Financials
As an independent school, Talbot Heath were able to absorb the cost of the 1:1 iPad scheme within their school fees. Leasing the devices via Academia and CHG-Meridian is not only a cost-effective method, but also means that the school are able to refresh the entire iPad estate every 3 years, ensuring that pupils and staff always have the most up to date models, supporting all the required apps they regularly use.
Training
All of the current staff received comprehensive training on using the iPad devices, the Apple Teacher programme, as well as recommendations of useful apps.
Jo says: “This is a whole school approach, where digital leaders among staff are given extra support to relay useful information among their departments and faculties. We find that by receiving training and support from non-specialist teachers, staff are more likely to think ‘if they can do it, then so can I’. We have some fantastic teachers who have really run with it and often share best practice and support their colleagues with new initiatives.”
Outcome
Since implementation of 1:1 iPad from Reception onwards, a significant difference has been made to both the pupils and staff.
Jo Maule tells us: “Talbot Heath is a very traditional school, so it is wonderful to see a mix of our 130-year-old history and traditions, alongside our brand-new technology STEAM* hub. The days of teachers fighting over booking the IT Suite for lessons are thankfully a thing of the past. Students can take their iPad out and begin researching and working at any time necessary and can produce work within minutes.
“They are given the autonomy to use whichever apps they prefer, to produce a piece of work and no longer need to carry all their heavy textbooks around in their bag all day. They have all their books, computer, camera, video camera, microphone, calculator, alarm clock, sat nav, calendar, address book, ruler and notepad in one easy to carry device!
We’ve noticed a significant difference in the attitudes of the students and pupil engagement has definitely improved. They love to be given autonomy and never cease to amaze me with the work they produce. The devices completely align with our Head’s vision of preparing our students for the real world and complementing traditional academic skills and knowledge with other holistic skills to support their future lives.”
The pupils have embraced the Apple programs, Jo says “We use the Everyone Can Code1 curriculum which guides you through Swift Playground, an app that teaches coding for kids. We also use the Everyone Can Create2 guides to teach students to develop and communicate ideas through video, photography, music and drawing. The Apps we use here include: