Fulwood Academy has embraced technology as the education system responds to the impact of COVID-19.

Through the Dunstone Education Trust, the school has not only been able to support students facing their exams next year with devices and broadband connection, but they are also trialling technology to help students keep fit and healthy.

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David Lancaster, the school’s Principal, said: “The Government has, understandably, put a great deal of focus on to the ensuring students can get online at home.

“The devices and equipment that they have provided has been important, but it has not helped us to fully plug that gap between those who are online and those who are not.

“We have been delighted, therefore, that we have been able to help provide additional families with broadband connection.”

As a result, the academy believes it has exceeded most other schools in terms of engagement with students during the lockdown period.

David said: “We have had over 70 per cent of students engaging with our online learning platforms.

“For those who have struggled with that, every child has also been sent physical workbooks to work through. We have also made over 500 welfare calls each week. 

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“This mixture of digital innovation, pastoral care and practical support is helping us not only help our students during lockdown, but enhance our learning offer for the next academic year as students get ready for their exams.

“It is an old adage, but a healthy body is a healthy mind. That is why we have also looked to technology to encourage our students to keep active.”

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Through the Dunstone Education Trust, a trial group of Year 10 students have been given a watch that monitors their levels of physical activity.

Joan Dean, who chairs the Dunstone Education Trust, said: “The initial feedback is that the watches have helped students keep active.

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“As we have come out of lockdown, we are definitely seeing a real correlation between a level of a student’s physical activity, and their engagement with the school’s educational offer.

“Our hope for Fulwood is that we have actually developed ways of working that will complement what we do in the school in the future.

“I also really believe that it has galvanised our community. It has shown what can really be achieved through collaboration, innovation and embracing new ways of doing things.”

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