EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
ASHFORD PREP SCHOOL UNPLUGGED
Over the next few months Ashford Prep School in Great Chart, Ashford, aims to help pupils to break their dependence on devices and facilitate a move from screen to green.
To reduce children’ s reliance on tablets, iPads will not be used in Reception classes, and access will be limited for Years 1 and 2. For Years 3 and 6, devices will continue to be utilised as a positive addition to the curriculum, but certain subject lessons are pledging to become device free, such as those of performing arts, physical education, design and technology, art and Forest School. Children have been given more freedom at breaktime to play imaginatively and have been allowed more access to the school’ s 40 acres of green space.
Head of Ashford Prep School, Philippa Archer, explains:“ While there is great merit in many of the uses of tablets in the classroom, evidence indicates that their overuse could be responsible for a decline in literacy and numeracy skills, with pupils demonstrating less patience and concentration as a result.”
Ashford Prep School understands the importance of preparing children for a world in which technology will form a key part of their future work and lifestyle. As such, an investment was made during the summer of 2025 into the ICT suite, and the school aims to appoint a Head of ICT to support the development of pupil’ s ICT education. These improvements in the school’ s official ICT provision can facilitate the scaling back of time spent on iPads.
“ It is imperative that children leave Ashford Prep confident and competent in ICT, but it is also our duty to ensure that they know how to stay safe online and are prepared for their next step at secondary school, further education, and the world of work.
“‘ iPads are currently used to enhance personalised learning and allow us to upload resources and tasks. From supporting music composition to recording their PSB Skills and taking Accelerated Reader quizzes, the children benefit from a diverse range of functionalities that the devices have to offer. Additionally, coding programs and science measuring tools enrich the curriculum and support the children’ s digital competence for the future.
“ But, it is a balance that must be struck- ensuring that the use of devices is relevant, appropriate and necessary. We do not intend on banning the use of iPads, but we believe pupils learn best when technology improves traditional teaching methods. As a school, we are committed to ensuring that the use of a device must modify and transform learning. They will not be used as a substitute for valuable teacher-led activities.”
Ashford Prep School was recently reviewed by the Good Schools Guide, who highlighted the school’ s new approach, commenting:‘ Parents respect her( Mrs Archer’ s) measured approach … in addressing the use of IT- an example of having her ear to the ground.“ Hear, hear”, say parents!’
“ Ultimately,” concluded Mrs Archer.“ We need to balance their relationship with devices and protect their childhood.”
To find out more about Ashford Prep School, please visit the website, or contact admissions @ ashfordschool. co. uk.
ashfordschool. co. uk / prep-school ashfordschool _ prep
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