A new world of learning

11:17am Thursday 15th May 2008

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THE walls may not have changed much in the past 100 years, but the teaching at a Latchford school is a world away from what most people would remember.

Because every 10 and 11-year-old at Alderman Bolton Primary School now works on a personal computer - and for the first time in this week's SATS, some pupils will use them during exams.

“It is moving so fast, the children don’t come to us with minor software problems – they work it out themselves.”

Head teacher, Lyndsey Glass

It is a world away from blackboards and the cane that were more familiar when the school opened back in 1908.

But as the school looks forward to its centenary celebrations, head teacher, Lyndsey Glass, says little has changed.

"One old lady came in and said the school was different, shae said.

"But that is the thing about shools. We may have the computers but nothing has changed - people will recognise everything else."

The small, hand-held devices look more akin to something pupils would use for playing video games, but on my visit, they were keen to show the range of skills they had developed in the year since they had them.

Along with four other primary schools, the appropriately named Innov8ed Cluster of St Bridget's and St Andrew's in Orford, Evelyn Street in Sankey Bridges, and Oakwood Avenue in Padgate, took on the gamble.

"The schools had a dip in results and we were brought together and looking at ways to get the children to improve and settled on this.

"It was a risk because it is a lot of money and you don't know if it would make a difference to children's learning" said Mrs Glass.

Each of the computers cost £700 - a bill split by the school, contributions from parents and the Learning Foundation.

And they have already borne fruit, with the year six pupils clearly more competent with using the technology than most adults.

As Mrs Glass explains, the behaviour of pupils in that class, and at the other schools, has improved and they have had the crucial bonus of encouraging boys, who according to the experts are increasingly disinterested in education, to like school.

"Compared to the other classes it has improved behaviour. They work with each other - especially if they need to research a subject."

"When is the last time you wrote a letter? Or wrote at all?

"This is the most I have seen anyone write in a long time (referring to my shorthand).

"We think this has made a big improvement in encouraging our pupils to enjoy and progress at school.

"We are hoping this will have an impact on results but that is not the most important thing, The most crucial element is that we are giving them lifeskills."

Mrs Glass started teaching 22 years ago but it was only a decade ago, she helped buy the first PCs in the school.

"It is moving so fast, the children don't come to us with minor software problems - they work it out themselves."

The success of the scheme is shown by 10 other schools already signing up to join the project next year along with an increased investment at Reynolds Street with years four, five and six set to benefit next year.

And at a recent meeting in London with the education select committee, the cluster was told what they were doing was a look into the future of education in this country.

But as the 100th anniversary comes up - also a nod to the past.