Year 7 Chromebook day 2021

“The Chromebooks are easy to use and I have lots of experience from lockdown. It works really well to use as a eReader too.” Macey H

“It gives you a good experience because you can take the Chromebook home and it gets you ready for when you are older”. Karen U

“It is easier to work because you do not have to get everything out, the Chromebook is one device. It is also easy to correct mistakes” Anya T

“Chromebook day was really good. I learnt how to record videos. I used Google Classroom in my last school and now feel confident to upload to the Google Drive.” Oliver D

Following the success of last year, and recognising the need to continue to equip their students with tech, the GFM hosted their second Chromebook Launch Day on Friday 10 September 2021. A whole day of blended learning, planned around the use of Chrome books, was provided for Year 7 students at Bay House and Brune Park. Students started the day with a live introduction that was streamed to 22 classrooms at both schools from Assistant Headteacher, Luke Mulhall. 

Teachers from different departments within the GFM facilitated an array of learning including: interactive explorations of the globe, a live-streamed Social Action project, submission of data in real-time and ended with students modelling 3D cells to demonstrate a better understanding of Science and bringing STEAM to life.

The GFM Chromebook Day has taken much planning, building on learning from last year. The project expanded significantly due to school closures caused by COVID19. Valuing the opinions of their stakeholders, during GFM Secondary transition, parents were approached about the scheme and there was a hugely positive reaction. Although Year 7 are a focus for Chromebooks, a large number of students in other Year Groups, from Year 8 to 12, across Brune Park and Bay House have also successfully signed up successfully to the scheme.

“I am looking forward to using my Chromebook in school and today was really helpful in showing me how to use it.” Anabelle E

“At the beginning of the day, I thought using my Chromebook would be difficult but now I am learning how to use it and looking forward to using it more in lessons.” Finley M

“Today was really fun as we were taught how to use a Chromebook and google classroom. My favourite part of the day was using a google form to do a quiz.” Estelle A

“I have really liked this day, it has been fun and interesting to use the Chromebook. I think the Chromebook is going to be a great item in my ‘pencil case’.” Harry T

“I like the way you can use the Chromebook like a tablet. I find it a more comfortable way of working when we use the touchscreen” Oliver B

“I find it and easy and more enjoyable way of working. The screen and keyboard is soft and comfortable and so I want to learn more.” Layton M

Luke Mulhall, Assistant Headteacher said,

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to this initiative. With a backdrop to COVID19 and an uncertain future, parents and students have embraced the opportunity to look for ways to bridge the gap between the classroom and home. Today, we have experienced almost six hundred students taking part in online lessons at the same time, collaborating and learning together. The GFM is building a learning community with students at Bay House and Brune Park, working together to enhance the opportunities for all. Students continue to develop skills in online meetings, collaboration and working so we can seamlessly flow between remote and in-class teaching. Our aim is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to access the rich curriculum on offer to them, either in school or at home.”