Making seamless steps through the online school journey
Each year at Haileybury Pangea brings new opportunities and challenges and there is plenty of support to help each student navigate change.
From the earliest stages, Haileybury Pangea has brought together flexible and independent learning and brilliant teaching. As the School has grown and welcomed more students, it has enabled them to discover new topics and skills in a way that is most relevant and best suited to their learning style and lifestyle.
The end of the school year can be a time of transition and change, as students head into Term 1A — the first few weeks of their following year curriculum. However, there are steps students can take and things to remember that make this time a little less worrying.
Remember the benefits of online learning
“When you are feeling a little uncertain, remember the reasons why you have enrolled in the school. Haileybury Pangea is for students and families who love flexibility, have busy schedules and commitments outside school and who prefer personalised learning. It also supports young people who are self-motivated, organised and like to take the initiative.”Mathew Shill, Head of Middle School at Haileybury Pangea
So, when certain times in your school journey seem overwhelming, remember the many positive reasons why you are part of the Haileybury Pangea community.
Use all the tools and resources available
Whether you are new to the School, or you are moving to Senior School or starting VCE, use all the tools and resources available to be organised and prepared. Haileybury Pangea offers a unique onboarding program called the Digital Passport program for new students that supports them to familiarise themselves with the different platforms used to teach and connect at Haileybury Pangea.
“We have a thorough transition program led by our digital learning team that gets students up to speed on the platforms we use,” says Mathew.
“Each student also meets Joanna Baker, our Head of Campus and their tutor teachers connect and check in with students regularly. The small class sizes ensure there are plenty of opportunities for students to ask for help.
“Our digital learning team helps students navigate platforms and conquer any technological teething problems as they move through School”Geoff Orton, Digital Learning Leader at Haileybury Pangea
Haileybury Pangea also has plenty of resources and subjects to keep students engaged from term to term and year to year.
“This year we launched an introductory visual arts course where students watch an introduction video about what the subject is going to be — so they are shown around the course and how to navigate it and we share what resources they need to buy. The course is divided into sub-sections, lasts about eight weeks and students produce a work of art,” says Geoff.
There is nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it
A strong pastoral support team is on hand to help students make a seamless transition through school.
“A tutor teacher meets with students once a week, and students can check in using Microsoft Teams. The School psychologist can provide pastoral support and a Head of Individual Needs looks at individual education plans to meet the needs of each student.”Mathew Shill, Head of Middle School at Haileybury Pangea
“There is also a self-paced health and wellbeing curriculum where students learn the kinds of skills that help them maintain wellbeing at home, such as mindfulness and healthy sleeping and eating habits.”
As with Haileybury’s in-person campuses, at Haileybury Pangea, a trained school psychologist is available to give students practical advice, support and encouragement.
Build connections and friendships
The Haileybury Pangea community is also a place where students and families can reach out for information to help them adjust as they progress through the school year. Online classroom sessions, the Curious Minds program, interest groups and social clubs help build a strong sense of connection across the cohorts and different year levels.
“We have created some great social groups so students can connect with like-minded students, including Mini MasterChef cooking sessions, a Digitech club, a debating team and the student newspaper, The Pangean,” says Mathew.
Make time for yourself
During the Senior School years, the pressures of VCE can build. We encourage our students to remember that the VCE is a marathon with a sprint at the end, and to try and maintain a steady pace throughout the year in a calm, methodical manner with a clear study plan and routines.
“As students progress through the VCE, we talk frequently about routine — it is essential that students develop sustainable habits to manage both their academic workload and their personal wellbeing, as well as the many commitments that our students often have beyond school, such as part-time work and high-level sport training.”Joanna Baker, Head of Campus
In the Senior School, students have increased autonomy to tap into their network of support as needed. Students have access to academic coaching sessions throughout the week, as well as optional year level catch ups and study hall. Weekly tutorial sessions with their tutor teacher allow students to check in and receive important reminders and information. The Head of House oversees the pastoral support of students in the Senior School and can assist students with finding the support they need at different points in time.
“Sleep is critical and so is finding time to exercise for about 25 minutes a day, eating well and staying hydrated. Parents can remind their children that their teachers are there to support them and if they lose some motivation, a meeting with their teacher can often really help.”
