Homeschool Qld: Parents and students give their verdict

Queensland’s homeschooling system has overcome early glitches to garner some impressive marks from students and parents alike. SEE THE REPORT CARD

A MOTHER with four children at three different schools has praised the homeschooling system, saying the level of support teachers are putting in has “blown her away”.
Brisbane mother Kelly Peugh-Jones said although it was frustrating in the beginning with the websites going down, things were now running smoothly for her children Allie, 17, Ruby, 13, Lola, 9 and Finn, 5, helped to maintain constant learning.

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“Everyone is able to log on, we print out a time table at the beginning of the week and highlight it as we go,” she said.
“My eldest is in her last year of school, so she gets all her stuff done.

“It’s been quite smooth.
“The teachers have just blown me away, its well and truly above their pay grade they have to put 150 per cent in.

“Lola’s teacher even rang to check in.”
Ms Peugh-Jones said teachers should be commended because while they had to supervise children at school, they also needed to be available for all the students working from home.
“Big shoutout to the teachers because they’ve done an exceptional job shifting this …” she said.

“It’s not forever; we’re doing what we need to do to get back to normality.”

Lola, 9, Finn, 5, and Ruby Pugh-Jones, 13. Picture: John Gass/AAP

STUDENTS GIVE THEIR REPORT CARDS

Liana Arkell, Grade 11, 16, Queensland Academies – Creative Industry (QACI)

The teachers have done their best to create a good alternative to school and it's working pretty well. The only downside to distance learning is when the programs aren't working properly or the internet isn't great. Rate: A

Evia Byram, Grade 3, 8, Wishart State School:
I would say rating of B because doing my school work at home is stressful and I miss my friends but my teachers make it fun.

Ben Ryder, Grade 6, 11, Albany Creek State School:

My mum logged on this morning and printed the work for me. I have done maths worksheets and Mathletics. I have also done my English, writing and journal updating and spelling city. After lunch I did science and my music practice.

It's good learning from home, but I miss my friends.

I think the school should get an A+

Makenna Westbury, Year 7, 12, Albany Creek State High School:

Today’s school day has been what some would say substandard, unpleasant, unwelcome or unfortunate, or in simple terms, just plain bad. It’s like I was on a smooth road this morning until my steering wheel felt like going off to wonderland and then me crashing down a mountainside. Why? Because my iPad just felt like taking a break and “nah, not gonna work today.” But other than that my day has been rather pleasant. Rating: C-

Tom Westbury, Grade 12, 17 years old, Albany Creek State High School:

A little bit slow, occasionally boring but overall not too bad. Rating: B

Phoenix Westbury, Year 6, 11 years old, Albany Creek Primary School:
Learning at home is good today, I'm enjoying emailing with my teacher. Rating: A

***
Ella Richards, Grade 12, 17 years old, Redlands College:
It's more organised than last week, I'd give it a B as I miss the greater engagement in class and my friends.
***
Finn Peugh-Jones, Prep, 5 years old, Albany Creek Primary:
Today was good and quite a bit of fun. I like Mathseeds the best and I give today a B for Brilliant.

Originally published as Homeschool Qld: Parents and students give their verdict