One to One devices?

All the students at the academy are given a one-to-one device, this means that the device stays with them, they use it for each class and at home for their homework.

In Key Stage 3 (years 7 to 9) this device is an iPad. An iPad is a tablet device that operates using touch screen technology (including an on screen keyboard for typing), the iPad is an Apple device.

The students are given controlled access to a number of pre-installed education applications, which they can use to learn independently and as directed by their teachers.

When the students move into Key Stage 4  they will swap their iPad’s for Chromebooks. A Chromebook operates as a ‘mini’ laptop using the Google Chrome operating system. There are a number of pre-installed applications for the students to use on the devices, with access to most of the tasks set for the students happening within the Chrome Browser.

Key Stage 5 students are given a Chromebook to use to continue their education.

What are the benefits of Digital Learning?

Digital learning offers several advantages for both students and educational institutions.

1. Full-Time Access to Materials: With digital learning, study materials are always available. Students can learn at their own pace, choose the best times for studying, and access resources wherever they are.
2. Facilitates Collaboration: Digital tools enable collaboration through video conferencing and shared documents. It prepares students for collaborative work in the professional world.
3. More Resources: Recorded lessons and additional reading materials can be easily shared, allowing students to maximize their learning and delve deeper into challenging subjects.
4. Better Engagement: Digital analysis helps institutions track student engagement. If a student becomes disengaged, struggles, or faces health issues, educators can intervene more efficiently.
5. Personalised Learning: Digital platforms allow for personalised teaching methods, catering to individual learning preferences. This enhances the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
6. Improved Access to Resources: Digital learning provides access to a wealth of online libraries, databases, and multimedia content, enriching the learning experience.
7. Flexibility: Students can learn from anywhere, at any time, using various devices. This flexibility accommodates diverse schedules and lifestyles.
8. Enhanced Engagement: Interactive elements like quizzes, simulations, and discussion forums keep students engaged and motivated.

In summary, digital learning empowers students with flexibility, collaboration, personalised learning, and a wealth of resources, ultimately enhancing their educational experience.

Managing my Child’s devices at home

Links – to learning applications

The Support we offer:

The students are given support from the beginning of their learning journey with the academy, making sure that they are confident and capable of using their devices and the apps we use on them.  This includes in class support and guidance in using the applications, the Student Zone which is the student’s intranet site, which contains a wide range of video and picture guides and in class support through the Team’s resources.

We also support our parents, providing regular drop in sessions throughout the year to help you navigate the digital landscape that our students work with in, these include sessions on managing your child’s devices at home, digital literacy and safeguarding sessions.

Each week we send a newsletter out to our parents which includes any updates and guidance on what you should know about new digital platforms, games and social media applications.

We also monitor our devices at all times, with software that looks for keywords on web searches, highlighting any potential safeguarding issues, allowing us to deal with these immediately. Our devices are locked down to prevent the students from installing external software, and opening certain web sites.