How DigiSmart works in schools
DigiSmart Core consists of ten modules, which are delivered in weekly sessions lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours each. DigiSmart More consists of nine additional modules. The modules are based around online activities supported by traditional workbooks and teaching techniques.
Partner schools are encouraged to offer the full 19-week programme across the autumn and spring terms, because the targeted children gain additional benefit from a sustained intervention.
Each school selects a qualified teacher to act as Lead Teacher and take responsibility for the delivery of the programme. It also selects at least one, but preferably two, Support Tutors to work with the Lead Teacher. Support Tutors are usually other teachers or teaching assistants, but they can be parent volunteers or sixth form students.
There is a low child-to-adult ratio in order to achieve the intended impact and because the small group dynamic fosters team spirit and contributes to the success of the programme.
Each school is asked to identify 12 children in Year 5 who are most in need of a targeted intervention in order to help them realise their educational potential. DigiSmart provides criteria and guidance on selection.
Many schools identify children working at level 2 or level 3 and use DigiSmart as a strategy to raise those children’s attainment before the end of Key Stage 2.
Schools are required to complete a Baseline Assessment for each participating child and explain why they have been selected.
Each session consists of:
- an introduction, delivered by the Lead Teacher
- the main activity, which children work on at their own computer
- extension activities, for children who complete the main activity
- a plenary, facilitated by the Lead Teacher
Towards the end of each session, children assess themselves against the session targets in negotiation with a DigiSmart tutor. Through this process, tutors are able to identify and implement particular strategies to improve individual children’s performance.
At the end of the programme, schools are required to complete a Final Assessment for each child.