RGSW Digital Learning Earns Global Recognition

The reputation of the RGS Worcester Family of Schools’ Digital Learning Programme continues to grow as Apple are increasingly using RGS Worcester as the example for discussing the development of technology in education in the UK, during these challenging times.

Highlights are:

• The Headmaster of RGS Worcester, John Pitt, has been asked to provide Apple with a quotation explaining our decision to apply to be a part of the Apple Distinguished Schools (ADS) programme. We believe our quotation is the only one being used from the UK in their global programme.
• RGS Worcester’s Director of Innovation, John Jones, has been asked to present at the EMEIA ADS Community Meeting with a focus on ‘Reimagining Learning and Teaching’; showcasing RGSW’s response to Covid-19 to teachers from ADS schools across the EMEIA region.
• Both Mr Jones and Mr Matt Warne, Head of IT and Computing at RGS The Grange, have been asked to present at the ‘Apple Communities Festival’– a week-long series of online professional learning events from 23-27 November. Matt will be focusing on coding in the curriculum using iPad, whilst John will be discussing best practices in planning and executing a deployment of iPad in schools.
• This follows the RGSW story featuring in an Apple iBook and three presentations at the ‘Think Ahead Global iPad Summit’ from RGS Worcester.
• RGS Worcester was the only independent school mentioned in the ‘EdTech Vision 2025’report, published by the EdTech Advisory Forum. This was a ‘think tank’ paper provided to the Education Select Committee in Parliament, advising the government on how to deliver effective remote learning and prepare ahead for potential future disruption. The report used triangulated data, collated by RGSW at the end of the Trinity term, that proved our pupils had continued to progress in interactive and engaging remote lessons, facilitated by our Digital Learning Programme.

Furthermore, in an independent survey conducted by ISC (the Independent Schools Council), the RGSW Family of Schools received a 92% positive rating from parents for how we have coped with the pandemic.

In our own survey, 86% of parents stated that the RGSW response to ‘lockdown’ was either good or excellent, whilst 93% of Pupils felt they had continued to progress. Teachers agreed, with 97% affirming that pupil progress had not been hindered. Another interesting outcome was that 94% of teachers continued to use new digital tools and practices they used during ‘lockdown’, once they returned to School.

We continue to develop our Digital Learning Programme by working with leading schools in the UK, and now across the world, as we discuss how best to deliver effective and successful continuity of learning during the pandemic, and shape the future of education and the integration of technology in the future.

By being a part of the RGS Worcester Family of Schools, pupils are discovering how best to use technology in their education and learning. There is a seamless interface between their traditional learning methods and the benefits that technology brings, just as there will need to be at university and in their working lives, whatever career they choose. 

RGS Worcester is supporting our pupils in the present, and preparing them for the future – which is bright and exciting, as we engage with education and learning from across the world.

Mr John Jones

Director of Innovation