Digital Literacy
“We live in a digital age. Technology has transformed how we do things, from communication with friends and family to learning about the world around us. The pupils we teach do not know a life without it. The opportunities it offers us to improve education are truly exciting.” Sir Kevin Collins (CEO of EEF)
Digital literacy is the knowledge and skills pupils need to be able to use technology confidently, competently and in a safe way. Our ICT curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure pupils learn how to operate devices at a mechanical level, searching and selecting information and how to use digital devices safely and responsibly.
However here at St. Aidan’s, digital literacy extends far beyond the ICT curriculum. Our bespoke curriculum is complemented by a range of strategies which ensure pupils continue to develop and practise their digital literacy in all key stages. As a result, our pupils are fluent and critical users of technology who are prepared for success in higher education or a professional career.
We have a culture of digital literacy across all subject areas through our use of Microsoft Teams:
- Class Notebook – pupils using digital assistance within the classroom work on Class Notebook
- Summit rooms – pupils access resources beyond the curriculum in key stage 4/5 which help to develop greater depth
- Climb rooms – KS3 pupils access opportunities beyond the curriculum supporting their personal development
- Class groups – pupils access resources, revision materials and live scholarly reading articles
- Assignments – pupils are set gap work, homework and revision tasks online
- Posts – pupils receive key information and updates from their teachers
- Communication – pupils interact with their teachers directly asking for support or seeking feedback
Some subjects use specialist platforms to support learning outside the classroom:
- Educake
- Quizlet
- Knowitallninjas
- Sparx
At KS4 and 5 the following subjects continue to develop digital literacy through their use of technology:
- BTEC Business studies
- BTEC Engineering
- BTEC Sports science
- BTEC Music
We also offer enrichment clubs which give pupils regular opportunities to develop their digital literacy:
- Homework club – staff are available every day after school for an hour to support with their online learning
- Enterprise club
- Bronze iDEA – digital enterprise
All digital literacy within our academy is underpinned by our online safety policies.