How we are using iPads to enhance learning in the classroom

We have provided a one-to-one iPad for every child in Years 4, 5 and 6 since September 2023, at no cost to children or their families. We are finding that iPads are having a positive impact on teaching and learning, helping to increase engagement, independence and accessibility for all learners.

As one teacher said after only a few weeks:

“I can’t imagine teaching without them and would never want to!”

The iPads are not used as a replacement for high-quality teaching. Instead, they are another tool that allows our teachers to support children more effectively, personalise learning and provide opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.

Supporting All Learners

One of the greatest benefits of the iPads is the range of accessibility features available to children. Features such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text and translation tools help pupils access learning independently and confidently, often without drawing attention to themselves.

Children can revisit teaching slides, view resources at their own pace and watch recorded worked examples if they need additional support. This allows them to take greater ownership of their learning and develop independence in the classroom.

Teachers can also use a range of digital tools to scaffold learning, provide tailored support and give personalised feedback, including voice notes and recorded explanations.

Enhancing Classroom Teaching

The iPads enable teachers to make learning more interactive and responsive. Children can share their work instantly, respond to questions in real time and access resources quickly and efficiently.

Teachers in classes without one-to-one iPads also use their own iPad as a teaching tool, mirroring it to the classroom screen. This allows them to move freely around the classroom while teaching, zoom in on examples and images, annotate presentations and share children’s work instantly using the camera.

This flexibility helps teachers respond quickly to children’s needs and makes learning more engaging and accessible for everyone.

Maintaining High Standards of Handwriting and Presentation

A common question from parents is whether children still complete written work in their books. The answer is absolutely yes.

While iPads are an important learning tool, children continue to record a significant amount of work in their exercise books across the curriculum. We maintain high expectations for handwriting, presentation and the quality of written work, and these remain important priorities throughout the school.

The iPads enhance learning by providing access to resources, opportunities for collaboration, feedback and creativity, but they do not replace the development of essential handwriting and recording skills.

Safe and Purposeful Use

Children use their iPads as part of carefully planned learning activities directed by their teacher. They are typically working on educational platforms, curriculum resources and learning applications that have been selected to support the lesson objectives.

The devices are not used for unrestricted browsing and rarely used for independent internet searching during lessons. All iPads are protected by robust filtering and monitoring systems, helping to ensure that children can learn safely online.

Alongside this, we teach children how to use technology responsibly, safely and respectfully, supporting them to become confident and responsible digital citizens.

Preparing Children for the Future

Technology is an increasingly important part of everyday life, education and the workplace. By integrating iPads thoughtfully into our curriculum, we are helping children to develop the digital skills, independence and confidence they will need in the future, while continuing to value the importance of reading, writing, handwriting, communication and personal interaction.

Our aim is simple: to use technology where it genuinely improves learning and to ensure that every child has access to the tools they need to succeed.

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