Digital Learning

For almost a decade, pupils at the Leys have benefitted from personal devices as part of the teaching and learning landscape. Teachers harness this technology to give pupils opportunities for creative and independent learning, whilst also training and preparing pupils for the digital systems of work and life our beyond the school gate.

The Google Suite is the core system for digital learning at The Leys, with Google Classroom being the key tool for Teaching and Learning. Years 7-11 are provided with a school-owned device (iPads). A bring your own device (BYOD) laptop scheme is in place for Sixth Form.

Pupils are trained in the effective use of iPads and laptops by a combined digital literacy and digital productivity programme as we recognise that teaching effective behaviours for learning in a digital world is critical to success. We recognise the challenge of digital distraction and the importance of face-to-face communication so we restrict access by providing a whitelisted app-store and firewall that prevents access to social media.

Whilst iPads and Google provide our core digital learning landscape, The Leys has also invested in a unique educational initiative – the Vision Studio. Located in on the top of the main teaching block, the Vision Studio is an education technology lab and production facility. The Vision Studio allows pupils to experience the latest technology including virtual and augmented reality, audio engineering and videography production.

The Vision Studio also provides a training and production base for educational resources and initiatives. These include the use of 360 cameras and drones to create immersive virtual tours throughout the Covid-19 disruption period. These initiatives enabled staff and pupils to continue learning in a period of substantial educational disruption.