Vision
Broomlands lives and breathes three core values, enhanced and supported by digital technology
Courage – our culture embraces change and innovation - staff and children recognise technology as a key tool in encouraging creativity and learning new skills. This ensures children access high quality, engaging and exploratory learning.
Compassion – Children collaborate and share, learning how to feedback with compassion and kindness. Technology helps access and explore a world beyond our own, reflecting on lives and experiences globally.
Connection – Children share learning with peers, parents and teachers, connecting classrooms and homes. iPad’s become a window into the wider world as we build connections beyond our school community. Skills in coding and programming link wider learning, preparing them for the world of work.
Learning
The use of Apple Technology enhances the teaching and learning experiences at Broomlands.
We see the iPad as part of each individual pupil’s and staff members’ tool kit. The built in features are used to support learners specific needs in the classroom allowing pupils to be more independent and successful. We integrate digital technology across the curriculum and provide opportunities for creative and engaging learning experiences.
All learners at Broomlands, from ELC to P7 actively use iPads and this is supported by a digital skills progression. An enhanced transition program has been supported by technology allowing pupils to share and build on their skills with their new teachers.
Staff report positively on the effectiveness of using digital feedback, the progress we have made with this has built on the commitment that staff showed when delivering and supporting home learning during national lockdowns. We have also been able to utilise a ‘flipped learning’ model in lessons through the use of video tutorials which have supported effective differentiation.
The Apple technology has provided and supported different avenues for ongoing professional development. The impact of this has been observed in regular learning walks which are focused around our Teaching and Learning Tool kit, to which, digital technology is a key element. It has also allowed us to access wider professional learning opportunities through digital meet ups. Our staff have been able to share their good practice and also learn and develop from others.
Success
Our commitment to embracing digital technology has led to success in many areas. 85% of our teachers are Apple Teachers. Most of our teachers have also completed the ‘Everyone Can Create’ Inspire led course. As a result of this technology is now purposefully planned for and effectively used in teaching and learning. Feedback from our Pupil Digital Café and 555 conversations demonstrate the positive impact that iPads have on learning. Parent feedback is very supportive, this has been collated through Forms and a Digital Skills Café. Staff have had the opportunity to lead developments and share the impact of their digital progress. Continued support and sharing of good practice is offered to all staff through networking channels.
What's Next?
Our next steps are rooted in our school values and how we plan to put those into action. Our self evaluation highlights the following next steps.
Courage: Expand the role of pupil digital leaders to further support children’s learning. Empowering them to lead.
Compassion: Enhance our culture of coaching relationships to support increased staff confidence and independence in using apple products.
Connection: Increase use of identified native apps to promote creative learning opportunities across the curriculum, building connection with the wider world. Continue to develop family learning opportunities to showcase success and engage them through digital skills cafes and workshops.