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Original poster

To choose a secondary school that uses iPads

78 replies

Abneyandteal19 · 02/10/2024 19:45

DS is starting to look at secondary schools. We have 3DS but he's the oldest so first to move up.
Two secondaries in our area- broadly similar sizes and very similar results. Got a good feeling for both when we visited. Both ofsted good.

School A is an Apple Distinguished school. All kids have an iPad. It's fully controlled by school. They can't download apps/no App Store no YouTube and serious filters on even when at home. They can't even change the Lock Screen. Still use pen and paper for English and maths and use the iPad like a 'textbook' teacher send slides and question to it. Has lots of accessibility features such as changing background colour/font size etc.
however it will mean significant 'screen time' each day.

School B- standard pen paper/ textbook scenario. Use iPads and laptops as part of curriculum but not like school A. Some homework online so kids need access at home. Luckily this isn't an issue for us could afford a laptop for homework.

I'm unsure on whether I think it's too much screen time or if it's the way of the world/ prepare them for working life etc.

Does anyone have experience of an Apple school? Positives/negatives??

What would you do? Thanks Smile

OP posts:
LaughingPig · 02/10/2024 20:05

Not something I would care about either way tbh. I certainly wouldn’t discount a good school because of extreme views about screen time.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 02/10/2024 20:03

It’s my biggest problem with the school I chose tbh.
Yes it was great in the pandemic when they were able to seamlessly switch to a full online timetable on the first day of lockdown, but other than that I mainly regard it as a bad thing.
I don’t like having a device in the house where I am not in charge. The fact homework is always on screens makes it harder to control their screen time. It encourages them to use stupid apps like Sparx Reader that don’t promote learning, they discourage it.
If you have a child with a concentration problem it makes it harder for them to put away screens and get homework done because the distractions are always there.
Also I have 3 children and they have each needed 2 or 3 over the course of secondary so it’s been expensive.

eurochick · 02/10/2024 20:01

My child is at an Apple school in primary. They all have iPads and use them a lot. They still do some written work but then usually photograph it and upload it.

I think it is harder for parents to monitor homework that way but I don't object to the screen use.