Primary academy trust to run ‘virtual’ online open days

An East Devon primary school trust is holding ‘virtual’ online open days over the next few weeks, using technology to help parents decide on the right school for their children.  The events will take place on 15 and 23 November and 6 December, and there will also be conventional open events on 22 and 30 November. 

Parents can register for the virtual open days at Broadclyst and Westclyst Community Primary Schools by visiting www.bcps.org.uk/open-evenings or www.wcps.education/open-evenings to book their place. They will then be emailed instructions for attending.

Cornerstone Academy Trust, which runs the outstanding-rated Broadclyst Community Primary School (BCPS) and the newly-opened Westclyst Community Primary School on the outskirts of Exeter, is giving parents of youngsters due to start school next September these online opportunities both to help with the logistical difficulties some people have in attending open days and also to demonstrate the way in which the schools use technology as a tool for teaching and learning. 

Jonathan Bishop, the Trust’s headteacher, explains: “The admissions window, when parents have to give their choices about the school they want their children to attend, is a short period between mid-November and mid-January. This is a very busy time for most families, with Christmas in the middle of it. So we decided that as well as the conventional open events, we would offer chances for parents to go on a virtual tour, watch a presentation and ask me questions through Skype on their phone, tablet or computer, without having to travel to the school. Of course, if parents would like to meet up with me, face-to-face, too, they are very welcome to call and book a visit to suit them.”

Both schools provide a 21st century learning environment that includes an on-site nursery for two-year-olds upwards, the latest technology, extended curriculum opportunities, outstanding teaching and a community hub for children and their families.

For more information, visit www.bcps.org.uk and www.wcps.education or call 01392 461288.