iPads planned for school pupils

ALL Clevedon School pupils could soon have their own iPads as part of a scheme aimed at boosting their learning potential.

The school has been trialling the use of 25 Apple iPads in education since May, with a number of staff and students using them.

Positive feedback from the trial has now led the school to look at introducing the tablet computers for every one of its pupils.

Clevedon School’s deputy headteacher James Bowkett said: “It is a really exciting project to equip every student and member of staff with a one-to-one iPad to extend and support their learning anytime, anywhere.

“The iPad we believe is a useful tool which will operate alongside traditional teaching and learning.”

Earlier this month, a letter sent home to parents introduced the idea and invited them to attend information evenings to find out more about the project, which will be held on Tuesday and November 30.

The letter explained how school staff have held many meetings with Apple representatives to come up with a suitable price, support and insurance package to allow each pupil to have their own device for use at school and home.

It also said those students who are eligible for free school meals will have an iPad bought for them. Families facing hardship or those with multiple children will also be considered for support on a case-by-case basis.

For any families who do not take part in the scheme, iPads will be available for pupils to loan during school hours.

Following next week’s meetings, parents will be asked for feedback on the idea.

A final decision on the project is expected in the spring term next year and, once all finer details have been decided, a full launch event will be held to fully explain the process and give parents the chance to sign up.

The school aims to introduce the iPads in the summer term of 2012.