Customer Story: Sandwell Valley School

• Main online learning resource: Access GCSEPod is the primary resource for GCSE students’ online learning, particularly in Science and English.
• Time-saving for teachers: Ready-made assessments are set as homework and linked to Google Classroom, reducing teacher workload.
• Increased student engagement: Students enjoy watching the short pods, and engagement has risen, especially among those studying at home.
• Support for absent students: Persistently absent students use GCSEPod more frequently to catch up on lessons and stay engaged.
• Future plans: The school intends to expand the use of GCSEPod for Key Stage 3 students.

Introduction

Sandwell Valley School is a secondary school in West Bromwich, West Midlands, with a mission to promote pupils' self-belief and respect. Focused on empowering its students through education, it has made Access GCSEPod a cornerstone of its online learning strategy. Carolin Benzigar, Assistant Headteacher, explains how the platform is used extensively in Science and English as part of the school’s homework and revision programme. By incorporating GCSEPod’s ready-made assessments into Google Classroom, the school has streamlined the homework process, making it easier for staff while increasing student engagement, especially among those learning at home.

Streamlined homework and assessments  

Access GCSEPod’s ready-made assessments have been a game-changer for teachers at Sandwell Valley School. "The homework is set through ready-made assessments from GCSEPod, which is linked to Google Classroom - saving time and marking for teaching staff," explains Assitant Head, Carolin Benzigar. This seamless integration has made homework management far more efficient, freeing up valuable time for teachers.

Increased student engagement  

Since adopting GCSEPod, the school has seen a rise in student engagement, particularly at home. "Students are happy to use it offline and enjoy watching the short pods," notes Carolin. This flexibility allows students to engage with the material in a way that suits their learning styles, whether they are revising at home or catching up on missed lessons.

Supporting absent students  

GCSEPod has proven particularly useful for students who are persistently absent. "Since it can be accessed from home, the data shows that students who are persistently absent tend to use it more frequently to catch up or stay engaged," Carolin shares. This feature ensures that even students who cannot attend regularly are still able to keep up with their studies.

Helping visual learners  

The short, visually engaging pods have made a significant impact on students who benefit from visual learning. "GCSEPod has helped visual learners understand concepts through short pods," explains Carolin. This support has been especially helpful for Year 11 students revising at home.

Tracking independent study  

The ability to track students’ usage has provided valuable insights for teachers. "The increased usage of time spent on GCSEPod and tracking how many pods have been watched gives us an insight into how much independent study is happening," Carolin adds. This tracking helps teachers monitor student progress and encourage further engagement.

Setting the pace in classrooms  

GCSEPod has also introduced an element of friendly competition among students. "Sharing who has been the top podder of the week sets the pace in classrooms, motivating others to join," says Carolin. This has fostered a positive learning environment where students are eager to engage with the platform.

Conclusion

Access GCSEPod has transformed learning at Sandwell Valley School, making homework and revision more efficient for teachers and engaging for students. With its ability to support absent students and boost independent study, it’s no surprise that the school plans to expand GCSEPod’s use for Key Stage 3 students. If you’re interested in bringing the same benefits to your school, book a demo today to see how Access GCSEPod can help your students succeed.