READY TO BE DIGITAL PIONEERS
Colchester Prep & High School are committed to ensuring that our pupils receive an education that embraces the use of technology to support and enhance their learning. Inspiring creativity and collaboration and developing autonomous learners, digital literacy also ensures that our pupils have the essential skills to thrive in an ever evolving, and increasingly digital world.
From coding Beebots in Reception to managing their own course material on OneNote in Prep and programming drones in Seniors, our Digital Literacy Programme inspires our pupils to be the next generation of tech entrepreneurs, digital content creators and software engineers.
Every pupil from Year 3 to 11 is provided with their own 1-2-1 device, whilst our pupils in Nursery to Year 2 use iPads within their classrooms.
While online learning will not be replacing traditional methods of learning in the classroom and may not be used in every lesson, technology adds great value to the ways in which lessons can be taught and delivered. Key benefits include:
GREATER OWNERSHIP OF LEARNING
In a 1-to-1 environment, the learning shifts from the traditional instructor-led model to become more pupil-centred. Access to online learning tools gives the pupil options that naturally engage them and enable them to take ownership of how their learning goals are achieved.
Pupils experience greater independence, greater task completion and a more efficient workflow with the ability to electronically manage and share tasks in a single environment.
PRESENTING WORK IN DIGITAL FORMATS
All pupils are experienced in the use of office programmes (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and course management tools, such as OneNote, allowing them to organise subject materials, set and submit assignments, and receive real time online and verbal feedback.
They are also able to generate their own digital portfolios using SeeSaw, Flipgrid and BookCreator.
Pupils from Reception to GCSE have also collectively and cooperatively worked to generate their own digital portfolios using age-appropriate platforms such as SeeSaw, Flipgrid, and Book Creator to become the creators and producers of learning contents.
Within subjects such as the Creative and Performing Arts, pupils have also been able to demonstrate the digital manipulation of images (including layering, transparency and re-scaling) and the use of digital art and inking applications such as Paint 3D and Fresh Paint.
GREATER COLLABORATION
Pupils can benefit using 1-to-1 devices in the development of their collaboration skills. In this way technology supports the communication and joint reasoning skills essential to team collaboration.
By sharing a digital workspace, pupils can create and edit content together, refine each other’s contributions and share information and ideas.
Teachers can help pupils engage in expressive activities by allowing them to choose their communication tools and encouraging pupils to work together to ‘show what they know’.
PERSONALISED LEARNING AND DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION
1-to-1 technology makes it possible for pupils to receive differentiated content and assignments, using a variety of methods and tools. For example, pupils can pause videos and review media content multiple times.
In addition to video, electronic and online resources can be selected and shared with pupils, ensuring that the content is being delivered and standards are being met, in a way that can be best understood by all pupils.
IMPROVED ASSESSMENT THROUGH DIGITAL FEEDBACK
Pupils can receive feedback in a myriad of new ways. Teachers can digitally annotate a piece of work, leave voice recordings, a video, or a link to additional support online.
The ability to leave voice marking creates a more personal, formative conversation in which the pupil can respond in a similar way. This shows teachers that their feedback is being acted upon which is critical for pupil progress.
EMBRACING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
At Colchester Prep & High School we are also proud to be early adopters of advanced technologies in education, notably AS Tracking, Century Tech, Nearpod and Learning by Questions.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, allow our teachers to keep learning exciting and relevant and to identify and fully support learners’ individual needs, ensuring the delivery of a fully “differentiated” lesson.
SHOWCASE
PROUD TO BE A MICROSOFT SHOWCASE SCHOOL
Colchester Prep & High School is proud to be a Microsoft Showcase School, joining an elite group of global schools that exemplify the best of teaching and learning in the world today.
Microsoft Showcase Schools are pioneers in education, recognised and celebrated for educational transformation that includes vision and innovation in teaching, learning, and preparing pupils for the future.
To ensure that Colchester Prep & High School remains a leader in the Edtech revolution, all staff undergo regular training through the Microsoft Education Centre to gain industry standard accreditations and qualifications, becoming Microsoft Innovative Experts.
Accreditations
READY TO ASPIRE HIGHER
Pupils also have the opportunity to take part in nationally recognized competitions and attain professional accreditations including:
Microsoft Office Specialist
Microsoft Innovative Expert
Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge
Amazon Web Services (AWS) GetIT programme
ONLINE TEACHING
PREPARED FOR ANY EVENTUALITY
In an uncertain world, one thing every parent needs to be sure of is an excellent and uninterrupted education for their child.
At Colchester Prep & High School, we are prepared to seamlessly switch to online teaching and learning should remote learning be necessary, ensuring that our pupils are able to access their learning “Anytime, Anywhere, Anyplace”.