iPads for Learning

In 2012 the school embarked on our iPad 1-1 scheme, and we now have over 2200 iPads in school used by all our students and staff. Students are not allowed to use personal devices in school, except for those in Sixth Form and we have iPad schemes available to join in Years 7, 10 and 12. For students joining the school at any other time please see the relevant Year Group Section. 

The philosophy for implementing the 1-1 iPad scheme was to: 

• ensure equality of access to the internet at school and at home 

• prepare students for working and living in a digital age 

• support self-led research and problem solving 

• improve the quality of feedback, home learning, and collaboration 

• provide new and innovative ways for students to learn 

• benefit from the accessibility options available on the iPad, to support the needs of all learners. 

With the digital world developing so fast we are extremely proud of our students’ and teachers’ innovative use of technology to enhance the teaching and learning experience.  

We now use the iPad for many of our key systems and infrastructure.  

• Direct communication via email using Outlook. 

• Arbor for student Timetables and for recording and submitting home learning. 

• Classcharts, which records the positive achievement system (positives and negatives).  

• Showbie, where staff share a wide range of resources and provide feedback and students can upload work, they have completed and revisit lessons. 

• Students can pre-order a grab-bag lunch, for example if they have a lunchtime club. 

• Students can use the Reach-Out app, to report any incidents they may have experienced or witnessed around school, which do not meet with our school values of respect. 

• Access to eBooks via the school’s Overdrive site. 

The majority of our classrooms are desk-top free, with teachers using the iPad to screen mirror. This enables the teacher to move freely around the room supporting students, providing feedback, and adapting the lesson to address any misconceptions. Clear routines are embedded, where students will be told ‘iPads shut,’ when the focus is on teacher input or handwritten work in exercise books.  

Inclusion 

The accessibility functions of the iPad mean students can enlarge text, have coloured filters over their work, zoom in to see things more clearly and have text read out aloud to them if required. These built-in accessibility features make the iPad an excellent tool for inclusion in the classroom, ensuring all students, can participate in activities alongside their peers. 

Our 1:1 iPad scheme provides every student with access to powerful digital tools that enhance and support their learning. iPads are used thoughtfully and purposefully to complement traditional learning methods, not replace them. Students continue to work in exercise books, develop handwriting skills, and engage in a wide range of other practical activities. The iPad is an educational resource that helps broaden opportunities for research, creativity, and collaboration. It is used to enrich lessons and deepen understanding. This balanced approach ensures students are prepared for the digital future, whilst maintaining essential skills and healthy screen time habits. 

Safeguarding Children Using iPads in School 

To ensure the safe use of iPads within the school environment, all devices are managed under strict safeguarding protocols. iPads at HGS are configured with secure filtering systems to prevent access to inappropriate content and to log usage for accountability. The use of iPads is also monitored closely with regular spot checks done on student iPads during the day.  Staff model safe and responsible use of technology and provide regular guidance to students on online safety, including the risks of sharing personal information and engaging in unsafe communication. Students are required to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy, and any misuse is promptly addressed in line with safeguarding procedures. Regular updates and training for staff and students reinforce awareness of cyber security standards, copyright compliance, and the importance of reporting concerns immediately to a trusted adult or a member of the designated safeguarding team, who can be found here: Designated Safeguarding Team