PUPILS, staff and parents of Walford Primary School have embraced new and exciting technology in the last year.

The investment in iPads has transformed ICT across the whole school and a variety of apps are used very effectively in all subjects to engage, motivate and inspire children’s learning. Parents are also getting to grips with this innovative technology by taking part in school ‘iPads in action’ learning walks.

ICT Coordinator, Claire Weyman explained: “The introduction of iPads has been a huge success and has enhanced teaching and learning throughout the school. Children, even in our reception class, are now creating content rather than simply accessing it which is providing a great platform on which to build with the launch of the new curriculum in September 2014.”

All staff have found that using iPads in the classroom offers huge potential. Whether counting, doing addition and subtraction, identifying different shapes, listening to stories, learning to spell and how to write letters, composing music, building their own computer games, creating eBooks and even high quality movies – the possibilities are endless.

“Our laptops were rather clunky and very slow but iPads, they work at the touch of a button. They are so flexible, we can use them any time and take them outside, even on trips.” said Poppy Phillips, aged 10.

This new technology has also supported and developed leadership skills throughout the school with 14 Apple Ambassadors leading the way.

Seven children in year five and year six undertake regular training which enables them to share their knowledge and expertise with others in school. They provide hands-on support to classroom teachers and children daily. Grasping every opportunity to develop this technology they are extremely excited about the Oscars Red Carpet event which they have organised this term. Everyone has been using digital imagery, working in teams to plan, design and create their own films using iMovie. The children have been invited to dress up for this very special evening at school where the films will be judged and Oscars presented.

The president of the School Council, Adam Parkes, aged 10, clearly approves of this new and exciting technology and said: “Our school motto is, ‘Learning and enjoyment… every child, every opportunity, every day’ and that’s exactly what the iPads do for us – they help us to learn everyday and they are great fun too.”