WCIT CHARITY REVIEW
LILIAN BAYLIS TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL 04
Online access triggers a long-awaited shift in teaching and learning
Gone are the days where the teacher controlled access to knowledge and taught it to pupils
WCIT has supported the Lilian Baylis Technology School ( LBTS ) for 15 years . Our initial partnership committed WCIT to supporting LBTS to become a DfE-recognised Specialist Technology school , including trialling the use of projectors and student laptops , and ensuring that all teachers had laptops with internet access . It was to be LBTS ’ s ‘ great leap forward ’.
Learning has undergone a huge change over the last 20 years . Gone are the days where the teacher controlled access to knowledge and taught it to pupils . In 2017 , WCIT generously donated a further £ 50,000 for the school ’ s next ‘ great leap forward ’. LBTS used the funds to prioritise Google Classroom , an easy way to create an online educational environment . This has triggered a shift in teaching and learning , which the school has been seeking to implement for years .
Gary Philips , Headmaster , said “ We realised that our ancient PCs , supported by a poorly-used and ‘ clunky ’ Virtual Learning Environment ( VLE ), didn ’ t support any of the newer ways of learning . So , in 2017 , the school removed the old network and switched to the new solution . There was no going back .”
Students were very keen on the changes and this positive feedback inspired teachers to develop their practice . It has transformed student engagement in lessons and the way that the staff teach .
Jon Wilson , Assistant Head , said “ This is a great way of sharing files . Students can refer to class materials if they need to go over work covered in lessons , or if they missed a lesson for any reason . Making home learning available through Google Classroom means one less excuse for not completing work .”
Since its implementation , Year 1 1 students have made up lost progress of between a half to one grade on their work , and the Year 1 1 notices for non-completion of home learning have also fallen by half each week .
Charlie , a Year 1 1 student , said “ It ’ s really helped with my coursework . When a teacher sets a deadline , I get a notification via the app on my phone . I am more organised and more prepared , and it has helped me keep up to date and improve .”
Not only has Google Classroom transformed the workflow between student and teacher , but it has also proved popular with both