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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Music for all

At Bishop Gore, we recognise how important music is. The benefits of performing are well known. However, the wider impact on learning in other subjects is also something that taking part in such an activity brings.

Recently, our amazingly talented peripatetic music staff, together with some of our pupils and staff, performed a taster concert for our new year 7 pupils.

 

Music Showcase At Bishop Gore from Ryan Davies on Vimeo.

No charge is made for music tuition at Bishop Gore; all we ask for in return is a commitment to participating in the numerous performing arts activities which take place throughout the year. This is a small 'price' to pay for first class tuition, access to fun and enjoyable activities and also the 'spin off' in terms of the impact it makes on other subjects and learning.

The importance of music should not be under-estimated!

 

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i-Assembly

Today we held the first of out i-assemblies with our sixth form pupils. Our year 13 pupils have all been issued with their own ipad which they are expected to use to help with their learning at school and at home.

The i-assemblies give our pupils the opportunity to have a say in how the use of iPads is developed in school. The assembly is led by the pupils, who present their suggestions to be considered by a panel of staff.

Here is a short video of today's assembly-

Year 13 I-assembly from Ryan Davies on Vimeo.

Some of the ideas put forward today include having the YouTube app installed, allowing music to be downloaded and allowing pupils to download apps themselves through their own iTunes account. There is certainly a lot to think about. It is so good to see our pupils taking control of their learning.

 

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New year and a new start.....

It is great to see so many pupils returning to our sixth form. All sixth form pupils have been faced with quite a few changes on their return....

Last year, after meeting with our senior prefects, it was decided to do something that would get the sixth from noticed around the school and in the wider community. One simple idea was to relaunch the school sixth form uniform. The sixth form tie (which was worn a number of years ago) has been resurrected, with all pupils now wearing black trousers/skirts and a white shirt. It is amazing how you can plan many complicated initiatives in order to make some kind of impact in a school but it is often the simple things that make the biggest difference - the sixth form uniform is a good example of this.

Another major change to our sixth form provision has been providing all of our year 13 pupils with an iPad. The intention is that they use this in all aspects of their studies as they build up to their final examinations in June. On Monday 23rd September we shall be holding our first of our regular monthly i-assemblies with our sixth form pupils. This will give our pupils the chance to present their throughts on the apps they are using at the moment and the apps they would like to use. If their argument is convincing enough, the changes they propose will be made. This is their opportunity to influence how digital technology can impact on their learning.

Exciting times!

 

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Happy New Year!

At the start of another academic year, there is so much for us to look forward to. We are very pleased with the results which were published in August and are now working hard to ensure we improve on these still further this year.

Over the past few months we have invested heavily in ensuring that our pupils and staff have access to the technology that will enable us to provide the outstanding learning opportunities which we aspire to. We are all really excited about the fact that pupils and staff will now have access to iPads and a whole school wireless network and know this will make a real impact on learning.

What is important is the fact that we recognise that these developments will only make the desired impact if they are used as a tool alongside the many other learning and teaching strategies which we have in place. Used effectively, they will make a huge impact - but not on their own.

Our year 13 pupils will be the first year group to have 1:1 access to iPads throughout the school day. It will be very interesting to see the impact this will make on their learning and how they will quite quickly become 'digital leaders' for the rest of the school.

This year promises so much already!

 

 

 

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