At Pownall Hall School, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive IT provision, which is designed to enhance learning across the curriculum while cultivating essential technical skills.
Phil Gregory is the Head of IT and Computing at Pownall Hall School. After completing his PGCE at Edge Hill University — where he specialised in IT and computing — Phil went on to become a qualified Apple Teacher and a National STEM Centre facilitator. His passion for technology led him to work as an education consultant in multiple countries, focusing on innovative ways to share the excitement of STEM with students.
Mr. Phil Gregory, PGCE specialising in IT and computing from Edge Hill University, Qualified Apple Teacher, National STEM Centre qualified facilitator
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Devices for bespoke IT lessons
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Apple Teacher
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Chromebooks
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iPads
In the Early Years, children embark on an exciting journey to discover the world of technology! Their adventure begins with playful investigations of mechanical toys such as wind-up gadgets, pulleys, and cogs, sparking curiosity and creativity. As they transition into Kindergarten, the fun continues with iPads, taking photos of their friends and showcasing their amazing creations. In Reception, children dive into weekly IT lessons, where they learn to control the cursor, type their names, and even try simple coding. Each step in their technological exploration sets the stage for future IT learning adventures in Pre-Prep!
In Pre-Prep, our IT programme builds on the foundations laid in Early Years, providing children with weekly sessions that ignite their curiosity and develop essential digital skills. Through engaging and interactive lessons, pupils learn practical techniques like navigating touchpads, creating passwords, and understanding the basics of digital collaboration. These skills form the bedrock of their confidence in using technology.
Children also explore their creative side, delving into digital art and music projects and even experimenting with basic photo editing. Alongside fostering creativity, our lessons emphasise the importance of online safety, equipping children with the knowledge to use technology responsibly.
Pre-Prep pupils enjoy hands-on activities that encourage problem-solving and teamwork while developing their technological fluency. These sessions lay the groundwork for the more advanced and interdisciplinary IT learning awaiting them in later years, setting them on the path to becoming confident, capable digital explorers.
Dedicated IT sessions guide children through innovative lessons and hands-on activities that focus on creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Children have access to a diverse array of equipment, including iPads, Chromebooks, and a dedicated computer suite, as well as innovative tools like Makey-Makey boards, Microbits and headphones.
One of the highlights of our IT offerings is the extra-curricular Computing Club, which has become one of the most popular clubs at Pownall Hall, fostering creativity and collaboration among pupils.
Our broad curriculum goes beyond traditional computer science, encompassing areas such as multimedia arts, ensuring that children develop a versatile range of skills. Moreover, IT is seamlessly integrated into other subjects like History and Geography, where students can utilise tools such as Google Earth to deepen their understanding. Led by Mr. Gregory, who holds Apple Teacher Accreditation, our IT program is dedicated to empowering children with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a digital world.
