Oasis Academy Lord's Hill provides an iPad to every student and teacher as part of its Horizons programme

A secondary school in Lordshill, Southampton has just rolled out a scheme which has provided an iPad to students and teaching staff, not only to ensure that all students have an equality of access to education due to the current COVID environment, but part of a wider strategy that involves improving the curriculum offered by the school - and closing the digital divide.

Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill, part of the Oasis Community Learning family of schools, has distributed over 650 iPads with rugged keyboard cases to students and staff.

Over the coming months, Oasis will continue to embark on a ground-breaking rollout of 35,000 iPad devices to all 52 Oasis Academies in the largest investment in the provision of iPads in England to date, enabling students to conduct their own research delving deeper into their subject and enabling them to follow their own lines of enquiry.

Benjamin Bond, Principal at Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill, commented saying; “We are extremely excited to be part of the Oasis Community Learning Horizons project. Every child now has access to an exceptional device enabling them to complete research, enhance their learning and develop as learners. The project is digitally transforming Oasis Lord’s Hill, moving us to the cutting edge of technology and learning, enabling us to help our children prepare for the 21st century.”

The devices will support every student on their learning journey regardless of their starting points, removing many of the barriers some young people face in accessing learning resources outside of school.

Sam Genovese, Curriculum Leader at Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill, added; “iPads in the classroom are an absolute game changer! In a flash, I can so easily see what my students are doing and thinking. I can capture an immense amount of data from everyone to then inform my teaching both within the lesson and across a unit to support outstanding pupil progress. This technology will revolutionise teaching and learning at Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill for the benefit of the community we serve.”

Every student will be taught how to make the most of their device, and how to look after it. If an iPad is reported missing it can be locked remotely, and then have its location tracked.

A number of students have commented saying how much they are enjoying using their devices, with Tegan saying; “I like using the iPads for learning because it keeps me more focused on what I’m doing and I can research more on a iPad.” And Leia adding; “I like using my iPad in class because it’s more encouraging and exciting to do work!”

Parents of students from across all year groups have thanked the school for giving their children these devices, they said; “The school have been fantastic in terms of online work and communication between staff and parents/children.”