How to deal with the GCSE cancellations and school closures in the UK

The national lockdown rules in the UK have brought extensive changes including school closures and the cancellation of GCSE and A-level exams, with teachers’ estimated grades being used instead. Both primary and secondary schools have moved to remote/ online learning, with an expected 3-5 hours of teaching per day. 

Dealing with the suddenness of the situation and it’s associated unrest is difficult, but it is important to create an effective homeschooling environment to allow your child to stay motivated to learn. We believe it’s important that students continue to work towards completing their courses at the highest possible level, and the Love Learning family is here to support your family in every way. We understand how stressful these times are for children, and how difficult it is to remain on track. We’re offering a Lockdown Support Package to help manage your child’s learning and check their understanding every week!

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During the initial lockdown, many parents found our blog posts ‘How to Focus at home’ and ‘Making the most of online learning’ very useful. Feel free to check them out for more tips on encouraging the most productive outcome of online learning for your child.

Our favourite online study resources include:

  • BBC Bitesize: Includes several educational activities for children of ages 3-16. 

  • Duolingo: For learning new languages

  • Seneca: Great for A level and GCSE revision activities and assessments

  • Quizlet: Can be used by all ages for self-assessment

Creative expression is also important during these times- in any way you choose; be it physical activity, journaling, self-care, art, or even music. Here are our favourite online resources to home activities that keep your kids active.

  • Yoga for kids: A simple 15-minute instructional video with the basics of yoga for children of ages 6 and above.

  • Virtual choir: The Sofa Singers is an award-winning initiative from James Sills that brings hundreds of people together from around the world to sing together online, sparking joy and human connection.

  • Headspace: Meditation for beginners with several different options in terms of duration and the ability to monitor your progress.

You can find more such ideas on how to keep your family motivated and moving right from your home in our blog post ‘How to keep moving - body and mind: exercise, dance and yoga from home!’.

We also thought it would be helpful to provide our recommendations on how to best set up an effective home school!

  • Create a designated study environment: It’s important to create a specific learning space that is solely dedicated to home-schooling. Try to make this space similar to your child’s school desk with space to keep textbooks, workbooks, and stationery. With the increase in your child’s daily screen time, try to avoid the use of technology whenever not required in this space.

  • Daily schedule: Children rely on structure and predictability! It’s important to give your child a timetable to follow, just as they would in school. A daily study routine with balanced breaks and exercise can help refresh the mind, and incorporate a balance of academics and other activities. Especially with sitting at a screen all day, it’s important to keep your child physically active, even if it’s just for a bit of fresh air. Click here to download our free daily schedule template! 

  • Discussing feelings and emotions: No doubt, the year has been tough on all of us. But the lack of physical learning can affect your child's social and communicative skills. It’s integral to have conversations about what your child may be feeling.

Finally, accepting that no household will be able to recreate a school environment is important, parents. There will be days that seem super hectic, with the balancing of family requirements/ work and school, but it’s important to note that we’re all in this together! Our team is ready to assist and help your child stay on track! 

Additional Support

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