Year 7s at Sybil Andrews Academy in Bury St Edmunds receive iPads through Unity Schools Partnership

Year 7 students at a high school in Bury St Edmunds have been given their own personal iPad to enhance digital learning and help remove barriers to education.

The donation to the youngest students at Sybil Andrews Academy, on Moreton Hall, comes as part of Unity Schools Partnership’s ‘&iLearn’ programme, which has already benefitted both primary school pupils and sixth form students within the trust.

The iPads will be used across various subjects, allowing students to engage in interactive lessons, conduct independent research and develop digital skills essential for future success.

Chris Handley, who is leading the digital training for staff, said: “We are very excited to roll out these iPads to every Year 7 student – something we will continue to future cohorts of Year 7s in years to come.

“The programme aims to empower students with the tools and technology needed to support their learning journey both in and out of the classroom.

“By equipping each Year 7 student with a personal iPad, we want to help create a learning environment enhanced by technology while preparing our students for a digitally-driven world.”

With students able to use the devices both in the classroom and at home, parents will receive guidance on supporting the use of iPads, including training on digital safety and responsible technology use.

Joe Pointon, head of school at Sybil Andrews Academy, said: “While we are very excited about how technology can enhance our student learning experience, the iPads will be used to complement traditional teaching methods.

“Alongside this, we are acutely aware of screen time and parents have been advised that students will only be using the iPad as part of their learning. Regular breaks from the iPad are implicit and part of student training will focus on this as well.

“The devices are also remotely monitored via trust systems, whether at home or in school, to ensure we are safeguarding these student devices.”

School staff have also been given training on how best to integrate technology in their lessons and support learning.