Digital Technologies at Vermont Primary School
At Vermont Primary School, within the area of Technology, in the strand of Digital Technologies, we focus on a variety of concepts. All students from Foundation through to Year 6 participate in one session a week in the Digitech Lab with a specialist teacher.
We embed the use of digital technologies into all areas of the curriculum. We have technology rich classrooms, where the students have shared access to iPads and laptops.
To support teaching and learning, we ensure a balanced use of digital technologies, within Foundation through to Year 2, to ensure that the students continue to develop the traditional handwriting and written presentation skills.
The Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 students focus on the more basic elements of Digital Technologies as outlined in the Victorian Curriculum.
Within the classroom, the Foundation students’ technology is limited as we support the research that states that within early childhood education, a predominantly screen-free or low-tech classroom in their first year assists to ensure that the essential skills are addressed. These include:
- establishing classroom routines/structure of the Primary School environment,
- learning to focus to instructions,
- building strong literacy and social foundations including:
-participating in creative play to promote socialisation,
-enhancing verbal communication,
-developing fine motor skills for writing.
From Year 3 through to Year 6, the students are involved in more of a STEM focus. The STEM acronym represents Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and are embedded within the Victorian Curriculum via dedicated learning areas and also through cross curriculum priorities.
Acceptable Use Agreement
Digital technologies and the internet are essential for modern learning. We know however, that these technologies need to be used in line with our values – TO BE RESPONSIBLE, TO RESPECT, TO CARE AND TO STRIVE. We work with our families to ensure that each child understands what is safe and responsible to do.
The Department of Education has developed an Acceptable Use Agreement and Vermont Primary School has adapted it to ensure that discussions about smart, safe and responsible use of computers and the internet and support is what they will be learning as a part of the VPS eSmart curriculum.
Vermont Primary School is an eSmart School (endorsed by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation)
Refer to the eSmart Tab on our website for more information about eSmart.
At Vermont Primary School we have a zero tolerance of cyberbullying and any inappropriate behaviour at any time across the school, in particular whilst students are using technology.
VPS Cyber Incident Reporting Form – Students and parents can access the form from the school website to report any concerns or problems they have.
Scan QR code to report.
Here are some links to sites for more information.
Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner – responsible for leading online safety education for Australian children and young people https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Kids Helpline - activities and games for students to learn about how to be safe online http://www.kidshelp.com.au