At 91ÌìÌà our priority is clear when it comes to technology and education, and that is to ensure every pupil is well prepared for the digital world and is given the skills to succeed in digital learning both inside and outside the classroom.
Online Services
After looking at the major cloud providers on the market the College made the decision to implement Microsoft 365. This platform enables students to progress academically and have all the necessary tools and resources available 24/7. Not only does the service ensure students have the consistency at school and at home, but it also prepares the students for the professional world of businesses. The Microsoft 365 suite of applications includes several different online services, including Office Professional Plus, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams and a lighter version of Office Suite, presented as Office Web Apps.
Equipment
When students join us in Year 9 (Shell), they each receive a Microsoft Surface Pro to ensure they have the latest technology at their fingertips. Not only is the Surface Pro a useful laptop, it can also become a touchscreen device.
We encourage the use of Digital Inking, which is part of an exciting project 91ÌìÌà is currently exploring with Microsoft. Students are encouraged to bring their Surface Pros to all lessons as with the integration of interactive whiteboards and docking stations, they can share their work through their teachers’ whiteboards.
91ÌìÌà Online
Our students have 24-hour access to 91ÌìÌà Online, a bespoke cloud-based network which runs on Microsoft SharePoint, where useful resources such as revision packs, past exam papers, classwork notes and prep information are stored. In addition, school announcements and documents such as prep timetables are posted here. 91ÌìÌà Online also brings together the use of Microsoft Teams, which is fundamental to how classes can communicate and share resources. 91ÌìÌà was one of the only schools to host internal exams via Teams, a success story that has been explored further by Microsoft.
This thoroughly tested and researched use of technology ensures that students and staff are able to utilise software and hardware, to ensure the very best educational provision.
Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is an important part of education and business and our students are encouraged to develop skills in Microsoft Excel and Word through lessons and tutor sessions. Expertise used regularly in the corporate world – such as constructing professional emails, setting up meetings via Outlook and using excel for financial tracking – are all part of school life. Within our tutorial programmes, all students are expected to communicate online and will have training sessions on the use of Office software. In addition, our Sixth Formers have the option to take Microsoft Office Specialist courses.
Digital Learning Team
The College Digital Learning Team was formed to ensure the continuation and development of technology use throughout the college. This experienced group offers personalised training to staff and continues to research innovative technology that will aid the education of pupils via the digital world. The Digital Learning team plays a crucial role in equipping students and teachers with knowledge about AI tools, with a focus on the benefits and potential risks. Encouraging digital literacy while keeping a focus on critical thinking to help students evaluate what they see online objectively.
The Student Digital Learning Team enables pupils to have a voice for what technology they would like to see within the college, as well as providing support for their peers. They also enjoy trips to Microsoft’s headquarters and experience new immersive technology.