With the news that schools are unlikely to open before the February half term due to the pandemic, students began a new term this week from their homes rather than in the classroom.

Although young adults are often thought to be avid technology users, completing all their schoolwork online remotely requires adjustment.

Nub News spoke to secondary school tutors from Cowbridge to find out what advice they had for secondary students learning at home, and how their parents can help.

Advice for students

Sophie Laight is a qualified teacher offering Spanish and French tutoring. Her advice to pupils was to use all the resources available to them, and not be afraid to ask for help.

"Generally, school is a good time in your life. You're making friends and hanging out with them. Suddenly going without that for so long is really tough," said Sophie.

"In school they have a tutor, different teachers, they can speak to anyone at any time. There's pastoral support.

"At home there might not be that many people there to chat to the children, and they don't have instant access to it.

"There will be a lot of pupils holding back a bit because they don't want to be seen as asking silly questions.

"It would be easier in a classroom to just put your hand up and ask, whereas writing an email makes it feel like more of a big deal.

"No one likes admitting that they're not okay or that they are struggling. Contact the teachers, it's what they're there for," she said.

Sophie also encouraged students to take any chance to talk to their tutors, even if it might feel awkward.

"Speaking to your tutor is a really useful resource. Anything you're offered like that, take it," said Sophie.

"It might feel awkward or embarrassing to speak to a teacher over the phone, but try and imagine you're in the classroom just having a normal chat."

Gwennan Potter is a former Cowbridge Comprehensive pupil, offering French tutoring. She told Nub News what helped her as a student that current pupils could use at home.

"Setting myself a to-do list helped me as a student," said Gwennan.

"Break down the specifications into smaller more achievable steps and tick them off when you've completed it.

"For me mind-mapping my revision notes in different coloured pens with smalls drawings and notes were really helpful – you could turn your class notes as you learn into smarter revision notes ready for when you have assessments.

"Specifically for modern languages, listen to podcasts for beginner learners such as Coffee Break French/Spanish, radio, read short news stories, follow pages on Instagram who post daily phrases or photos with captions in the target language.

"Filling your daily life with small pieces of the language and culture is very helpful," she said.

Advice for parents

Gwennan's advice for parents was to understand what the learning objectives are for their children.

"Understand what your child is working to – i.e what they're supposed to be covering for each subject," said Gwennan.

"If they're in GCSE or A Level you can look at the specification found on the exam board's website. This will usually be WJEC.

"If they are in Year 7, 8 or 9 the curriculum will usually be decided by the school. You can check the front and back of your child's book – there may be a list of subjects to cover for the year or aims/objectives. Otherwise email the subject teacher or ideally the Head of Department as they can advise best," she said.

Gwennan also encouraged parents to understand their child's way of learning and what works best for them.

"How, when, and for how long do they like to learn? Have a conversation about how your child best learns, would they prefer if it you read out the instructions rather than read it on a screen themselves," said Gwennan.

"Most children won't independently learn for long periods of time – set out shorter time periods for concentrated learning with regular breaks.

"Don't feel you must pull your child out of bed if they aren't going to be productive in the morning.

"Ask them what time of day they feel they can learn the best and set a structure around that time of day.

"Online lessons will usually still be available to the student after the timetabled time – however if they have any questions or interactivity planned then try to be online at the corresponding time.

"Specifically, with Modern Languages students – ensure that all skill areas are being covered and correct pronunciation is practiced to avoid developing bad habits. These are oral and aural, writing and reading – BBC bitesize is great for all skill areas.

"One of the most difficult things for a child studying modern languages online is the pronunciation of new vocabulary.

"Usually, all tutors and teachers would say to avoid Google Translate at all costs, however it is very helpful if no one in the house speaks the language, press the speaker icon after typing a word and you'll hear how to say it.

"Although web pages can help stimulate ideas for what you may say in response to a question the best way to practice oracy is with another person.

"Facetime one of your classmates, get in contact with a family member abroad or a tutor can help to focus on practicing oracy skills and help develop a natural, more fluent accent," she said.

Sophie reassured parents who are not feeling confident they could help.

"The general feeling, especially for those with full time jobs, is that they have to become a teacher, which is not the case," said Sophie.

"You think of a school and there are hundreds of members of staff looking after these kids every day.

"I think parents feel they can't give enough help and support because of other commitments

"It's just so unfair for parents to think they have to cover all of that. It is so important to reassure parents, even if you can only help for 20 minutes a day because you're also working, that's great.

"Sometimes the non-core subjects can get pushed to the back, so I'm hoping that offering specific language support is appealing to people because it's a subject that parents may not be able to help with.

"With the tuition I'm offering, I can do exercises and worksheets, but what would be good is doing games together, focusing on the culture of the language. Things that there isn't time for in the classroom, but do make the subject more interesting.

"Kids are normally super busy with school and then extra-curricular activities, but I'm hoping this can be something extra to do while all the normal activities are suspended," she said.

Gwennan is offering secondary students studying French Zoom sessions of either 30-, 45- or 60-min sessions.

"I can teach new material to push students ahead in class, revise topics previously taught, practice oral assessments/oral practice, anything they feel they need support in, I can make personalised lesson plans to suit," she said.

Contact Sophie via [email protected] or +44793273004.