Primary Strategy Learning Network

Five schools in Devon , with between 36 and 107 pupils on roll, have set up a PSLN which aims to maximise the potential of both the geographical diversity and common features of small schools.

The schools, Tipton St John Primary, East Allington Primary, Bridgerule Primary, Doddiscombesleigh Primary and Widecombe-in-the-Moor Primary, are spread across the north, south, mid and east of the county.

One of the key strands of their PSLN is to explore the potential of video conferencing to support raising standards in writing, developing subject expertise and encouraging children to be aware of and celebrate the diversity of Devon .

Tipton Headteacher, Penny Burnside, has already had experience of video conferencing and thinks it is a powerful tool in the classroom:

“In an earlier project we saw Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children conferencing across two small village schools., sharing their learning, their daily routines and themselves. We witnessed first hand children’s growing awareness of the world beyond their own school and village and the motivating impact of making new friends through video conferencing.

“As a PSLN we are continuing this work, but on a much bigger scale, involving five schools and all children and staff within the schools. Adult learning – through peer-networking and joint professional development- is a feature of the new project. Geographical distance provides real opportunities for innovative methods of communication and creative deployment of technology.

Evaluating the effectiveness of these technologies is an important element in the project. We aim to learn new ways of working which we hope will be useful to other small or isolated schools. “

The five schools are using video conferencing systems loaned to them by Polycom, in conjunction with its channel partners Review Video UK Ltd and JKC IT Ltd, an education specialist supplier.