As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge governments and health authorities around the world, various regions and countries have taken different approaches to getting kids back in school. While some countries have mandated total closures of schools, some have allowed schools to open, and others have allowed opening within strict guidelines regarding the number of students allowed on campus at any one time. This has given rise to a number of instructional models, including the hybrid (or blended) model.

Two SABIS^® schools in Egypt, the International School of Choueifat – Cairo and the International School of Choueifat – 6 October, have opted for this hybrid model. After a start to the academic year online, students in Kindergarten through Grade 1 were then allowed back on campus fully, and students in Grades 2 and above were split into two groups that alternated weekly on campus. By dividing all students into two groups, the school was able to reduce the number of students on school buses and campus at any one time and ensure social distancing when they are.  At the end of each week, the school is disinfected in time for the new group that is coming in. 

The benefits of a hybrid offering are clear. Students are given the opportunity to come in to school to see their friends, enjoy the sports facilities, and interact with their teachers in an “in-class” environment. So, it’s not surprising that a number of network schools located in Jordan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, and the U.A.E. have also opted for this model.

However, along with the benefits, there are numerous challenges, including the seamless transition weekly from being in-class to being online and the disruption that ensues, and the maintaining of educational standards and student attendance in the process.

These challenges are overcome thanks to the comprehensive SABIS^® digital ecosystem, which includes a strong and coherent digital curriculum that is supported by a wealth of digital E-learning content; structured pedagogical methodologies that allow our teachers to deliver the curriculum in any environment; a safe and reliable IT infrastructure; and the ability to continuously assess and follow-up with students.

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