Blending the digital with the traditional
Pupils are working in an increasingly digital age. This is something that was recognised by Rydal Penrhos and resulted in the introduction of free iPads to boost their development in and out of the classroom.
However, the school also understands the importance of keeping more traditional methods of teaching and learning in place.
Firstly as a school, we know our children and that each and every one of them is different and thrives with different learning and teaching methods.
Secondly, the world still requires some of the more traditional educational skills developed over time, and so not to use them while they are with us here at Rydal Penrhos would be to put them at a disadvantage for future education and employment.
Teaching staff at Rydal Penrhos are presently using a combination of iPads and the “old school” pen and paper during their lessons. This gives each pupil the opportunity to use technology in a way that will enhance learning and build key modern-day skills, in addition to maintaining handwriting techniques that remain essential in an ever-changing world.
The use of writing even comes into effect when pupils use their iPads. The school implements Microsoft Teams and sharing worksheets via Class Notebook, meaning they still have to write, but pupils just use their pen that came with the electronic device.
This means teaching staff can mark their work in real-time on their iPads, where pupils can see comments and tips instantly appearing as their teacher is writing them.
All assessments are handwritten as normal, which is fantastic preparation for pupils embarking on GCSE or A Level examinations, where they are expected to hand-write answers to questions in a bid to secure high marks.
Paul Sanders, who is the Head of Key Stage 4 at Rydal Penrhos, said: “At Rydal Penrhos, we incorporate a wide variety of teaching resources, methodology and the latest pedagogy into our lessons.
“We take advantage of advancements in technology, for example, our use of the pupil iPads; but we stress the importance of handwriting too. When our pupils come to their external examinations be it at GCSE or A Level, they will be expected to hand-write their responses. It is vital that pupils, therefore, across the school continue to practice this important skill.
“In fact, research backs this up: the brain engages differently when we write something by hand as opposed to typing it on a keyboard or by touching a screen. Studies show that writing improves memory; pupils retain learning better when working with new ideas through handwriting instead of typing.”
While staff at Rydal Penrhos are always moving with the times – especially with the events of the last 12 months – finding the right balance between the digital and the traditional can make all the difference.