In the Early Years, digital devices form part of the many manipulative and interactive tools that our children engage with to access learning opportunities. Working alongside, our teachers guide our youngest students to:

• Explore and experiment
• Work creatively
• Create and present their own content
• Collect, evaluate and share information

The natural aptitude that is often seen with younger children when using technology comes with repeated practice. These skills, often gained through structured playful experimentation, lay the foundation for later. A focus for the children in the younger grades of our school is therefore in helping them to develop the rudimentary skills in order to be able to use devices. Once these skills are acquired, technology can be applied more effectively to enhance, engage and extend learning. 

By Grade 1, the students begin to transition towards becoming confident and capable users of technology and work with their teachers and digital coaches in ways that are more reflective of the Middle Years and Upper Elementary Years.

Our Learner Goals guide teachers in planning authentic opportunities for the children. These goals permeate all grades in the Middle and Upper Years, and including Grade 1. 

As a ‘Knowledge Constructor’, children will learn how to critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to help build their understanding of different subjects. They will learn how to use search technologies effectively and be discerning in evaluating digital content.

As a ‘Computational Thinker’, children will learn how to understand and approach solving problems logically, forming plans to accomplish specific goals. They will practise these skills through understanding core programming principles, building resilience and using their creativity so that they can become creators of digital technologies, not just users. 

As a ‘Creative Designer’, children make decisions about creating, manipulating, storing, retrieving and sharing digital content appropriate to their goals. In doing so they can identify and understand the purpose and potential applications of digital devices.

As a ‘Global Collaborator’, children will be able to use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in teams, both locally and globally. 

As a ‘Digital Citizen’, children will be able to recognise the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and will know how to act in ways that are safe, legal and ethical, modelling this for others. Children will be able to use digital tools to help manage social issues.

Digital Technologies skill development takes place when and where it is most beneficial for the children’s learning; a flexible timetable in Grade 1 to Grade 6 allows for this.