Students who are technologically confident and digitally fluent won’t just flourish in the classroom. They’ll also be ready to meet the demands of an evolving workplace.
How do schools make learning both fun and engaging while preparing students for the jobs of the future? For Kingsland CE Academy — a primary school in Stoke-on-Trent — the answer is as easy as ABC. By helping children become confident and creative with technology, teachers are also equipping them with first-class digital skills.
Preparing students for the workplaces of tomorrow
The thinking goes that if students are technologically savvy and digitally fluent from an early age, they won’t just flourish in the classroom — they’ll be able to thrive in life. They’ll also be ready to meet the demands of an evolving workplace, because some will be doing jobs that haven’t even been invented yet.
With that in mind, Kingsland has created a safe, supportive environment where every pupil is encouraged to explore, express themselves and grow. Adobe Express is an educational tool in the classroom that’s been able to connect children with key topics, bring learning to life and help them navigate an increasingly digital-first world.
if students are technologically savvy and digitally fluent from an early age, they
won’t just flourish in the classroom — they’ll be able to thrive in life.
Valuable technology for special educational needs students
“It’s all about being intentional with technology,” explains Kenny Bartonshaw, whose roles include Assistant Principal, Year Two teacher and Computing Lead at Kingsland. “Students are learning that it can help them achieve really worthwhile things, beyond researching in class and gaming at home.”
Another plus is that this type of tech makes digital literacy accessible to all. As an alternative to pen-and-paper tasks, it’s been especially valuable for those who find reading and writing a challenge. “We’ve also found that our SEN (Special Educational Needs) children have been able to attempt work they perhaps wouldn’t have beforehand due to learning barriers,” says N Salt, Teaching & Learning Practitioner at Kingsland.
Overall, Kingsland has seen big improvements in digital literacy, communication and collaboration across the board. “These aren’t just digital skills pupils are gaining,” emphasises Bartonshaw. “They’re skills for learning, life and work.”
