HBL

Home-Based Learning / Blended Learning

Home-Based Learning

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, schools have implemented a strict regime of precautionary measures to safeguard the well-being of our staff and students. To support further safe distancing, schools will progressively transit to a blended learning model.

TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD IN SECONDARY SCHOOL

1. Guide your child to get ready

Set up an area conducive for learning, such as at the dining table or study desk. This should not be where your child sleeps!

Make sure your child is familiar with and has the following:

1. Passwords and Login IDs: Access to the online portals that the school will be using (e.g. SLS), and he/she has taken note of the login details.

   • HBL timetable and relevant materials: Check that your child knows the schedule and has the materials he/she needs to complete his/her work.

   • Point of contact for HBL queries: Teachers will inform your child about their preferred mode of communication - they are not required to share their mobile numbers.

Make sure your child has access to the following tools:

1. Digital tools available on different platforms (e.g. annotation function on SLS, whiteboard function on Zoom)

   • Digital shortcuts (e.g. use bookmark or folders for electronic learning materials for easy access)

   • Note-taking techniques (e.g. make notes, list questions that arise during HBL and organise them by subjects for clarification back in school or over e-consultation with teachers)

2. Agree on a structure

Unlike in school, an adult may not always be present to supervise your child. It is important to establish a routine with them on:

1. Study, meal and rest timings

   • "School" time (e.g. change out of pyjamas before starting HBL)

   • "Recess" time (e.g. healthy, balanced diets)

   • Recreation time (e.g. 15 mins after completing each subject)

   • Recreational activities at home (e.g. reading story books, craft work, exercise)

   • Recreational activities online (e.g. decide how much time he/she should spend online, behave responsibly online)

3. Have regular check-ins

At the end of the day, have a conversation with your child about his/her experience. You can talk about:

1. The HBL experience: How was his/her day? What did he/she learn? Was it difficult/manageable? Would he/she need to tweak the learning area/routine? What other support would he/she require? Any queries that he/she may wish to speak to the teachers on but not sure how to go about doing it?

   • The Covid-19 situation: How does he/she feel about the current situation with Covid-19? How is he/she feeling about being away from his/her friends? Does he/she have any questions about Covid-19?

It is okay if you don't have the answers - look for the answers and learn together! Affirm him/her for adapting and showing the spirit of resilience.

4. Remind your child to stay at home

For working parents, do remind your child to stay at home, so that he/she can remain safe, minimise any exposure to the coronavirus and practise social responsibility.

Specifically:

1. Remain at home as much as possible

   • Minimise visitors to the house

   • Minimise time spent in public places and contact with others

   • Monitor his/her health and temperature

   • Follow his/her HBL plan closely to continue with learning

SOURCE: Ministry of Education

Blended Learning @ ESSS

Blended Learning refers to the re-imagination of our students’ educational experience by having a mix of home-based and in-school activities that taps both online and offline approaches to learning. It allows our educators to re-think curriculum and assessment design and innovate pedagogies to enable students to benefit from a wider spectrum of learning experiences. 

Starting from Term 3, 2021, Blended Learning will be a key feature of the schooling experience in East Spring Secondary School. The blended mode of learning will help to further develop our students to be self-directed, passionate, and lifelong learners. Home-based learning (HBL) days, as part of Blended Learning, will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the school year. These HBL days will also be less structured than a typical day in school to allow students to exercise initiative in learning. 

HBL days are fortnightly, every even week Thursday. This first phase of implementation involves all Secondary 1, 2 and 3 students. The dates are 8 July, 22 July, 5 August and 19 August. All the learning activities on these HBL days are designed for completion at home and can be accessed online via on the Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS). 

Every student is provided with a Learning Schedule which provides information on the various subjects he/she will be engaged in, along with the recommended duration to be spent on each subject. The Learning Schedule can also be accessed here.