Education
Future Proofing Our Children’s Skills by Upton House School
T
he Fourth Industrial Revolution has arrived and it’s becoming clear that a whole new world of work is emerging for our children. As educators, we must embrace the need for change in the way pupils learn and develop from the earliest stages, nurturing essential skills such as curiosity, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, resourcefulness and resilience. While core subjects such as English, Maths and Science continue to be key, it is crucial that pupils are equipped to face the challenges of
today’s fast-paced technological generation and an ever more fluid workplace of the future – and it’s our responsibility to create adaptable, independent thinkers with a lifelong thirst for learning and increasing those all-important skill-sets. The most effective way of doing this is by continually delivering invigorating IT, and ensuring its part right across every aspect of an absorbing, all-encompassing curriculum. Schools that keep abreast of rapidly evolving technology can provide a diverse
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array across the internet-of-things and are leaps and bounds ahead of the game – from basic coding steps via Ozobots, Bee-Bots and Blue-Bots for the little ones to the integration of computing and digital skills across the entire curriculum through software such as Purple Mash. The world of education is evolving in so many exciting ways. Children are eager to engage, so a myriad of selfled learning opportunities is key as we teach them to analyse, plan, research, document and evaluate their work on a daily basis.
Marcia Strong, Head of Computing at Upton House, says: “We strive to interweave IT and Media naturally throughout the entire curriculum, ensuring it is as relevant and accessible as possible to our girls and boys throughout their daily learning. We continually research and incorporate a variety of the latest software, apps and robotic tools so that everyone can benefit from coding and computer skills from nursery upwards, with something to inspire everyone. Many relish the opportunity to extend their learning and eagerly embrace technology aimed at secondary schools, for example BBC Micro:bits where our children love to create and express themselves digitally. Pupils in Forms 3-6 enjoy coding and robotics, Microsoft packages, databases and digital music and filmmaking. We have the rare advantage of our own wonderful Green Screen, while weekly Media Studies sessions and a bank of iPads are invaluable as we continue to provide strong, foundational learning to prepare Upton boys and girls for their secondary schools, and ultimately for a world where they will be working digitally, flexibly and collaboratively.” www.uptonhouse.org.uk
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