Student Manual

Welcome to BlackStarAcademy

Hello and welcome to BlackStarAcademy! We're thrilled to have you join our online learning community. This manual is your go-to guide for everything you need to know about being a successful student here. From navigating our learning platform to understanding our expectations, you'll find all the important information right here. So, let's embark on this exciting learning journey together!

About BlackStarAcademy

Our Mission and Values

At BlackStarAcademy, we believe in nurturing bright minds and helping them shine. Our mission is to provide high-quality, engaging online education that aligns with the English national curriculum while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning.

We value:

• Curiosity: Always asking questions and seeking answers

• Perseverance: Never giving up, even when things get tough

• Collaboration: Working together to achieve more

• Integrity: Being honest and true to ourselves and others

Curriculum Alignment

Our courses are carefully designed to align with the English national curriculum, ensuring that you're always on track with your educational goals. Whether you're studying Maths, English, Science, or any other subject, you can be confident that you're receiving a top-notch education that meets national standards.

Who We Serve

BlackStarAcademy primarily caters to students aged 8-16. We understand that this is a crucial time in your educational journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Our courses are tailored to meet the unique needs of each age group, providing challenging yet achievable learning experiences.

Special Courses

We also offer one-off, standalone courses for parents and volunteers. These courses are designed to help adults support our young learners and get involved in the BlackStarAcademy community. Whether you're a parent looking to understand our online learning environment better or a volunteer wanting to contribute to our students' success, we have something for you! Getting Started with Canvas

Enrolling on Canvas

Welcome to Canvas, our learning management system! Here's how to get started:

1. Create Your Account

   • Visit our Canvas login page at [Canvas login URL]

   • Click on "Create Account" and select "I'm a Student"

   • Fill in your details: full name, email address, and password

   • Check your email for a confirmation link and click it to activate your account

2. Join Your Class

   • After logging in, you'll see a "Join a Course" button

   • Enter the course code provided by your teacher

   • Click "Enroll" to join the class

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4. Troubleshooting

   • If you don't see your course, double-check the course code with your teacher

   • Make sure you're using the email address registered with BlackStarAcademy

   • If you're still having trouble, contact our support team at [support email]

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Navigating Canvas

Once you're in, here's how to find your way around:

1. Dashboard: This is your home base. You'll see all your courses, upcoming assignments, and announcements here.

2. Courses: Click on a course tile to enter that specific class. Inside, you'll find:

   • Modules: Where your lessons and activities are organized

   • Assignments: A list of all your homework and projects

   • Discussions: Forums for class conversations

   • Grades: Your current marks for each assignment

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4. Calendar: Keep track of due dates, live sessions, and other important events.

5. Inbox: Communicate with your teachers and classmates.

6. To-Do List: A handy sidebar showing your upcoming tasks.

Games and Puzzles on Canvas

We love making learning fun! Here's how to access and enjoy our educational games and puzzles:

1. In your course, look for the "Games and Puzzles" module

2. Click on a game or puzzle to launch it

3. Read the instructions carefully before starting

4. As you play, you'll earn points and badges

5. Your progress is automatically saved and contributes to your overall course performance

Remember, these games are designed to reinforce your learning. The more you play, the more you learn! 

Students will develop essential literacy skills, such as reading comprehension, critical analysis, and creative writing, through the study of texts by Black authors and historical narratives from the African diaspora. These lessons align with the national focus on developing vocabulary, grammar, and writing for varied audiences while offering a culturally enriching perspective.

In addition to literacy, BSA emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), equipping students with the skills needed to excel in these fields. 

By integrating Afrocentric history with core subjects like English and STEM, we ensure our students are not only meeting national academic standards but also gaining a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage.

Student Code of Conduct and Expectations

Our Learning Environment

At BlackStarAcademy, we believe in creating a positive, respectful, and engaging learning environment. Here's what we expect from all our students:

1. Positive and Enquiring Mind: Always approach your studies with curiosity and enthusiasm. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification.

2. Respect: Treat your fellow students and teachers with kindness and respect. Remember, we're all here to learn and grow together.

3. Online Etiquette:

   • Use appropriate language in all online interactions

   • Be mindful of others' feelings when commenting or discussing

   • Respect others' privacy – don't share personal information without permission

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5. Digital Citizenship:

   • Use technology responsibly

   • Give credit when using others' ideas or work

   • Report any inappropriate behavior or content to your teacher

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Attendance and Participation

Your consistent presence and active involvement are crucial for your success:

1. Punctuality: Be on time for all scheduled online sessions. Log in at least 5 minutes early to ensure you're ready when class begins.

2. Attendance: We expect a minimum of 90% attendance. If you can't attend a session, inform your teacher in advance.

3. Active Participation:

   • Engage in class discussions

   • Complete all assigned activities

   • Collaborate effectively in group projects

   • Ask questions when you need clarification

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Academic Integrity

Honesty in your academic work is fundamental:

1. Plagiarism: Never present someone else's work as your own. This includes copying text from websites, books, or your classmates.

2. Citing Sources: When you use information from any source, always give credit. Your teachers will show you how to properly cite sources.

3. Consequences: Dishonesty in your work can result in failing grades or more serious disciplinary action. If you're unsure about anything, always ask your teacher for guidance.

Curriculum and Learning Pathways

Core Subjects

Our curriculum aligns with the English national curriculum, covering all key subjects:

• English: Develop your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through engaging literature and creative exercises.

• Mathematics: From basic arithmetic to advanced problem-solving, build a strong foundation in mathematical concepts.

• Science: Explore the wonders of biology, chemistry, and physics through interactive experiments and simulations.

• History: Journey through time, understanding key events and their impact on our world today.

• Geography: Discover the diverse landscapes, cultures, and phenomena of our planet.

• Modern Foreign Languages: Immerse yourself in new languages and cultures.

Each subject is structured into modules, with clear learning objectives, activities, and assessments.

Enrichment Programs

Beyond core subjects, we offer a variety of enrichment programs to broaden your horizons:

• Coding Club: Learn the basics of programming and create your own digital projects.

• Art Workshop: Express your creativity through various artistic mediums.

• Debate Society: Develop critical thinking and public speaking skills.

• Environmental Science: Explore current environmental issues and sustainable solutions.

To join an enrichment program:

1. Go to the "Enrichment" section on your Canvas dashboard

2. Browse available programs

3. Click "Enroll" for the programs you're interested in

4. Confirm your enrollment when prompted

Progress Tracking

Stay on top of your learning journey:

1. Learning Analytics:

   • Access your personal learning dashboard

   • View your progress in each subject

   • Identify areas of strength and those needing improvement

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3. Goal Setting:

   • Set personal learning goals at the start of each term

   • Regularly review and update your goals

   • Celebrate your achievements along the way!

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Technical Support and Resources

We're here to ensure your learning experience is smooth and enjoyable:

• For Canvas-related issues, click the "Help" button in the bottom left corner of your Canvas page

• Access additional learning resources in the "Resource Library" section of each course

• For technical support, email our dedicated team at [tech support email] or call [support phone number] during business hours

Parent and Volunteer Information

We value the support of parents and volunteers in our students' learning journey:

• Parent Courses: Learn how to navigate Canvas and support your child's online learning

• Volunteer Opportunities: From mentoring to assisting with virtual events, there are many ways to get involved

• Parent-Teacher Communication: Regular updates and virtual meetings keep you informed about your child's progress

To access parent courses or volunteer information, visit [parent portal URL].

Accessibility Features

We're committed to making learning accessible to all:

• Use Canvas's built-in screen reader compatibility

• Adjust text size and contrast in your browser settings

• Enable closed captions for video content

• Request additional accommodations by contacting [accessibility support email]

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I reset my password?

A: Click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the instructions sent to your email.

Q: What if I miss a live session?

A: All live sessions are recorded and can be accessed in the course module afterwards.

Q: How can I connect with other students?

A: Use the course discussion forums or join our virtual student lounge in the "Community" section.

Remember, at BlackStarAcademy, we're all about learning, growing, and having fun along the way. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to reach out. Here's to an amazing learning adventure!