Empowering digital learners through purpose and partnership
At Scotch, our approach to technology is grounded in purpose and partnership. We view technology as a powerful tool to extend the learning capabilities of our students.
With the intentional integration of technology across schools around the globe, it is important that schools work in partnership with parents to set boundaries, develop skills and build trust when it comes to their child's use of technology.
As the technological world continues to evolve, it is essential that young people build digital literacy and are equipped to navigate the expanding digital landscape.
Technology as an extension, not substitution
When a device is introduced to the student journey it is done so with intention. Its purpose to extend the capabilities of the student by sparking curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving.
Our students use technology in creative and collaborative ways, not as a substitute for traditional learning but as a powerful extension of it.
Technology at Scotch is not about replacing pencils, paints or books. It's about adding another tool to spark creativity, collaboration and problem solving
Phoebe Behiels
Digital Pedagogy Specialist
These are additional tools in a student's toolbox which can be used to express their understanding.
Whilst ensuring that books, handwriting, and hands-on exploration remain central to the classroom experience.
Establishing healthy habits
Here at Scotch, our Junior School has implemented a Digital Wellbeing programme known by the students as Fergus' Digital Journey. This programme aimed at supporting students develop the foundations for healthy digital habits.
The programme empowers boys to become confident and responsible digital citizens.
Amanda Ritchie
Deputy Head of Junior School - Pastoral Care
Alongside Fergus, students develop healthy practices and build digital literacy from managing screen time, to digital organisation and online safety.
As students display competence in these areas they earn badges in areas such as digital creation, digital organisation, digital security, digital balance and digital detective.
To develop skills in online safety, students can display digital maturity and parents can nurture these practices.
A partnership between school and home
The Year 4 Parent and Student Device Workshop provides another opportunity for the College to support and reinforce the use of technology through partnership between home and school.
Parents are invited into this journey through shared technology agreements, which model respectful and balanced technology use at home.
This touchpoint is an excellent opportunity to provide support to our parents, ensuring the student, parent and school are on the same page. This shared message makes it easier for parents to implement their own agreements around technology use at home.
When teachers, parents, and students work together, we build a strong foundation for digital wellbeing - one that nurtures curiosity, care, and meaningful technology use in every learning environment.
Shireen Winrow
Digital Pedagogy Specialist
Connection over restriction
Parenting in the digital age is no simple task, the College draws insights from a range of sources, particularly the eSafetyCommissioner. From these insights we encourage families to:
- Co-create clear boundaries
- Keep devices in shared spaces
- Engage in open, ongoing conversations about what children see and do online
From as small a step as a family technology agreement around device use at home, co-creating boundaries can have a lasting impact as young people navigate the digital landscape.
As adults and educators, our role is to guide and support young people as they navigate the digital landscape. The College encourages families to
see digital guidance as a process of reflection and connection, building trust and understanding, rather than imposing restriction.
Perhaps the most powerful insights come from our students themselves, whose reflections on distraction, balance, and enjoyment reminded us that they value adult guidance.
