Teacher loan helps GCSE computer science students

Students at a Reading school are on course for GCSE success after Wellington College Learning Alliance stepped in to cover a staffing crisis.

Year 11 computer science students at Oakbank School in Ryeish Green – who are due to sit their GCSE this summer – were hit by a temporary teacher shortage in January.

The crisis is now over but twice-weekly online sessions, provided by Wellington computer science teacher Paul Jennings and digital skill charity Digitall, allowed the students to carry on their learning seamlessly.

Mr Jennings said: “When we heard that 24 students at Oakbank, which is a member of the Wellington College Learning Alliance, were temporarily without a teacher, we were more than happy to help.

“I have been teaching the students theory remotely and Digitall have been teaching the programming side of the syllabus.

“I marked their mock exams and on average they have gone up one grade since Christmas, which is excellent.”

Pete Marshman, from Digitall, delivered the programming lessons alongside colleagues Carrie Preddy, Matthew Hewlett and Tig Williams.

He said: “We really enjoyed working with the students from Oakbank.

“Teaching online doesn’t provide the same experience for young people and we have been amazed by the feedback and professionalism of the students to make the most of the online sessions. 

“We want these young people to be supported in the best way that we can.

“They certainly rose to the challenge and we have very much enjoyed seeing their solutions and their rapid development.

“They embraced the experience, which is quite different to the usual classroom environment, and have been working hard to improve their programming skills.”

Bob Speight, interim deputy head at Oakbank School, said: “It was fantastic having Mr Jennings and Mr Marshman working with the students at Oakbank.

“They delivered lessons online and have managed to keep them engaged and continue the learning the students had started in Year 10.

“Their theoretical knowledge and their programming skills have both seen improvements and we hope these will continue so they can get the best possible grades in their GCSE in the summer.

“We are very grateful to Wellington College Teaching Alliance and to Digitall for working with us to provide continuity of study for these young people at a difficult time.”