The challenge is on to bring iPads to the classroom. The aim is to raise enough funds to purchase a class set, if possible by the end of the school year. To get things kick started, we're getting our trainers on:

- Mrs Napier (p7 teacher) is taking on the marathon in the Big Apple (New York) on 6 November

- Joanne McDowall (PC member) is taking on Amsterdam marathon on 16 October

- EVERY CHILD in the school will run 2 miles, AND

- the staff as a team will complete their very own marathon!

We would love it if you were able to support the runners and make a donation. 

SO, what's the value in the iPads?  In the words of Mrs Mavers / Mrs Napier"

Children have endless access to valuable information and it allows learning to become more engaging and memorable. Aside from the many apps available for free, teachers can use the iPads to engage and challenge the student minds in creative ways. Using a shared platform, one example is Edmodo, a teacher can encourage pupils’ enquiry skills and promote collaboration. Children can share feedback on one another’s work and the teacher can also contribute. This is a powerful tool for reflection and provides a positive audience.

Tools such as audio and video recorders can change the way that learning takes place.  Video creation and editing is simple on the iPad, this can be a great cooperative group activity. The mobility provided by the iPad's wireless capability allows unprecedented access to the Internet no matter where the pupils are. This is truly information on demand  and children can have access to huge volumes of primary source documents and data.

iPads will allow the whole class to contribute to a blog, a rewarding experience which allows the children to get their first taste of being published on the web.  Ipads are a great tool for interactive classroom sessions or group projects. Students can cooperate in real time with up to ten others, to brainstorm and build a presentation on one shared virtual whiteboard.

In short, the iPad offers numerous positive benefits across P1 to P7 and allows pupils to challenge themselves in ways they never imagined!