Quality British Education in Saudi Arabia

Virtual Schooling - Frequently Asked Questions

We will add to this list as they come up!

When will Virtual School Start?

We will take the Blackboard system live on Tuesday 29 September. Work for all subjects and students will be posted by the end of the working day on Wednesday 30 September

How does my child get the username and password?

These will be emailed to the address you gave us. You should receive this email by the end of Tuesday 29 September. if you do not receive it please contact your child's form teacher.

What do I do if my child's subjects (courses) are not showing up?

Please wait until the end of the day on Wednesday. If they are still not showing up, please email your child's form teacher.

What is Blackboard Virtual School?

The Blackboard Virtual School platform is sponsored by NESA (Near East South Asia), our region’s educational organization, and the US Department of State. The goal in supporting a virtual school platform was to ensure that schools were capable of operating in the advent of a school closure and that student learning could continue. Within the NESA region, over 15,000 students are using the Blackboard platform.

Can students come to school?

Students may come to school for a specific purpose (i.e. pick up textbooks, initial registration for new students) only if they are accompanied by their parent(s). Please call school to arrange a time.

Is it possible for new students to enroll in an ISG school during the closure?

Yes. Students must be accompanied by their parent(s).

What if my child can’t get on line or I do not have Internet?

Students will not be penalized if they do not have Internet at home, or if the Internet is down. Each case will be handled on an individual basis. Please let the school know your situation by telephone as soon as possible if you are experiencing difficulties.

What if we have several children at home and they can’t be on the computer at the same time?

Much of the virtual school work can take place at anytime throughout the day. Additionally, not all assignments are computer based. If this emerges as a major problem at home, please contact your children’s teachers for assistance.

How can we contact the school with any questions?

Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher first either via phone or e-mail. The headteacher may also be contacted with any questions or concerns.

Can after school activities take place?

No. After School Activities activities are school-sponsored events. During the closure they cannot take place either on the campus or on compounds.

Can evening student meetings or activities be held?

No. Once schools resume session these activities may begin.

How will student days count for attendance?

This will be evaluated according to age appropriate expectations. For older students, student attendance could be based upon Virtual School expectations, such as logging into Virtual School, completing and returning daily assignments, or participating in wikis, blogs, etc.

How will students be assessed?

Again, students will be assessed according to age appropriate expectations. It is expected that assessments (i.e. homework, tests, writings) will take place during the Virtual School period.

Is there a chance for make-up sessions for outside exam based courses (I/GCSE)?

The school will determine if any Thursday make-up time for I/GCSE courses is necessary after school resumes. This will be on an as needed basis impacted by Virtual School and determined by the headteacher.

How will the Virtual School days count against the 179 student calendar days?

This is to be determined by the Board of Trustees after an assessment of the Virtual School period has taken place. This assessment will be based upon school initiated programs, teacher responses, student responses, parent responses, and administrator responses. At this point, it is unknown if there will be any adjustments to the approved 2009 – 2010 school calendars.

Will refunds be given if student days are not made up?

This is a decision that rests with the Board of Trustees. It will be decided at a later date.

 

 

 

For all admission enquiries, please contact the school office on

+966 3 330 0555
Ext. 2003.

Alternatively you may contact the school through the usual email contact of: brparents@isgdh.org