1:1 Devices
At Inspiring Futures through Learning (IFtL) multi-academy trust, we have committed to a shared vision centred on children and their futures.
We want children to be ready for a future that we can only imagine. In the past 15 years, we’ve seen a technological evolution that can only be truly understood by highlighting that when the first iPhone released 15 years ago, dial-up internet was still in use. Facebook hit the mainstream back in 2007, and Amazon launched the first Kindle. The advancements in technology over the past 15 years have been staggering, and these serve to highlight just how far technology could develop in the next 15 years too. We owe it to the children we teach to educate and inspire them to make use of digital technology in the right ways.
We want to use technology as one way of increasing equity in learning and accessibility of the curriculum. We aim to unlock opportunities for our learners to find out more about our world, learn together when geographically apart, and develop skills for a world that will continue to advance in ways not yet dreamed of in their lifetimes. We are committed to investing in immersive learning technologies for children that are accessible, strengthen engagement and learning for each child, and provide a wealth of digital skills.
So, as part of this commitment, we are incredibly excited to share the news that we are now rolling out a 1:1 iPad programme. In short, this is a programme in which all children from Years 2 and above will be provided with an iPad that will serve to enhance their engagement, skillset, and outcomes during their time with us. This is a significant financial investment from Inspiring Futures through Learning, and the devices will be issued free of charge, with a case and charger, for the students use both at school and at home. We will also provide access to iPads in EYFS and Year 1 to support their learning. The iPads for EYFS and Year 1 will not go home.
There are several reasons why we have taken this step. We know that the world we are preparing your child for is changing quickly. It is more than possible that their first role in the workplace will be one which did not exist when they were born. Every job they ever have will rely on their skilful use of technology. The pace of change is unprecedented and the digital competencies that we can confer through the routine use of technology in every aspect of their learning will be important preparation for this.
It is also important for us to emphasise that the pupils’ iPads will be a supplement to what we already do, not a replacement. Just like the pencils and pens we also expect them to use, the iPad is just another tool in their bag, albeit a remarkably powerful one. Sometimes it will be the best tool for a task, sometimes it won’t. In other schools which have adopted a similar approach, analysis shows that tablets are used in most lessons, not all, and for short periods at a time, not exclusively.
This isn’t a project we have embarked on casually. We have collaborated with several different trusts, during which we have learned from their expertise and experiences to ensure we approach this project suitably prepared for success. We are certain that iPads will make a marked difference to the quality and pace of learning here at school.
In summary, we are convinced that this project will make a significant contribution to your child’s education, which is otherwise impossible to replicate.
We look forward to working with you to make ‘Futures’ a success.
Please find below the links to important documentation relating to our 1:1 iPad programme. Click on each to find out more.
We will continue to create tutorials to share with families so that you can learn more about the iPads, see how the children create and complete their work, and what exciting opportunities the iPads present us with.
You will find buttons and a brief description of what each guide includes below. Video versions are coming soon.
This guide explains how to set up JAMF Parent, an application available on iOS and Android phones. The app allows you to connect with your child's iPad and manage usage and set restrictions.
This is a brief guide to show families how to connect the iPad to a Wi-Fi network. Once connected, the iPad will receive the necessary settings and updates as and when required.
Learn more about the Screen Time functionality available on the iPad and how it can be used to educate the children on best practice, schedule time away from the screen, and set time limits for apps.
Coming Soon
Find out more about what Showbie is, how to access the app at home, navigate its menus and folders, and view the fantastic work your child is producing in school.
Please click the link below to access a list of Frequently Asked Questions relating to our 1:1 iPad programme. This document will be regularly updated with questions we receive over time.
Please click the link below to access a list of Frequently Asked Questions relating to our 1:1 iPad programme. This document will be regularly updated with questions we receive over time.