The special skills needed to deliver effective learning online

Jude Richardson, Director of Teaching and Learning is immensely proud of her team of specialist online teachers at Wendover. The online-only school was established by Principal Sarah Bacon in 2016 – long before schools made an emergency switch to digital classrooms. 

“Our staff are not simply great teachers – they are expert online practitioners who know how to use technology to support powerful learning”, explains Jude.

Excellent online teachers 

From the outset, Wendover has attracted high quality teachers who know and respect the extensive experience of its core team. But Jude and Sarah look for much more – individuals with character and enthusiasm who believe in online learning and can communicate well outside the physical classroom. 

“Remote learning can be vibrant and stimulating,” enthuses Jude. “Our teachers actively engage with their pupils, and build a supportive relationship with them and with their colleagues – it’s not as simple as just sharing a screen.” 

Training teachers for online classes 

Wendover’s teacher training debunks the idea that you can simply move the physical classroom online. Of course, time is spent learning how to use the technology – ensuring that lessons are secure and that teachers can move seamlessly from interactive whiteboards to shared screens, or what Jude calls ‘click and teach’.  

Specialist training is focussed more on the unique skill of becoming an effective ‘online practitioner’. It is about nurturing a real ability to communicate online, so pupils feel personally supported and encouraged to explore and learn. 

The gift of confidence 

Wendover believes strongly in the importance of instilling confidence in learners (see more in our blog on why confidence matters) – and the same applies to teachers.  

“Confident teachers trust their instincts and training to know how to inspire their pupils. They see a direct impact on the quality of pupils’ learning and find their roles more rewarding and exciting,” says Jude.  

By training and supporting teachers to become excellent online practitioners Wendover ensures that it is the quality of their teaching that shines through their lessons and enthuses pupils, rather than the technical building blocks. 

Online learning accreditation 

As innovators in the field, Wendover has from the outset welcomed a system of national accreditation for online learning. The Government published a Report (updated in February 2021) outlining the difficulties faced by schools trying to adapt to remote learning, and is now working with Ofsted on a new Online Education Accreditation Scheme. 

In the meantime, Wendover is rigorous in maintaining the highest levels of security, personal and pastoral support. Wendover also meets all the requirements for conducting examinations remotely online right through to Advanced level. 

Wendover are champions of online teaching and learning 

Jude is delighted to have built a wonderful team of online teachers at Wendover.  

“Our teachers enjoy the freedom and flexibility offered by online learning within our secure and supportive ethos. Our staff are the highest calibre I have ever worked with, and we see the impact of this in student success.” 

The best online teaching from Wendover 

Our growing community of pupils and their parents are delighted with Wendover’s expert online teaching. Please get in touch if you would like your child to learn from our specialist online learning team. 

If you’d like to hear more about the learning experience at Wendover, please give us a call on +44 1604 213 477 or email us on enquiries@wendoverschool.com.