Firefly Virtual Learning Environment (or "VLE")

Firefly is an online educational tool which provides access to lesson resources and home learning tasks. It can be accessed via any PC, tablet or any mobile device. Firefly can be accessed at https://royalrussell.fireflycloud.net or via our school website www.royalrussell.co.uk Click Firefly VLE.

Pupils will be reminded of procedures for access and passwords issued for new pupils. Please do contact the school office if you have any difficulties in gaining access.

Royal Russell Office365 Users:

Pupils in Years 1 - 6 will be provided with a ‘login card’ where we provide their password for the following which remain the same throughout the year:

• Linguascope (Modern Foreign Languages)

• DoodleMaths

Pupils use the same password for Firefly and Office 365 and if updated in either one, this will update for the other.

Over the course of the year, all pupils will be able to access exciting learning materials via the VLE such as videos, quizzes, and lesson presentations to further enhance their knowledge of the curriculum.

In addition, we will be encouraging our pupils to take a “flipped” approach to their learning. Children will have access to a wide range of content prior to their lessons and will be encouraged to visit Firefly to access learning materials chosen by their teachers. By allowing our pupils access to resources prior to the lesson, they will be better prepared for their lessons.

iPads for all Years 5 and 6 Pupils

We offer each child in Years 5 and 6 their own School iPad for the academic year. This is a school owned device that they are permitted to use both in school and at home to further their learning. We believe that offering our children the opportunity to use their iPad will not only prepare them for the 21st Century but it will help to boost their IT skills. Furthermore, allowing our children to use Firefly in conjunction with their iPads will help prepare them for lessons using the flipped learning approach.

At Royal Russell we are using the iPad with a blended learning approach. Traditional methods of reading, writing and spelling are still very much encouraged and the iPad is to be used by the teacher to further enhance the work we are doing in the classroom. Our aim is to revolutionise our curriculum and to excite the children through the use of technology.

In order for each child to receive their iPad they must complete a Home/School Agreement which is to be signed and agreed to by the parents. We encourage responsible use of technology and it is our aim to educate our children about using their iPads correctly and responsibly.