eLearning @ BDPS
In January 2013, Benton Dene Primary pupils were among the first in North Tyneside to have the opportunity to lease their own iPads from school to use both in class and at home.
Since then, iPads have truly revolutionised teaching and learning in our classrooms.
Cross curricular approach
At BDPS we understand that we are preparing children for jobs that haven’t been invented yet. We therefore incorporate eLearning throughout the curriculum, not solely in Computing lessons. Children are encouraged to explore the ways in which they can use technology as a tool in order to enhance their learning throughout all of their lessons. This may come in the format of researching their current History and Geography Topic, or creating a Keynote about their Scientific findings.
Progressive computing lessons
Working alongside the North Tyneside Local Authority, we have collaborated to design a progressive Computing Curriculum. Learning is divided into three parts: Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology. Children are encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of how computers work, while giving them practical experience of building, coding and debugging algorithms.
This is accessed through our wide use of technologies as follows:
Micro:bits - micro:bit is a tiny programmable computer, designed to make learning and teaching easy and fun!
EV3 - LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 makes building, programming and commanding your own LEGO robots smarter, faster, and more fun than ever!
iPads - With a wide range of capabilities, iPad are changing the way we learn.
Green Screen - The green screen effect works by combining images from multiple sources into a single video.
Lego We Do - WeDo is a primary education resource developed for younger primary school pupils as an introduction to control technology and programming using robotics.
Bee Bots - these easy to operate, friendly robots are a perfect tool for teaching directionality, sequencing, estimation, problem solving, and just having fun.
Clubs, Including Lego, Code and Minecraft
At Benton Dene Primary School we offer a range of Computing clubs to further enhance children’s knowledge and passion for Computing related topics:
- First Lego League
- Lego League Juniors
- Minecraft
- Code Club
- Digital Leaders
We believe that the involvement in extra curricular clubs such as these offer children the opportunity to explore potential careers in STEAM related industries.
iPad school
At Benton Dene Primary School, we have ran an iPad scheme since 2013. We have seen phenomenal success in terms of standards and attainment across Key Stage 2. iPads have been integrated into the curriculum and have transformed the student learning experience; children are now able and eager to continue their learning at home. At school, students are engaged, motivated and are continuously learning new skills to equip them for the 21st century.
Children throughout Key Stages 1 and 2 utilise iPads for a multitude of purposes, to record, share and distribute different work. The use of iPads has redefined our approach to teaching and allows children to creatively and purposefully record work in different ways.
