Targeted support for disadvantaged under-achievers
DigiSmart is an educational intervention programme. Working in partnership with schools, it develops the full range of literacy skills and helps specific groups of under-achieving Year 5 primary school children from disadvantaged backgrounds catch up with their more advantaged peers. It also raises self-esteem and attendance, and improves behaviour.
Closing the gap before it’s too late
DigiSmart deliberately targets nine and ten-year-olds, because Year 5 is one of the last opportunities the education system has to make a really decisive impact. Research shows that if the attainment gap is not closed by this point, it not only persists, but widens throughout children’s school career.
A programme that motivates and builds confidence
DigiSmart employs technology alongside paper-based resources to engage children and deliver a structured programme of additional support. It can be run after school or during the school day. Teaching staff act as tutors and receive training to deliver the weekly sessions, which take place during a school year. Children’s progress is measured and assessed from start to finish.
Real gains and proven success
DigiSmart has been running for ten years and to date over 7000 children have benefited from taking part in it. A substantial body of evidence has been built up that proves DigiSmart helps children engage with education, experience success and make strong attainment gains.
Running DigiSmart in your school
DigiSmart can help give your children the chance to succeed and is currently recruiting new partner schools to start running DigiSmart in Autumn 2012. To apply, please complete the application form. The closing date for applications for 2012/13 is 20 June 2012.
DigiSmart is a charitable organisation and the programme is provided free of charge to schools that meet the selection criteria. However, there are indirect costs for schools, such as staffing.
