Digital working in our primary school means using technology thoughtfully and effectively to enhance learning and teaching. It's not just about playing games on tablets! Instead, it involves children using devices like iPads or computers for a range of activities

Intent

At LAPW, we intend to empower our children to become digitally literate, responsible, and creative learners.

We aim to cultivate a learning environment where digital tools and resources are seamlessly integrated. We aim to provide opportunities for children to investigate, research, and explore concepts across all subject areas, fostering their curiosity and deepening their understanding through access to diverse digital information and perspectives. We will utilise digital tools to visualise abstract concepts, manipulate data, and make connections, supporting children in constructing meaning and developing a deeper understanding of the big ideas within each Unit of Inquiry. We will equip children with the skills and confidence to independently access, organise, analyse, and present information digitally, fostering their self-management skills and empowering them to take ownership of their learning. We will facilitate effective communication and collaboration amongst children, teachers, and the wider learning community through the use of digital platforms and tools, promoting teamwork and the sharing of ideas. We will provide opportunities for children to express themselves creatively through digital media, experiment with different tools, and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. We will explicitly teach children about online safety, ethical digital behaviour, responsible use of technology, and the impact of their digital footprint, fostering informed and responsible digital citizens. To support adaptation we will leverage digital tools to cater to diverse learning needs, provide adapted tasks and resources, and offer personalised pathways for children’s growth and development. We will also facilitate connections with other learners and experts around the world through digital platforms, fostering intercultural understanding and a global perspective.

By intentionally integrating digital working practices, we strive to equip our children with the essential skills and dispositions needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world, aligning with the PYP's emphasis on developing internationally-minded and lifelong learners helping them to be digital citizens of the future.

Implementation

We believe that digital technologies are powerful tools that can enhance learning, foster inquiry, and empower our children to become internationally-minded citizens. This implementation statement outlines our commitment to integrating digital working practices, aligning with the IB philosophy and our academy vision. We view digital working not separately, but as an integral part of our transdisciplinary approach to learning.

Digital tools will be purposefully integrated into the Units of Inquiry to support research, data collection and analysis, presentation of learning, and collaborative projects. Teachers will identify opportunities to enhance learning outcomes through the strategic use of age-appropriate digital resources and applications. Children will be encouraged to choose digital tools that best suit their learning styles and the requirements of the task.

Explicit instruction will be provided in essential digital literacy skills, including:

Safe and responsible online behavior (e-safety, cyberbullying awareness).
Effective search strategies and information literacy (evaluating sources, identifying bias).
Creating and editing digital content (text, images, audio, video).
Using collaborative online tools.
Understanding basic digital file management and organisation.

These skills will be taught in context within the Units of Inquiry and reinforced across year groups.

The academy will provide access to a range of appropriate digital devices and software, ensuring equitable access for all children. Classrooms will be equipped to facilitate digital learning activities, including reliable internet access and interactive displays. Flexible learning spaces will encourage collaboration and the use of digital tools in various settings.

Teachers will be supported through ongoing professional development to enhance their digital pedagogical skills. Collaborative planning will ensure a consistent and progressive approach to digital working across the academy. Teachers will model effective and responsible use of digital technologies. Assessment practices will incorporate the use of digital tools for showcasing learning and providing feedback.

A clear Acceptable Use Policy will be established and regularly reviewed with children, parents/carers, and staff. Children will be explicitly taught about digital ethics, copyright, and intellectual property. Opportunities will be provided for children to discuss and reflect on the impact of technology on individuals and society.

Digital platforms will be utilised to facilitate communication and collaboration between children, teachers, and parents/carers (e.g., MCAS, Google Classroom, online floorbooks). Children will be encouraged to connect with experts and other learners globally through appropriate digital channels.

Children will actively engage with digital tools in their learning, develop their digital literacy skills, and practice responsible digital citizenship. Teachers will integrate digital technologies purposefully into their teaching, provide explicit instruction in digital literacy, and model responsible digital practices. Academy Leadership will provide the necessary resources, support professional development, and ensure the effective implementation of this statement. Parents/Carers will support their children's digital learning at home, engage in conversations about online safety and responsible use, and collaborate with the academy.

The implementation of digital working will be regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure its effectiveness in enhancing children’s learning. Children’s progress in digital literacy skills will be assessed through a variety of methods. Feedback from children, teachers, and parents/carers will be used to inform future developments and refine our approach.

This implementation statement will be reviewed and revised on a regular basis to reflect advancements in technology, best practices in digital pedagogy, and the evolving needs of our children and academy community.

By embracing digital working within the framework of the PYP, we aim to empower our children to become confident, capable, and responsible digital citizens who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Impact

The integration of digital working is not merely about using technology; it is a fundamental shift that empowers our children to become more inquisitive, knowledgeable, caring, and active participants in their learning journey.

Digital tools provide unparalleled access to a vast array of information, resources, and perspectives, fostering deeper and more meaningful inquiry into transdisciplinary themes. Children can explore diverse sources, connect with experts globally, and engage in research that extends beyond the classroom walls. Digital platforms enable adapted instruction, allowing teachers to tailor learning experiences to individual needs, learning styles, and paces. Children can engage with content in ways that resonate with them, fostering greater ownership and motivation. Interactive simulations, multimedia presentations, and digital creation tools help children visualise abstract concepts, manipulate data, and build a deeper understanding of the world around them. This active engagement fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Digital working naturally integrates skills across subject areas. Children develop research skills, communication skills through various digital mediums, collaboration skills through online platforms, organisational skills, and media literacy – all essential components of the PYP transdisciplinary skills. Digital tools facilitate effective communication and collaboration amongst children, teachers, and even parents/carers. Shared documents, online discussion forums, and collaborative projects foster teamwork, peer learning, and the articulation of ideas in diverse formats.

Digital tools empower children to take greater ownership of their learning and enable all learners to access education. They can choose how they present their findings, document their learning journeys through digital portfolios, and reflect on their progress in meaningful ways. Digital platforms provide a canvas for creative expression through various mediums like digital art, video production, coding, and multimedia presentations. This encourages innovation and the development of unique solutions to real-world problems. Digital tools enable children to research local and global issues, connect with organisations working towards positive change, and design and implement their own action projects. This fosters a sense of responsibility and empowers them to make a difference in their communities. Through guided and responsible use of digital technologies, children develop essential digital citizenship skills, including online safety, ethical behaviour, responsible communication, and an understanding of their digital footprint.

Digital tools provide teachers with valuable data on children’s progress, allowing for more informed assessment and targeted instruction. They also streamline administrative tasks, freeing up valuable time for personalised interaction and curriculum development. The integration of digital working creates a more engaging and dynamic learning environment that caters to the digital native generation. It fosters curiosity, encourages exploration, and makes learning relevant and exciting. Digital platforms facilitate communication and collaboration between home and academy, allowing parents/carers to stay informed about their child's learning journey and actively participate in their education.

In conclusion, the purposeful integration of digital working at LAPW is a powerful catalyst for fostering the holistic development of our PYP learners. It empowers them to become inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced, and reflective individuals, equipping them with the skills and dispositions necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

What we do at LAPW...

Our approach to Digital Working is comprehensive, integrating a variety of tools and resources to enhance learning across the curriculum. We leverage Google Workspace, including Google Classroom, to facilitate seamless collaboration, communication, and assignment management, ensuring children can access resources and submit work easily. Our classrooms are equipped with Chromebooks and iPads, providing children with versatile devices for research, creation, and interactive learning. To ignite early computational thinking, our younger learners explore coding and robotics with Beebots. We also immerse children in new experiences through VR Headsets, offering exciting virtual field trips and explorations. Creativity flourishes with tools like Canva for design and presentation, and Book Creator for crafting digital books and portfolios. For more advanced media projects, children engage in video and sound editing. To support accessibility and literacy, we utilise the Read&Write Toolbar, assisting with reading, writing, and comprehension, and ensure all chidlren have headphones for focused individual and group work. This rich digital ecosystem empowers our students to become confident, creative, and responsible digital citizens.