Repton School in Abu Dhabi has been recognised as an ‘Apple Distinguished School’ for “innovation, leadership, and educational excellence.”
Founding Headmaster, Robert Relton said: “Repton Abu Dhabi has become a centre of excellence for digitally fluent teaching and learning. Repton staff and pupils have created a model of curriculum delivery where pupils use iPads on a one to one basis to accelerate and enrich their learning.”
In pursuit of the school’s motto, ‘The best for every child’, the aim is to produce the highest levels of digital fluency in pupils and teachers, resulting in consistently outstanding learning.
Mr. Relton added: “As a result of innovative curriculum design and a comprehensive staff training, the use of iPads as part of everyday student learning is seamlessly integrated with lesson planning. Since the introduction of the one to one iPad programme, teachers and pupils have become confident in using the technology in lessons across the curriculum from English and mathematics through to Arabic and Physical Education.
“The use of dedicated apps for literacy and numeracy has led to the vast majority of pupils making better than expected progress in the past two years.”
As part of Abu Dhabi Education Council’s Journey of Discovery, the school has developed an innovative computing curriculum giving its pupils computing skills a full year ahead of their counterparts in the UK curriculum. Repton has also developed its own Digital Skills Matrix, allowing it to measure and track each child’s skill and confidence in using technology to effectively improve their learning.
Repton School has an inspiring vision for the power of technology to accelerate and personalise learning for all students. As the school prepares to open its new campus building in 2017 for Years 3-13 in a purpose built site on Reem Island, the school is preparing to offer students and families a unique blend of traditional English education values and innovative 21st Century teaching and learning.
In order to ensure the technology is having a positive impact on the learning and progress of all its pupils, Repton’s teachers are conducting research-based studies in the school. After evaluation these are published on the blog www.teach1-1.com along with other articles from the staff.
Mr. Nitin Kripalani, CEO of Evolvence Knowledge Investments, said: “We are delighted to have achieved the status of Apple Distinguished School. Our mission is to ensure that all of our pupils are equipped and stimulated to engage with confidence and flair in our ever-more-technical world.
“We are committed to working with schools across the UAE and the region to explore the powerful ways that new technology can enhance teaching and learning.”
To celebrate achieving this recognition the school is publishing an iBook detailing its journey thus far and providing practical examples of how the use of iPad is enhancing the learning of its pupils.