Watch this video about our journey!

Prescot – Our Journey – 3 is the magic number-2 from Prescot Primary on Vimeo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Journey

Our journey with Apple began around 10 years ago as we started to reassess the technology we had available in school. We became an Apple Regional Training Centre and gained access to experts who were able to support ICT in school. Eventually, this lead us to experimenting with the iPod when they were initially released. We were excited about the new possibilities this new hand-held device gave the children – especially the ease with which a camera could be accessed by the children.

About 5 years ago, we began to explore the use of iPads in the classroom and what more they could offer us. We trialled their use in Y3, with 6 iPads per class, married with a TV, an Apple TV and a Macbook for the teacher. Each teacher was given their own iPad at this time, to boost confidence and improve skills. The positive effects of the iPad rippled through the school. Y3 pupils loved using their new tool for mental arithmetic, spelling practice, research, creating books, recording science experiments, making iMovies and animations … the list goes on. Engagement in learning increased.

The following year, after attending the Apple Leadership Summit in London and visiting ESSA Academy in Bolton, we decided to take the plunge and go for a 1:1 model in KS2, launching first in Y3. Priority was placed on informing parents on the ‘why’ behind the project, their role in the project and what we expected from the children. We wanted our children to take their iPads home, in order to increase home-learning possibilities: 24/7. We also wanted them to personalise their cases and take responsibility for their device. This Y3 roll-out has continued ever since and now every KS2 pupil has their own iPad. This obviously increases demands on teacher CPD and we all have to work hard to keep up with new updates, apps and approaches. Certain staff-members are now ‘Apple Advocates’ and help to support best practice across the school. Our younger children have frequent access to devices, depending on their age and needs.

                     

                   

We also have a successful pupil ‘Digital Leader’ scheme. Each year, Y5 pupils are invited to apply for these posts. They write a letter and must creatively explain what their favourite ‘app’ or activity is on the iPad. Our Digital Leaders are then trained in various areas, including ‘staying safe online’. The Leaders help to run the Digital Hub in the main corridor at lunchtime where children from Y2 upwards can search the internet, play online maths games, use ‘Scratch’ and work on ‘Mathletics’. Our Digital Leaders also help on parental consultation evenings and have also helped pupils and parents to complete online surveys. They are an important part of our digital eco-system.

BETT Exhibition 2016

Through our links with Apple and our reseller, MCC Digital, we got the opportunity to take some of our Y6 leaders to London to help showcase the use of technology in sport. Our children spent two days exploring the sights of the exhibition which was held at London’s Excel Arena. They  demonstrated how we use the iPad as a coaching tool during PE lessons and also how a chipped basketball can improve performance. We were very proud of how well the children interacted with members of the public. It was hard work, but we all loved it.

 

Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE)

Last year, I applied to be an Apple Distinguished Educator – or ADE. In order to apply, I had to make a movie about using technology to support Education. I was lucky enough to be achieve the award and as part of the process, attended the 4 day ADE Apple Institute in Amsterdam. It was an amazing event, with ADEs gathered from all over Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, (EMEIA). I was able to share and glean ideas with educationalists from all over this region and I developed strong relationships with colleagues that I know will continue. As a result of gaining this title, I am now invited to help present at Apple events in the North west. This keeps my professional development up to date!

     

    

Please find my book on the iBooks Store by following this link:

Using iTunes U in the primary school.

Apple Distinguished School (ADS)

Prescot Primary was invited to apply for the Apple Distinguished School (ADS) status in 2015. As part of our application, we produced an iBook about our journey; this book has now been published on the iBook Store. Please find it here:

Prescot Primary – The journey so far!

This award has already enabled us to make strong links with other ADS primaries, including Jesmond Gardens in Hartlepool and Lever House Primary in Preston. We have welcomed visits into our school and will continue to forge links to ensure that our work with iPads in the classroom is the best that it can be.