Technology Investment for Strangford College

GCSE and A-Level students receive iPads to enhance learning experience 

Strangford College is delighted to announce that every student in Years 11-14 has been provided with their own iPad for their Key Stage 4 and 5 studies.  

This significant investment by the College will support students as they return to school to continue their studies after lockdown. In the event of a disruption to the academic year, the iPads will enable all senior students to work independently and access the resources and blended learning put in place by the College.  If a student should have to self-isolate, their learning can continue at home with all students having the necessary technology available to access the Google Classroom.

Mrs Clare Foster, Principal of Strangford College said, “We are pleased to be able to offer our students this learning opportunity particularly at a time when their lives and their education has been disrupted by COVID-19. Following the successful introduction of iPads to our Sixth Form students, our aim is to develop independent learning amongst our young people by giving them the tools to facilitate learning and to reach their academic potential. It will mean these students can access learning and teaching, whether at home or in school.

“One of the greatest challenges schools had throughout lockdown was supporting students with the technology to enable them to access their studies through Google Classroom and maintain contact with their teachers.

“Thanks to the significant support from our Board of Governors and the College Family Fund, the iPad initiative will support our GCSE and A Level students to learn in new and innovative ways to achieve their full academic and personal potential.”

Strangford College is also making significant progress in an ambitious new build project. The introduction of the iPads will future proof the school and aid students with the transition into the new build.

Mrs Foster added; “We allocated funding for this initiative as a priority. We wanted to be able to support our students in new ways of learning. The iPads will mean that GCSE and A level classes can become largely paperless with electronic submission of homework, electronic note-taking and use of digital textbooks all being possible.”

Research conducted in Northern Ireland in 2017 found that introducing iPads in classrooms has a positive effect on the development of young peoples’ literacy and numeracy skills. Moreover, it shows that the use of iPad devices enhanced children’s communication skills. Young people who use apps to study are often more enthusiastic to learn and become more independent in their studies.

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