St George’s Church of England Primary Academy in Stonehouse is technologically richer having bolstered its educational teaching resources with the addition of 60 new iPads. 

 

The move, supported by St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust to foster 21^st century skills within its academies, aims to encourage pupils to become responsible digital citizens; create independent, creative, empowered learners and enhance classroom effectiveness.

 

 “We’re committed to preparing our young people for a world that is constantly evolving and ensuring academies within St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust keep pace with change” says IT leader Alistair Hudson.  “The use of appropriate technology will improve the already above national expectations for pupils and enhance existing high standards” he adds.

 

Whilst in the early stages of adopting the technology for creative implementation, teachers at St George’s have received specialised training on integrating it into the classroom alongside traditional teaching methods.  They will continue their ongoing professional development on how to use the iPads to minimise distractions and achieve maximum engagement ‘on task’. 
 

Having upgraded its Wi-Fi access with superfast broadband, pupils at St George’s enjoy a mixed environment of pcs, laptops and tablets in every classroom.  A highly sophisticated filtering system and E-safety policy ensures every child can enjoy safe learning experiences with the iPads within a secure, teacher managed platform and have an authentic internet user experience.  Following an open afternoon with parents aimed at making the learning community stronger, families are heavily involved in the initiative and support a shared standard and culture for responsible and appropriate use of the iPads.
 

“The classroom no longer has four walls.  There is a shift away from traditional classroom teaching towards one that is structured for freedom and virtual work with the aim of developing richer, more complex and sophisticated skills.  There are many creative ways that technology can be used to enrich the learning experience and support the national curriculum.  Our pupils have been using apps to learn coding with further opportunities to conduct mobile research, ‘visit’ Australia and connect with geographically separated classrooms via their new devices” says Alistair.

St. George’s is a member of St. Christopher’s Multi-Academy Trust within the Diocese of Exeter. The Academy’s innovative approach helps pupils be the people they were created to be by nurturing, encouraging, inspiring and challenging those of all faiths and none.
 

St. Matthew’s Church of England Primary and Nursery Academy in Derriford, Plymouth will join St George’s under the umbrella of St. Christopher’s Multi-Academy Trust when it opens in September 2015.  Benefiting from the same levels of technology, the exciting development will further enable children across both Academies to work together and to learn to communicate on a day-to-day basis.