Connect Multi Academy Trust has strengthened its investment in digital learning by providing every Key Stage 2 pupil at Catchgate Primary School with their own iPad to use for one-to-one learning in the classroom.
The initiative will give pupils regular access to technology throughout the school day, supporting teachers to create more personalised learning experiences and helping children to develop greater independence and confidence in their learning.
The scheme follows a successful rollout at Castleside Primary School during the previous academic year. Castleside and Catchgate share the same Executive Headteacher, allowing the schools to build on the experience and successes of the initial programme.
At Castleside, teachers saw pupils become increasingly independent in the classroom, using their devices to access resources, complete activities and take greater ownership of their learning.
The technology also provides teachers with valuable insight into pupils' understanding. By seeing how children are progressing through activities, teachers can identify areas of the curriculum where an individual pupil may be finding something difficult and provide targeted support when it is needed.
Following the positive impact at Castleside, the Trust is now extending the opportunity to Catchgate, ensuring every KS2 pupil has access to their own device in the classroom.
Mrs Jo Woodhall, Executive Headteacher of Catchgate and Castleside Primary Schools, said:
“We are delighted to launch our 1:1 iPad programme for Key Stage 2. This exciting investment will enhance learning, inspire creativity, and help every child develop the digital skills they need to thrive in the modern world.
“We are incredibly grateful to Connect Multi-Academy Trust for their support in making this vision a reality and providing our pupils with opportunities that will enrich their learning both in and beyond the classroom.”
The excitement surrounding the new technology has already been felt by pupils at Catchgate, with Year 3 children sharing their enthusiasm and gratitude for their new devices.
One pupil said: “I am really happy, I can't believe that you gave us iPads!”
Another added: “I feel so grateful because it is the first time having an iPad pen and I can't believe that I can learn using an iPad that I don't have to share.”
A third pupil shared their excitement, saying: “Excited because we got something new and I am thankful because not every school has these and I love that they have a pen and a stand.”
Other pupils described the iPads as “so cool” and “awesome”, with one simply saying, “Thank you.”
The enthusiasm from pupils highlights the difference that access to individual devices can make, not only in supporting their education but also in inspiring excitement and a positive attitude towards learning.
The iPads are not intended to replace traditional teaching methods. Instead, they provide teachers with an additional tool that can complement classroom teaching and allow learning to be adapted to the needs of individual pupils.
For pupils, this could mean accessing additional support when they find a topic challenging or progressing to further activities when they are ready for a greater challenge.
The investment forms part of Connect Multi Academy Trust's commitment to providing its schools with the resources and opportunities they need to deliver high-quality education while preparing pupils with the digital skills they will need for the future.
With the new devices now in place, Catchgate Primary School is taking the next step in developing a classroom environment where technology supports independence, responds to individual learning needs and gives every child the opportunity to thrive.