End of a digital half term

It only does seem like yesterday when we we returned to school after the summer break and it's half term already!

Over the last few weeks, we have seen some major developments in the way in which we use digital technology in learning.

• Our year 13 pupils now all have iPads which they can use at school and at home
• Year 7 and 8 pupils now have access to iPads on a 1:1 basis for their development block and other work
• Our pupils for whom English is an additional language, now have access to iPads throughout all lessons
• A number of staff now have access to ipads

As you may have read in previous posts, the intention is to move towards a sitaution where every pupil has access to an ipad in the near future.

We look forward to seeing all pupils when we return on Monday 4th November and to sharing with you the next stage of our digital journey.

 

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1:1

We are beginning to see how access to iPads is having a positive impact on learning outcomes as pupils access those that are available in school. We have seen some highly creative use of iPads by our pupils, with the best use being when they are able to have access to the device when it is needed for their learning. Having to book a device or a room is simply not good enough any more as pupils require access to digital technology when they feel they need it most.

The solution is to ensure that all pupils have access to iPads, at any time, without having to share. To be able to achieve this, we are currently working with the eLearning Foundation to develop a programme which would allow all pupils to have access to an ipad at home and at school. This would be funded by a system of donations from those parents and carers who are able and wish to participate in the scheme.

Here is a short video explaining how the programme works. Our governors have discussed this briefly and will be meeting again in November to look at the programme in more detail.

 

An introduction to the elearning foundation initiative. from Bishop Gore on Vimeo.

If you have any questions about this exciting initiative, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

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Developing learning

It is amazing how time flies. It is just over a year since we launched Curriculum 2012. This is our new skills based approach to learning in Key Stage Three. The model offers pupils the opportunity to learn in two main formats:

Learning Blocks - skills and knowledge delivered in subject areas

Development Blocks - skills-based thematic projects drawing on the work completed in learning blocks

As the model has now been in operation for just over a year, it will now involve years seven and eight pupils.

The development block challenges (which have been designed by our staff) offer pupils incredibly exciting opportunities to extend their knowledge, skills and understanding. What is different this year is that, as pupils are working through their challenges, they will all have access to an ipad (whereas last year they had to share). We feel that the impact that this level of access to digital technology will have is bound to have a huge impact on the outcomes from this already very successful curriculum model.

If you would like to know more about the way in which we are developing learning and teaching at Bishop Gore please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

 

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