Cowbridge Comprehensive School, Aberthin Road, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7EN |

tel: 01446 772311 | email: enquiries@cowbridgecs.co.uk

Blended Learning

Since the enforced closure of schools in March 2020, staff at Cowbridge Comprehensive School have spent a good deal of time enhancing and adapting our blended learning provision. We have been able to trial a number of blended learning strategies and determine those that allow pupils to engage in active and effective learning. On this page, you will find practical information about blended learning as well as some tips to support your child when he/she is learning at home.
 

What is Blended Learning?

"At its simplest, blended learning is the thoughtful integration of classroom face-to-face learning experiences with online learning experiences." [Garrison and Kanuka, 2004].  At Cowbridge Comprehensive School, this means that time spent learning in the classroom will introduce key concepts, new content and skills; address misconceptions; answer questions; and, set clear expectations and guidelines for the work to be completed at home. However, it should be noted that the learning that takes place at home will take a variety of forms and will not be restricted to online provision. 

To access our Blended and Distance Learning Policy, please click here.
 

What does effective learning look like?

Whether the learning that is taking place is happening in school in a formal lesson or happening at home through blended learning, it should be effective. Effective learning is an active process that connects past experience, present understanding and future knowledge. For learning to be effective, the pupils need to be engaged, motivated and be prepared to learn through thinking and applying; it is not a passive activity, on the pupils’ part, where the knowledge or skill is merely presented to them. 

What this means, in practice, is taking part in activities that involve reflection, collaboration and ensure pupil responsibility. These kinds of activities are the most effective in ensuring a positive learning experience which enable pupils to make good progress.

This means that a learner should:





For further information about how pupils learn effectively, please click here.
To view some of the research used by staff to develop our blended learning approach, please click here.
 

How can I support my child’s learning at home?

To make the most out of supporting your child, it is important that they understand your role in helping them to learn. This may be achieved by implementing the following:

For further support on the use of Google Classroom, please click here.
For information on our learning continuity plan, please click here.
 

How can I create an effective learning environment at home?

You can encourage your child to be ready to learn by instilling in them good habits and routines. Here are some suggestions on creating an effective learning environment: