As you would expect we are continuously looking to improve the quality of Teaching and Learning at DMA and we have provided staff and students with an exciting array of opportunities to develop their practice. A focus on skills as well as knowledge alongside access to resources are key contributors to our teaching and learning. We believe the use of the iPad will contribute to allowing students to access these higher types of learning.
At its core we believe that spend on technology by parents and the school is inevitable and as such we must ensure that the money we invest makes the biggest difference.
We fundamentally believe that engaging and challenging traditional teaching with written outcomes contribute to the greatest progress and that clever and innovative technology can be used to support these aims. The quality of written work and homework will improve by replacing word processors (school computer rooms and home laptops) with devices that can facilitate traditional functionality, but importantly progress to much better supporting the knowledge and comprehension that goes into written work the results have been seen in sustained outstanding outcomes at Chesterton Community College and we believe will support DMA in the next stage of acheiving outstanding results
We also understand that over reliance on technology could risk having the adverse effect and that with the technology itself comes more than just access to resources. A robust continuous eSafety program, technological solutions and tiered approach to family support all work to ensure that children use the devices sensibly and safely. Central to the success of any school initiative is to link home and school life harmoniously and this is why we allow email and filtered internet access alongside age appropriate access to Apps for personal use. We find working with students and families on their online life and safety is more effective than sweeping issues under the carpet.
How the scheme works
Year 7
In Year 7, the school looks to provide all students with an iPad with restrictions on that enable students to develop their understanding of how to use iPads effectively in the classroom.
We know that effective use of the iPad can effectively support learning where: students are adept at using them for learning; they are used to bridge the gap between the teacher / textbook and the writing; support resources are accessible and where students feel the device is their own.
More information is available on the links on this page and towards the bottom of the page you will find the support we offer to parents.
Please see the list of apps for year 7 below.
Skitch Lexia Strategies Onenote Dc Circuit Builder Hudl Technique Nearpod Onedrive Word QR Reader Seesaw Sway Aurasma PowerPoint Flashcards Socrative Popplet lite adobe Spark Page thinglink |
charades! Plotagon Thinking Kit Book Creator Quizlet Geogebra Puppetpals HD Adobe spark Video Excel Study Blue Post-it plus Explain Everything iMovie Adobe Acrobat Showbie Build-a-body Teams |
Financing Scheme
For the scheme to run we need the majority of parents to contribute donations for the program to be viable. We appreciate some families will be unable to contribute 10 each month but may like to make a smaller donation. We are very appreciative of the support families can give.
Option 1 – 10 monthly contributions to be made towards funding the scheme
Option 2 – If you would prefer to make a one-off contribution, we ask for a donation of 100 for every year of attendance. Year 7 we would ask for a donation of 500, year 8 400, year 9 300 and year 10 200
Option 3 I am unable / unwilling to contribute to the scheme.
We know that some parents are on low incomes, even though their child is not entitled to Free School Meals. If there is a genuine hardship issue and you are concerned about your ability to pay the full amount, please contact finance@downhammarketacademy.co.uk