A solid platform

Released 12/03/2010

Matthew Jane visits Grays School to see how learning platforms can enable even the youngest of learners

Set against a backdrop of the rolling Sussex hills and winding stone brick country roads, Grays Infant and Nursery School in Newhaven is an unlikely setting for technological innovation and a pioneering leadership team. Despite the unassuming surroundings, Grays School has pushed the boundaries of what is possible by installing a learning platform that has been adopted by children, staff and parents alike.

We were greeted at the school by headteacher Christine Terrey, who we had met the evening before at a Becta hosted dinner in the picturesque town of Lewes, who showed us through to the playground outside to admire the view of the sea as the ferries rolled into port.

With the crisp March air following us in, we made our way into the hall for doughnuts (which are a regular addition to meetings at Grays School) and a cup of tea. One of the most interesting aspects of event was that Christine had invited a group of local parents to discuss the merits of the learning platform from their perspective.

Grays School has been a true success story. Having installed a learning platform, a title the school was keen to keep in order to promote the vital learning element, in Easter 2008, the system has been integrated into everyday school practice and communication with parents.

The school has optimised the use of multimedia tools, using the children's individual pages to display pictures and update reports on their progress that parents can respond to.

Christine explains that one of the reasons for the success of the learning platform was the honesty they shared with staff and parents from the outset. It was a learning curve for all parties, there were mistakes made as with any new innovation, but gradually the school has got to grips with the technology and now has a system that is fully embedded in the curriculum.

The learning platform has been so successful that it has also been adopted by the local junior school, which took its lead from Grays. This ensures a continuity so the children and parents can access the system throughout their time education.

Despite their young age the children have taken to the learning platform with ease. By using pictures instead of letters to input passwords, which are changed regularly, the barrier of limited vocabulary and writing ability has been overcome.

Christine was very keen to promote the role of her team in the success. Throughout, staff and parents have learnt side by side and given their efforts to ensure the success. They have overcome barriers, such as the limited number of parents with internet access at home which was solved by giving children 3G enabled netbooks to take home. "We don't send them home with the children every night though," explains Christine. "We don't want to give them the message that they need to be sat at a computer all the time, they need to go out and play too."

One important person in the development of the system was that of Christine's business manager. "My business manager has been crucial in this. She has worked really hard and has a huge impact when arranging the admin that needs to be done," she says.

One of the most enjoyable things about my visit to Grays School was to see how technology, when used correctly and appropriately, can be such an enabler, not just for the children and staff, but for the whole of the Newhaven community.

To view a video of the event click here

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