Redcliffe State High School gives us a tour of it classrooms during COVID-19

As selected school grades prepare to head back to class next week a state high school of Brisbane’s north has given a rare sneak peek at how things could look when the doors reopen.

The State Government has announced that kindergarten, Prep, Year 1 and Year 11 and 12 students would be able to return to school next week.

As a special one off, Redcliffe State High School provided a sneak peek of what classrooms could look like when classes resume.

Desks spread apart, students from multiple year levels in the same room, headphones on, laptops out and teachers working remotely – that is how Redcliffe State High School classrooms look during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inside classrooms during the Covid-19 pandemic at Redcliffe State High School. Students learning and practising social distancing. PHOTO: AAP /Attila Csaszar

All students at Redcliffe State High School are learning via online platforms during COVID-19. PHOTO: AAP /Attila Csaszar

RELATED STORIES:

State Government announces plan for school’s to resume

Hills College takes us on a tour during pandemic

School principal Shona McKinlay said 18 of the school’s teachers were delivering lessons remotely due to being in high-risk categories.

“The students whether at school or at home engage with their teachers – there is no difference for them as all lessons are being delivered online,” Mrs McKinlay said.

Redcliffe State High School students sitting 1.5m apart during COVID-19. PHOTO: AAP /Attila Csaszar

Inside a classroom at Redcliffe State High School during the Covid-19 pandemic. PHOTO: AAP/Attila Csaszar

“With so many teachers working remotely we are unable to run normal timetabled classes within the school, it is logistically impossible.

“Students who attend school are supervised in classrooms, and we prefer to socially distance our students, to undertake online work. They connect with their teacher online no matter whether at home or school.”

Mrs McKinlay said students still studied their classes as per their normal timetable, including art and HPE, but the timing of lessons had changed to allow for more breaks and time away from the screen.

Redcliffe State High School teacher Jack Griffith delivering online teaching meanwhile looking after kids in classroom. PHOTO: AAP/Attila Csaszar

Redcliffe State High School students hard at work, 1.5m apart, during COVID-19. PHOTO: AAP /Attila Csaszar

“The absolute majority of our students have adapted to online learning and are very resilient in dealing with any issues that may arise,” Mrs McKinlay said.

Just like a normal school Mrs McKinlay and other teachers have come up with ways to ensure students are still able to engage and connect with each other.

Part of this has been running weekly challenges.

Students at Redcliffe State High School are all learning online whether they are in the classroom or studying at home. PHOTO: AAP /Attila Csaszar

So far students and teachers have showed off their juggling skills, tried to Guess the Staff member, entered video and art competitions and filmed their best trick shot.

“In all of these challenges students are able to score points for their House in the SABER Wings competition,” Mrs McKinlay said.

She the childrens’ parents had been “amazing” through the whole process.

“We don’t expect them to be teachers as our students know what to do and can contact their teachers if they need help but we love seeing photos of parents having fun with their kids in the yard, cooking etc. it is great,” Mrs McKinlay said.