs and will cap the number of students in school in keeping with the intent of safe distancing. Please be reminded that these students should be well and not on HQO/SHN/LOA/AA. These students will study in school from 7.30am to 1.30pm on HBL days. The school will continue to be vigilant in our visual screening for flu-like symptoms and twice daily temperature taking regime of staff and students who return to school. With the new scientific information and a greater possibility of community spread, we advise teachers and students to wear masks to school.

11. All Student Care Centres (SCCs) will suspend their general services but will provide limited services to a selected group of students with parents who are unable to make alternative childcare arrangements as they are both working in essential services. Our school-based SCC situated in ACS(J) will remain open from 1.30pm to 7pm during FHBL days. Students who come to school in the morning (http://go.gov.sg/acsjhbl2020) whether they are enrolled in the SCC or not) AND whose parents are employed in essential services can be placed in SCCs for limited care provision in the afternoon. The school canteen will continue to operate to support the staff and students on FHBL days.

12. If you wish to request for alternative child care arrangement on HBL days, please fill

in the form via the link (and submit by tomorrow 8am, 7 April. This form will be for alternative child care arrangement on 8 - 9, 13 – 17 April. Subsequently, the school will send out a form via PG in the middle of every week for parents requesting for alternative child care arrangement on HBL days for the following week. All requests must be submitted before the deadline indicated in the form.

13. As the school will make alternative provisions for households with no digital devices

access at all from home (e.g. internet/computer/laptop/iPad/tablet access etc), please fill in the form via the link (http://go.gov.sg/acsjreq4provision) and submit by tomorrow 8am, 7 April.

http://go.gov.sg/acsjhbl2020

http://go.gov.sg/acsjreq4provision

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A SEASON OF OPPORTUNITY

14. In these extraordinary times, while we continue to exercise prudence, let us also exercise faith to hope and pray for the situation to turn around globally. We keep our eyes fixed on God, our anchor in times of uncertainty, and our provider of wisdom and strength. A season of crisis can also be a season of opportunity, where our children learn to be nimble by navigating a different way of learning, they grow by acquiring new skills and developing greater responsibility for themselves and towards others; they learn empathy for those leading the country, serving the sick, providing essential services and those affected by the crisis; they also learn to find reasons to offer thanksgiving and to treasure family and friends even more. We stand united in this season as we journey together. May God bless all your families with good health and peace.

Thank you. Yours sincerely Mrs Chaillan Mui Tuan Principal

© 2020 Educational Technology Division, MOE, Singapore. All rights reserved. Version_21 Mar 2020 < Page 25 >

Annex C2a

‘Live’ Lessons

Anytime Anywhere!

Continue to learn from

your teacher and with

your friends out of the

classroom.

You will only need to

download the Zoom

application/extension the

first time you access such

lessons.

What is ?

Zoom is a software that allows people to have video conferencing and

chat.

Features on the free version of Zoom are sufficient for your home-

based learning. It is not necessary to pay for the additional features.

How do I get the Zoom app on my device?

Downloading Zoom

Students accessing the Zoom meeting using Windows or Apple

desktop/laptop computers do not have to download any

application/extension.

Students accessing the Zoom meeting using iPads and iPhones, or

Android phones and tablets, or Chromebooks will have to download

the Zoom application/extension prior to accessing Zoom for the first

time.

For Computers Running Windows and Mac OS

For iPads/iPhones, Android phones/tablets, Chromebooks

Students’ Guide on

Downloading Zoom and

Accessing a Zoom Meeting


1. For Apple or Android devices, scan the QR codes below to download the application.

App Store

Google Play

2. For Chromebook, go to the Chrome Web Store: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/ and search for the ‘Zoom’ extension. Click ‘Add to Chrome’.

For iPhones

and iPads

For Android

phones and tablets

For Chromebooks


Use the Chrome

browser to ensure that

the features of Zoom are

fully supported.

If your teacher has provided

a link as part of your SLS

lesson, click the link and

follow the instructions.

Accessing Zoom

Lessons with Zoom allow you to actively participate in a lesson without

meeting the teacher in person. User experiences will differ based on the

devices used. Refer to the relevant section below for a step-by-step

guide that is specific to your device.

For computers

You can access Zoom meetings on your personal laptops and

desktops by following the steps below.

1. Using your Chrome browser, click on the Zoom link given byyour teacher.

2. A download may automatically begin, if this happens, you donot need to run the program but just refresh the web page.

3. A popup may appear, and if this happens, click ‘Cancel’.Whenever prompted, click ‘Cancel’.


4. Click ‘Click here’ to join the meeting.

5. Click ‘Start from your browser’ and the Zoom meeting should appear.

6. Key in your name in the format of: Index Number_Full Name,

e.g. 05_MOE Student. Click ‘Join’.

7. Click ‘Mute’ to silence the audio upon joining the meeting, and ‘Start video’ to share your video with your teacher. Upon joining the meeting, wait for your teacher’s instructions.


For other devices

These devices include iPhones and iPads, or Android phones and

tablets, and Chromebooks.

1. Click on the Zoom link given by your teacher.

2. Key in your name in the format of: Index Number_Full Name,

e.g. 05_MOE Student.

3. Check that ‘Don’t Connect to Audio’ is switched on, and

‘Turn off My Video’ is switched off. Click on ‘Join’.

2

3


4. Click ‘OK’ to allow Zoom to access the camera, then click

‘Join with Video’.

5. Click ‘Allow’ to allow Zoom to send you notifications.

6. Click ‘OK’ to allow Zoom to access the microphone.


7. Check that your audio is muted and that you have shared video with your teacher. Wait for further instructions.


Annex C2b

It is important to follow the

instructions given by

your teacher as this will

enable everyone to

effectively learn together.

What should I take note of when

participating in a Zoom Meeting?

Before participating in a Zoom meeting, here is what you should take

note of:

1. Teleconference your teacher from a more public space, e.g.

living room, instead of a private space, e.g. bedroom.

2. Be appropriately dressed.

3. Follow class rules for HBL:

a. Mute your microphones when you join the meeting

b. Do not send inappropriate content to your peers

c. Key in your names in a standard format for easy identification, e.g. Index Number _Full Name

d. Students who wish to speak should indicate by virtually raising hands or indicating in the chat room and waiting for further instructions before speaking

How do I actively participate in a Zoom

lesson?

Just like a lesson conducted in the classroom, your active participation

is important for you to learn effectively. Zoom has several functions

that you can use to ask questions, communicate with your teachers

and peers, and seek feedback from your teacher.

These functions include:

a) Chatb) Screen Sharingc) Video / Audiod) Raise Hand / Lower Hand

Students’ Guide on

Navigating a Zoom Meeting


a) ChatYou can use the chat function to ask questions, suggest ideas

and responses, while the lesson is taking place.

b) Screen SharingWith screen sharing, you can share your screen with your

teacher or other participants who are Live in the lesson. To

share your screen, click ‘Share Screen’ at the bottom of the

window.

Choose the application that you would like to share with the

teacher and click ‘Share’.

c) Video / AudioYour teacher might ask you to give a video or audio response

during the lesson. The audio and video functions can be found

at the bottom left-hand corner of the window.

If you wish to mute/unmute your audio, click the

microphone icon.

If you wish to start/stop video, click the video camera

icon.

d) Raise Hand / Lower HandYou can use the ‘Raise Hand / Lower Hand’ function to get

your teacher’s attention if you have any questions during the

lesson.

a)

b) c)

d)


Leaving a Zoom Meeting

To end a Zoom meeting, click ‘Leave Meeting’.

Students’ Guide Video Conferencing Using Google Meet

ACSJ_ICT_VC Student Guide(Google Meet) Page | 1

What is Google Meet?

It is a video-conference-calling platform designed for people to have real-time interaction with

others remotely.

It allows people to join the same virtual meeting, and speak or share video with each other from

anywhere with internet access.

How do I get into Google Meet?

Students accessing a Google Meet does not have to download any application/extension.

Note : The Google Meet platform works best in Google Chrome.

Step 1 Log into your SLS Account.

Step 2 On the SLS Homepage, go to Announcement (on the top right hand of the page).

Step 3 Open the Announcement created by your teacher that provides you the link to the

Google Meet.

Step 4 Take note of the time of your scheduled Google Meet.

Step 5 Click on the link provided a few minutes before the scheduled Google Meet.

Step 6 Click on Join now

Step 7 Key in your Full Name and Register Number.

Step 8 Wait for your teacher to admit you into the Google Meet.

Students’ Guide Video Conferencing Using Google Meet

ACSJ_ICT_VC Student Guide(Google Meet) Page | 2

Note :

You can also access the Google Meet by opening an Internet browser and type in the Google

Meet URL - https://meet.google.com

Type in the unique room code or link which your teacher has provided.

How do I collaborate with my teacher and classmates during a Google Meet?

Step 1 Follow the classroom rules established by your teacher.

Refer to the Video Conferencing (VC) Protocol & Good Practices (For Students) .

Step 2 Use the following tools to talk or present your ideas to your teachers and

classmates. Make sure you Raise Your Hand first and wait for your teacher to

allow you to speak before you unmute your microphone and turn on the camera.

Note : Your teacher may remove you from the class if you do not follow the classroom rules.

How do I leave a Google Meet?

Step 1 Click on the red handset icon to leave the Google Meet, at the bottom of the page.

https://meet.google.com/

Student Tips for Home-Based LearningVideo Calls or Meetings Using Google Meet or Zoom

Be on time.

Join meeting at least

10 minutes before the

session.

H E R E A R E 1 0 W A Y S T O P R E P A R E

A N G L O - C H I N E S E S C H O O L ( J U N I O R )

Use your full name

when you join the

room. This is for your

security.

Mute your mic at all

times. Teacher will tell

you to unmute when

necessary.

Position yourself with a

wall behind you. This is

for your family's

privacy.

Raise hand to share

ideas or ask questions.

Use chat function only

when teacher gives

permission to do so.

Wait for teacher to call

on you or unmute your

mic.

Take notes in Word

document or on a

paper for reference.

Look at your HBL plan

for the day.

Prepare your books,

stationery and lesson

materials.

Ensure webcam

is connected, test mic

and speaker volume.

"Share Video" when in

meeting.

Stay engaged. Nod or

thumbs up if others are

talking.

A C S ( J ) I C T D E P A R T M E N T

anglo-chinese school (junior) · closure, re-allocating curriculum time to give more time for...

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