What a year!

Here is a short video which was used in our last assembly. The images are taken from our Twitter feed.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

End Of Term Video from Ryan Davies on Vimeo.

 

 

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Developing our vision for ilearning

The impact of iPad technology as a learning and teaching tool is one that is recognised as being important to the whole school community. Using iPads will help us to deliver our aim to offer highly personalised learning experiences to all pupils. It is a tool that will help drive learning, but it is not the only tool available to pupils, teachers and parents and carers. The iPad at Bishop Gore will be as important as the pencil case was in previous years.

An i-day in the life of a Bishop Gore pupil:

Digital leaders are sent from their form base to a year office to collect the iPad boxes which are then distributed to pupils during form time. Pupils log-on, check their gmail for feedback and instructions. They share notes using Notability taken during lessons yesterday with a pupil who was absent. The teacher marks the register with the iPad and then displays the daily bulletin on the screen.

During their first lesson, the class teacher undertakes an experiment which many of the pupils choose to record. They later edit and annotate the video using iMovie and share it with the teacher, who gives them feedback on their work. Pupils share their movies with the whole class by linking to the Apple TV box. Some of the pupils have taken photographs of the experiment which they manipulate using Skitch. The teacher thinks it is really important to highlight this work to parents and carers and messages them with this information.

During their next lesson, the teacher allows the pupils to work on their project. The pupils are using Book Creator to create an interactive multi-media project. Some of the pupils have asked for additional input as they are finding a concept difficult. The teacher has recorded an explanation using ShowMe which she shares with the class. Some of the class watch this in their own time.

As part of the next lesson, the pupils have been asked to read and make notes on their set text. They are using ibooks and the annotation facility within this. The teacher wishes to check that the pupils have annotated their work correctly – pupils search for their annotations and email them to the teacher as one document. Pupils have to work through the next chapter for homework, they put this in to their calendar – which allows their parents and carers to see this at home as well.

On entering their next lesson, the pupils notice a series of new displays around the room. The teacher tells them that their lesson is going to be delivered using the displays and tells them where to start – which they do by scanning a QR code using QR reader with their iPad. The QR code directs them to a website and instructions for further activities follow. They are asked to scan a particular display using Aurasma which in term takes them to a series of short video clips which enhance the display. Pupils are making notes using Notability which they will use later when completing their homework (they use their dictionary app to check their spelling). As part of their research, pupils use BBC News to investigate a relevant article on the topic.

At the end of the day, digital leaders collect the iPads and return the boxes to the year office where they are recharged ready for the next day.

At home, parents and carers access the Google accounts of the pupils and can see all of the work that has been uploaded during the day. They quickly check the calendar and tasks for any homework and messages from teachers.

Some of the class teachers have asked pupils to share their work – which they then annotate using Notability and send back to the pupils.

And this is only the beginning…………………………..

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Review Day the digital way

As we approach the final two weeks of the academic year, there are a number of events which are due to take place in this final , busy period. One of the key events is our Review Day, which is taking place next Thursday (11th July). This is a day for the pupils, parents and carers of years 7, 8 and 10 to review learning targets and set further targets for the next few months (y9 and sixth form pupils have a normal timetable that day).

Review Day has made a big impact at Bishop Gore. The fact that the form tutor is able to pull together so much data on each pupil and present this is the form of learning targets during the meeting, means that pupils and parents and carers are able to get a clear and concise overview of learning progress across all areas. It is really interesting to note that the attendance at Review Day is always over 85% whilst attendance in our traditional parents evenings is around 40%.

Whilst our Review Day model has been very successful, it certainly puts a strain on resources - especially paper. We use reams of paper to print out the data required for the day. In addition to this, letters, target sheets, appointment lists and so on are all are printed on paper.

Using technology would significantly reduce the amount of paper and provide an even better quality experience for pupils, parents and carers. For example:

Review Day appointments could be made and confirmed online

Data could be shared during the meeting using a tablet - meaning it is up-to-date and allows access to a wider range of data

Targets sheets can be completed using a tablet and then emailed to parents and carers, pupils and other teachers

Technology will never replace the personal contact that is so important in education, but it can help to make a more effective and efficient experience for all.

 

 

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