Digital Learning
Digital Learning underpins today’s modern lifestyle, and it is essential that all pupils gain the confidence and ability they need to thrive in a rapidly changing technological world.
At St Hilary’s, we aim to give our pupils the best possible opportunities to become confident users of digital technology in a safe and supportive environment. We provide a wide range of experiences that allow pupils to explore and investigate computing through varied software applications, developing transferable skills along the way. Pupils are encouraged to find, analyse, exchange, and present information while learning how to use technology effectively, critically, and enjoyably. These skills are vital in helping pupils become confident, creative, and independent learners.
We recognise that the digital skills pupils acquire support their learning across the curriculum. For example, computational thinking helps pupils develop pattern recognition, decomposition, abstraction, and solution evaluation—skills that are highly valuable in Mathematics. Similarly, when designing algorithms, pupils improve their ability to search, sort, sequence, select, and reason logically—skills they apply daily across many subjects.
Digital Learning is taught as a subject from Key Stage 1 and is also embedded across the curriculum to enhance both teaching and learning. The school is well equipped with a dedicated computing suite containing 21 workstations. All classrooms are fitted with mirroring software, enabling staff and pupils to interact with content on-screen. Pupils also have access to colour laser printing, scanning facilities, and a secure wireless network. Internet access is protected by a robust firewall to ensure online safety. An on-site IT Manager is available to support both staff and pupils.
From Year 4 to Year 6, pupils use their own 1:1 device (an iPad) to support learning across all subjects. They are taught how to use their iPads effectively, utilising a variety of apps such as Showbie, Microsoft Office, and tools within the Apple ecosystem.
Lessons are carefully structured to be age-appropriate, balancing experimentation with guided learning. Pupils quickly develop the core digital skills they need to work independently and support their learning in other areas of the curriculum. By the time they leave St Hilary’s, pupils will have experience in a wide range of computing areas, including word processing, desktop publishing, image manipulation, spreadsheets, relational databases, multimedia, programming, email, and internet use.