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Good Practice - Case Studies

Date

School & Subject

Subject Coverage

May 2013

Updated

killigrew logoKilligrew Primary and Nursery Schools - Using Android Tablets in a Primary School

Killigrew Primary and Nursery School is a two form entry school near St. Albans. We first visited this school in December 2012 to look at their use of Android based tablets, which the school purchased in the autumn term of that year.

Their 16 Toshiba AT300-101 tablet computers were purchased for general cross-curricular use in all classes. The school has an extensive PC network, running RM Community Connect 4, which includes an ICT suite as well as laptops for use in classrooms.

When the first version of this case study was published at the beginning of 2013, the tablets were new to the school so it was decided we would revisit the case a few months later to see how the use of these devices had developed. Killigrew Case Study.....

EYFS, KS2

July 2012

Woodfield School logoWoodfield School
ICT in a Special School – the 3rd Millennium Learning Award

Woodfield School in Hemel Hempstead is a school for children and young people with severe learning difficulties. It has 64 pupils on roll, aged between 3 and 19.

The school first achieved the ICT Mark in 2005 and in 2012 took part in the pilot phase of the NAACE 3rd Millennium Learning Award, which they were successful in achieving in the summer term. This award “celebrates schools' achievements in creating an environment and curriculum that stimulate more and better learning, making full use of the opportunities presented by technology”. More...

All Key Stages

ICT, cross curricular, SEND

July 2012

Therfield First School logoTherfield First School
Using ICT to create art work inspired by the paintings of David Hockney

During the Spring Term of 2012 the 11 children in years 3 & 4, including two autistic pupils, created artwork inspired by the exhibition of David Hockney’s work at The Royal Academy in London. As Hockney used iPads to create some of the artwork on display at this exhibition, the children also used ICT as one of the creative methods. More...

KS2

Art & ICT

Apr 2012

Sandringham School logoSandringham School
Using iPads in Art to create work inspired by David Hockney

In the Spring term of 2012 a group of able, gifted and talented students in years 8 and 9 took part in a project where they used iPads to create artwork inspired by ‘paintings’ by David Hockney, also created using an iPad, which have been exhibited in London.

Whilst this project was for a group of able, gifted and talented students, the teachers involved definitely feel there is great potential in using the iPads in art, for all students. More...

KS3
(Relevance to 2, 4, 5)

Art & ICT

Mar 2012

Oughton Childrens Centre logoSt Lukes School
One-to-one Use of Netbooks by Students with Moderate Learning Difficulties

St. Luke’s School is a specialist Science and Humanities college for students with moderate learning difficulties. There are approximately 150 students on roll.

As part of a project sponsored by European Schoolnet and the technology company Acer, St. Luke’s received enough Acer ‘Aspire One’ Netbooks to equip every student with their own personal device, for use during the school day around the school. More...

KS3, KS4 & KS5

Cross Curricular

Mar 2012

Oughton Childrens Centre logoOughton Children’s Centre
Using Facebook for Children’s Centre Communication & Promotion

Oughton Children’s Centre is a Sure Start centre serving a wide area in Hitchin and some of the surrounding villages.

Over 500 families have registered to use the facilities and services.

In October 2011 the centre manager set up a Facebook ‘fan page’ to use as a communication tool for reaching local parents and carers. More...

Communication & Promotion

Mar 2012

Panshanger Primary School logoPanshanger Primary School
Use of Edmodo ‘Social Learning Platform’

Edmodo is a free ‘social learning platform’ that works in a similar way to social networking platforms, but with added functionality to support its use in schools, for which it is designed. During the autumn and spring term 2011/2012 Panshanger Primary School trialled the use of Edmodo with a year 6 class to see how online tools of this type could aid class communication and organisation, particularly with home access in mind. More...

KS2

All Subjects

Mar 2012

Shepherd Primary School logoShepherd Primary School
Use of Kindle eReaders

During the spring term 2012 Kindle ebook readers were introduced into years 4 and 6, with the aim of motivating reluctant readers. The Kindle is designed for just one purpose, which is reading. Without the potential distraction of other functions, but still with the motivational factor of it being an ‘exciting electronic device. More...

KS2

Literacy

Oct 2011

William Ransom School logoWilliam Ransom
Using Twitter and Social Media to Communicate with Parents

Schools are always trying to develop better home-school links and create a community of learning between parents, carers and the school.  William Ransom school in Hitchin have extended their online communication toolkit to include Twitter, sending brief, regular updates to parents and carers. Read this case study see how this might work in your school. More...

KS2

Communicating with Parents

Sep 2011

Verulam School logoVerulam School

Using Social Media tools for home/school communication

Verulam School is an all boys secondary school in St. Albans, with specialisms in Technology and MFL. It converted to Academy status in August 2011.

Since 2009 the school has used social media tools, in particular Facebook and Twitter, to complement the school website as a method of communication with parents, older students, ex-students, teachers and others who may have an interest in the school. More...

Communicating with Parents

Sep 2011

Herts and Essex High School Logo... Hertfordshire and Essex High School

Using Video Conferencing for Distance Learning at ‘A’ Level

The Hertfordshire & Essex High School in Bishop’s Stortford is a girls’ secondary school with just over 1000 students on roll. The school has used video conferencing through the Hertfordshire Grid for Learning for a number of years, for different educational projects. During this time it has established the delivery of some ‘A’ Level subjects through distance learning providers, using video conferencing for regular tutorials between the teachers and students.

More...

KS5
Various

May 2011

Forres Primary School Logo...Fair Field Junior School

Using Ubuntu on a Curriculum Network

Fair Field Junior School in Radlett is a 2 form entry junior with approximately 212 pupils on role. The school has been running the free Ubuntu (Linux) operating system on its curriculum computers since September 2010, with a variety of open source and web based software being used in different subject areas. This is being seen by the school as a ‘pilot’. The financial savings are so significant, and as the Ubuntu network is efficient and easy to set up and administer, the Headteacher felt it was well worth piloting. The school office continue to use Windows computers and teachers and the SLT use personal Apple Mac laptops. More...

KS2 (relevance to all)

Cross Curricular

Mar 2011

Forres Primary School Logo...Forres Primary School

Use of iPod Touch Handhelds at Forres Primary School

Since September 2010 the school has been implementing the use of iPod Touch handheld devices across the curriculum, in every year group. The school owns 30 iPods, purchase of which was part funded by the PTA. In addition to the devices they purchased a ‘Parasync’ charging dock which can charge up to 20 devices at one time, and synchronise each one to a laptop computer in order to transfer programs (apps,) photographs etc. This is housed in a wheeled suitcase so that the set of iPods can be easily moved around from class to class. The devices are managed by the school’s ICT Technician. More...

KS1 & KS2

Cross Curricular

Mar 2011

Holywell Primary School Logo...Holywell Primary School

Use of Apple iPad Tablet Computers in Foundation Stage.

The school purchased 3 iPad tablet computers primarily for use in the foundation stage, which enjoys a newly purpose built unit, opened in 2010.  The Headteacher and ICT subject leader were keen to explore the potential of the touch-interface of the iPad for enabling the children to access this type of ICT and the wide range of early learning games and activities available on this platform. More...

FS/KS1

Early learning

Sep 2010

Holy Family Primary School Logo...Cuffley School logoHoly Family Primary School &
Cuffley School

Using Netbooks for one-to-one computing in Year 6.

These case studies focus on two Hertfordshire schools that are using netbooks (also known as ‘minibooks,’ and ‘mini laptops’) to provide one-to-one computing for pupils in year 6. The underlying aim is that children will have greater and more personalised access to ICT across the curriculum… More...

KS2

ICT, Cross Curricular

Jul 2010

Holdbrook Primary School logoHoldbrook Primary School

Use of iPod Touch handhelds at Holdbrook Primary School.

Holdbrook Primary School in Waltham Cross are running an innovative project using Apple's iPod Touch devices with 'brain training' type mental maths software. Children in year 6 have been taking part in daily sessions during the summer term, with year 5 children being introduced to the iPods as well. More...

KS2

ICT, Mathematics

Jun 2010

The Reddings Primary & Nursery School logoThe Reddings Primary & Nursery School

Using Nintendo DS Handheld Gaming Devices in Year 6.

During the Spring term 2010 The Reddings Primary and Nursery School in Hemel Hempstead ran a project in Year 6 using Nintendo DS gaming consoles, together with brain training software: More Brain Training by Dr. Kawashima: How Old Is Your Brain?

Across a 9 week period the children carried out 10 to 15 minutes of mental cognition exercises using the games, and their “brain age” score was recorded on a weekly basis. More...

KS2

ICT, Mathematics & English

Feb 2010

The Grove Junior School logoThe Grove Junior School

A new approach to presenting the Ancient Greeks:

As part of their history homework, the year 5 pupils in Rowan class at Grove Junior School were asked to present a Greek myth in any way, shape or form that they wished. 

They had the option of choosing to use ICT, but this was not a prerequisite.

Emily was inspired by an example of a “talking chin” she had seen on youtube and decided to adapt the idea for her homework. More...

KS2

ICT, History
Speaking & Listening

Feb 2010

The John Warner School logoFearnhill School logoFearnhill School & The John Warner School

School radio stations are becoming more popular across the county, and there are many different options and possibilities when considering the use of this type of technology. This case study looks at two secondary schools which have each taken a different approach to setting up and running their school radio stations. More...

KS2 - KS5

School Radio Stations

Feb 2010

Wheatfields Infants & Nursery School logoWheatfields Infants & Nursery School

The school is promoting good posture and teaching children to set themselves up properly at computers from an early age, by providing guidance/coaching and a toolkit of “I can” statements on “healthy computing” as part of their everyday school life.

The classroom is the workplace for children and in many UK classrooms the computer set-up for children would have been considered “illegal” if it were an adult workplace.  The school has revamped its computer workstations at low cost so that they now fit the children. More...

All Key Stages

Healthy Computing / Posture
ICT

Dec 2009

St Joseph Catholic Primary School logoA Learning Platform Journey

The Learning Platform provides an online tool to promote communication and collaboration across the whole school community. St Josephs have been developing their Learning Platform over the past year for the benefit of staff, pupils and parents. More...

Primary, relevant to all

ICT, cross-curricular

Oct 2009

Whithill Junior School logoWhitehill Junior School - Literacy Art & ICT Project

This project at Whitehill Junior School (046) in Hitchin was undertaken as part of the National Portrait Gallery’s ‘Take One Picture’.  A film was made bringing the characters in the painting to life.  More...

KS2

ICT & Literacy

Dec 2008

Knutsford School logoKnutsford School

Honeycomb is an integrated set of online creativity and collaboration tools. It incorporates Web 2.0 functionality such as blogs and wikis, as well as a simple drag and drop webpage creation tool. Pupils’ work can be shared online with a closed group, who can comment on the published work, leave virtual stickers and collaborate with the creator. More...

KS2 (applicable to 1 & 3)

Softease ‘Honeycomb’ Pilot: ICT, cross-curricular

Dec 2008

Summer Challenge (SSOSHL)

Traditionally it has been diffi cult to provide Study Support and Out of School Hours Learning activities in schools for children with learning diffi culties because the pupils are drawn from a wide geographical area and transport issues become a barrier. This project attempted to overcome this problem by providing a week long summer school of SSOSHL activity on the theme of developing friendship and team work, using the media of art and design. The programme was delivered in partnership with UFA (University of the First Age) and an external artist and took place at a school for pupils with MLD. More...

SEN KS2 & KS3

Using media with art and design

Dec 2008

Herts ACTIVote Pilot Case Study
With an increasing focus on Assessment for Learning, learner response systems can have a huge impact in the classroom. During June 2008, two schools in Hertfordshire took part in an eight-week pilot programme to put Promethean and Activote learner response system to the test. More...

All key stages
ICT, cross-curricular

Aug 2008

Dewhurst School logoDewhurst School

Children on a residential school trip created daily podcasts and posted online videos and photos to keep their families up to date with their adventures.

KS2 (Relevant to all)
ICT, cross-curricular

Podcasting

Apr 2008

Therfield First School logoTherfield First School: Review of Art & Design Work in 2007
This review presented for the Governors and staff of the school drew together all the cross-curricular aspects of a wide variety of class and whole school activities throughout the year.

Primary:
Art / Design & Technology / ICT / Literacy / Numeracy / History / Geography / RE / PSHE / Citizenship

Feb 2008

Sandon JMI School logoSandon JMI School & Francis Combe School
Podcasting, or the delivery of radio-style broadcasts across the internet, is rapidly gaining popularity in schools. It offers an engaging, creative and exciting way to use ICT in different curriculum areas, as well as helping youngsters to develop a number of key skills.Francis Combe School logo

All key stages
Podcasting in Hertfordshire Schools

Nov 2007

Cunningham Hill Infants School

Drawing of a KiwiVisualisers We began the new Autumn Term with plenty of enthusiasm for our new resource and were keen to introduce it to Year 2. This was where the WOW factor came in. All the children were very enthusiastic and wanted to try all sorts of ideas on the visualiser.

Foundation / KS1
Use of Visualisers for cross curricular

Nov 2007

Kings Langley Secondary School
Kings Langley Secondary school logoModelling does not come easily for many students. The concepts are much too abstract. You ask them to work out how much profit they will make if they buy roses for 50p each and sell 20 for 90p. The majority of students will have no problem in giving the right answer. Teaching and learning becomes more challenging when you ask students to translate the simple calculation into (A2-A1)*B3. There has to be a better way of covering modelling...

KS3
ICT Game Authoring/ Extended Projects/
Modelling

Oct 2007

Cunningham Hill Infants SchoolVoting System...
For this trial the CPS voting system was loaned from Hertsfordshire Development Centre. 26 Year two children were involved in using the voting systems as a tool for learning with the aim of finding out about the possibilities within a Key Stage 1 curriculum.

KS1
Voting System for cross curricular work

Oct 2007

St Lukes School
Sony Playstation portableIt is estimated that today 95% of young people own some form of mobile technology. This may be a mobile phone, a handheld gaming device, an MP3 player or a combination of all three. It is a technology aimed at young people, that young people know, and that has become a ubiquitous part of their lives, used to communicate, create, record and share.

KS3 & KS4
Numeracy, ICTAC
Special Needs

Oct 2007

Francis Bacon Maths & Computing CollegeFrancis Bacon Maths & Computing College
A range of learning and teaching strategies are being combined at Francis Bacon Maths and Computing College to enable students to work independently within ICT yet at the same time receive very structured guidance on their current attainment and how to progress.

KS3 & KS4
Personalised Learning and Assessment within ICT

July 2007

Visualiser...St Lukes School in Redbourn is a Special School for children and young people with moderate learning difficulties and associated needs. Recently a number of the classrooms have been equipped with GeneeVision 6100 Visualisers.

Special Schools
Inclusion / Visualisers - cross curricular

May 2007

Heathlands School...Heathlands School
Story Telling Video Conference
Heathlands School is an all age community special school for deaf children. On March 26th 2007 children from the Primary department in St. Albans took part in Video Conferencing event for hearing impaired children, hosted by the London Grid for Learning (LGfL.)

Special Schools
Video Conferencing / Literacy / Drama

Apr 2007

Whitehill Junior School logo...Whitehill Junior School

ChickCam – Using Video Conferencing technology to observe chicks hatching in an incubator.

This little project at Whitehill Junior School (046) in Hitchin is a superb example of using technology in an imaginative way. 

KS2
Video Conferencing / Science

Feb 2007

Colney Heath logoColney Heath School trialled a Promethean ACTIVote voting system during the autumn term 2006.


Primary
Using a Voting System for Pupil Voice

Feb 2007

Pressdales logoPresdales School The results of an evaluation of the ease of use of a voting system in the classroom.

Secondary
Voting System

Jan 2007

Roundwood Park logoRoundwood Park School As a Mathematics and Computing College, our focus is very much on encouraging all students to take an interest in ICT. At KS4 and 5 there has been a definite imbalance in the amount of girls who would like to pursue an ICT based course and so the club was started to try and remedy this in the future. 

Secondary
Computer Clubs 4 Girls (CC4G)

Dec 2006

The Valley School Using video-conferencing to enable pupils in a book club to discuss books they have read with pupils in another school.

Special Schools
Video Conferencing

June 2006

St Luke's School The great thing is that ICT is accessible to all pupils with careful planning, preparation and delivery. 

Oh…….and lots of enthusiasm!!

Special Schools
ICT in Special School

January 2006

St Luke's School
The results of an evaluation of the ease of use of a voting system in the classroom and its benefits for learners, particularly those with learning difficulties.

KS3 & KS4
Voting Systems

November 2005

Watling View School
Watling ViewUsing video conferencing to allow learners to work collaboratively with other SLD learners at Lakeside School.

Secondary
Video Conferencing

November

2005

St Luke's School
Video conferencing with an international group of teachers and learners.

Secondary
Video Conferencing

April 2005

The Best of Both Worlds - Using ICT and Geography to Develop an Understanding of our Changing Local Environment

Schools in the Stevenage area undertook a variety of projects to demonstrate using ICT in Geography....More

Geography, ICT & Gifted & Talented

April 2005

The Wroxham Logo

The Wroxham School

All children at Wroxham School have an opportunity to share in decision making. Our ethos is one of a ‘listening school’ where everyone is valued.

Primary
PSHE and ICT

March 2005

Watford Learning logo Watford Playing for Success

Playing for Success (PfS) is a DfES funded national initiative which uses sport to motivate young people to become successful learners.

Primary & Secondary
Literacy, Numeracy and ICT

Feb 2005

harwoodhilllogoHarwood Hill JMI & Nursery School

An interactive board used to help children see the use of ICT across the curriculum.

KS2
ICT Cross Curriculum