Author: Mrs Hetherington Cree

Head Teacher Update, 7 May 2021

Hello,

Thank you to the whole school community for working with us through a difficult few weeks for us all.  My thanks to learners, parents and staff who are taking part in Lateral Flow Testing. We hope that this continues to help keep COVID at bay for us all. A mobile  testing unit will be situated in the school grounds this weekend.

Learners in school have continued to work through their SQA assessments. The schedule of assessments is available on the school website. Learners who have been absent due to self-isolation will have the opportunity to complete any assessments missed on their return to school.

Learners in S2 and S3 are in the process of having their subject option interviews for next session and will be bringing home their forms for parents to sign and return to school.

The next Parent Council meeting will take place on the 17 May between 7:30-9:00pm, virtually on Vscene. Any new parents who would like to attend should get in touch with the school office for the room number, new parents are always welcome!

Parents Information Evening Update

Hello,

Thank you to all the parents who attended out very 1st Virtual Parents Information Session via VScene last night.  We learned a few tricks last night that will make it easier in the future for parents.

  • If you are happy just to listen login through the App.
  • If you want to be able to see any presentations using PowerPoint or use the chat function login using the link on a PC or laptop.

Weblinks request by parents to day to support planning for choices and changes for learners included:

The new school website –

https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/dg/sanquharacademy/

SQA courses information –

https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45625.3728.html

My World Of Work

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/

 

Attending a VScene Meeting

The Vscene platform is a secure platform and approved for use within Sanquhar Academy to host private and confidential meetings.

You do not need your own Vscene login to join a meeting, the login option on the website is purely for licence holders/admin.  We will not ask you for anything other than the details below and your name to access a meeting.

In order to join the meeting you will need to:

  • Use one of the below joining methods:
    • On your device download the Vscene App from the App/Play Store (see below for app screen when accessing meeting)
    • Click the link below to access the meeting via a computer (see below for browser, hardware, and software support). This will not work on D&G devices from home.
    • Use the ‘phone in’ option and take part as a conference call.
  • Allow the app to access your camera and microphone (you will have full control to switch this off/on when in the app)
  • To access the meeting room please
    • Type the unique Vscene room number xxxxxxx into the App, then your name (as you want it to appear in the meeting)
    • Click on the link if accessing via a computer: Then add your name (as you want it to appear in the meeting)
    • Call +44 (0)300 201 0142 then enter the extension room number xxxxxxx#

The meeting room will only be available for the time of the meeting. As you will see from above at no point are you asked to register with an email address or input any personal data.

Weblink Brower Details

Supported Browsers*

  • Google Chrome:Two most recent versions
  • Mozilla Firefox:Two most recent versions
  • Opera:Two most recent versions
  • Microsoft Edge Chromium

Browsers Not Supported*

  • Safari
  • Microsoft Edge (this can be updated to Edge Chrome)
  • Internet Explorer

*We will continue to update this list as things advance

Hardware and Software

Minimum Requirements

  • USB 2.0 for USB camera and audio USB 2.0 for USB camera and audio devices
  • We recommend where possible to use a headset when using any browser-based system.
  • If required you can use speakers and a separate microphone, but we recommend they are not in close proximity to each other as this may create audio feedback.
  • Laptops will have built in camera and mic which is compatible with the Vscene platform

Operating Systems

  • Windows 10
  • Windows 7, 8.1 until Extended Support ends
  • Mac OS X 10.8.5 or later

Welcome and Virtual Parents Information Sessions

Hello,

We are delighted to see all pupils back in school today.  I hope that you all had a restful Easter Holiday.

We are looking forward to our virtual parents information sessions over the next two weeks and look forward to seeing you at them. All the instructions to join the meeting are in the calendar on the new school website.

P7 – Will be looking at what is involved in the transition process this year.

S1 – will be looking at what moving into S2 will be like and considering what the curriculum will be next session.

S2 – will be looking at what S3 personalisation and choice is on offer and what the curriculum will look like next session.

S3, S4 and S5 – Will be looking at what the senior phase options are, what the curriculum will look like next session and SQA updates for pupils completing qualifications this session.

S6 – Will be looking at planning for choices and changes and SQA updates for pupils completing qualifications this session.

Parents will also receive a text message with the link to the session and the room number for those who are using the VScene App.

Virtual Information Sessions for Parents

Hello,

When we come back after the Easter Holidays there will be a series of Virtual Information sessions for parents. Within the calendar section on the website there is information on how to join the session for your child. Below are the dates for your diaries. All sessions will take place from 7-8pm

13 April – Into S3, for current S2 pupil’s parents

14 April – Into S4, for current S3 pupil’s parents

15 April – Into S5/S6, for current S4 & S5 pupil’s parents

19 April – Into S2, for current S1 pupil’s parents

20 April – Into S1, for current P7 pupil’s parents

21 April – Into the World, for current pupil’s in S6 parents

To access any of the sessions you will need a computer or a mobile phone with the app for VScene downloaded, the app is free and looks like this.