I look forward to catching up with Mr Smith upon his return from the annual IAPS conference, where no doubt at some point over the course of his three days at Celtic Manor the topic of digital learning and technology in schools would have been explored.
As another exciting academic year at Hampton Prep is now well-underway, you may have heard directly, and I am sure enthusiastically from your son if their response is anything like their in-class one (!), about the brilliant progress pupils are making with their digital learning skills.
Boys in Year 4 and Year 5, have been learning in Computing, supported by other subjects, Microsoft Teams, using it to receive, complete, and return assignments with increasing ease and confidence. SharePoint has become their digital ‘hub’, a place where they access regularly used resources and websites, seamlessly integrating it into their daily learning here at school and from home. Year 6 are leading the way, comfortably operating more advanced systems like OneNote over the last six months, which allows them to organise their thoughts, notes, and assignments in a more sophisticated manner.
For our Year 3 boys, this is all to come! They have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks as they begin familiarising themselves with these digital platforms. Once they are fully comfortable with the daily routines here, they will embark on the same digital learning adventure.
There is of course more to digital learning then navigating platforms such as these, and we recognise the importance of fundamental skills such as typing. In Year 3, boys begin with a touch-typing course during their Computing lessons. Additionally, we are excited to be able to offer a touch-typing CCA, with an external provider, for those looking to master this skill. Mrs Andrews has kindly provided links to some resources (some of which are free) to help support the development of typing at home should you wish to take advantage of them. I know from speaking to boys here that many already enjoy such activities at home.
While we are committed to embracing digital learning, we are equally committed, and passionate, about maintaining a healthy balance between the digital world and more traditional teaching and learning methods. Technology is an amazing tool. However, the joy of holding and reading a book, the ‘organised chaos’ (sometimes!) of hands-on activities, face-to-face discussions and meaningful interaction remains at the heart of what we do.
Have an excellent, restful weekend.
Mr Ford
Deputy Head
