Deaf Academy up for top award

Shortlisted for online learning by famous publication

Exmouth's Deaf Academy is up for a top-notch national award, less than a year after moving to the town from Exeter.

It's shortlisted for "its outstanding use of technology in delivering remote teaching and learning" in the Times Educational Supplement (TES) Further Education awards, which will be announced at the end of this month. 
    
The Deaf Academy is the only special educational needs school shortlisted in this category.

In common with most schools, during the first lockdown, it started running lessons online so students could learn from home. Every student was given a tablet computer so they could follow live learning and video lessons that were accessible for British Sign Language users.

Assistant principal Jane Shann said: “Absolutely everything was delivered virtually, from speech and language therapy, physio packs, bespoke learning, and even Friday assemblies for families. None of this would have been possible without the sheer determination and dedication from our key workers.”

Wellbeing and support was a significant part of the online academy. Students were provided supervised ‘hang out’ Zoom sessions at break times to ensure friendships could continue and no child was left isolated. ‘No screen Wednesdays’ were initiated to combat screen fatigue. They were also given tasks each week or given the choice to explore their own interests to develop their sense of self.  

Julia Belgutay, Head of Further Education at TES, said: “Further education providers have excelled in what has been a truly challenging year, and the amazing individuals, teams and institutions on our Tes FE Awards shortlist showcase that. Our judges were highly impressed with the calibre of entries and I want to congratulate everyone who has made the shortlist – it is a brilliant achievement" 

The Deaf Academy opened in Exmouth in 2020 (courtesy: Lily Holman Photography)