E-Learning
A Vision for Learning in a Digital World
We believe that access to technology is not a luxury, it’s a vital part of modern education. Our e-learning programme ensures that every student has the tools, skills, and support they need to thrive in a digitally connected world.
But this is about more than just devices. It’s about preparing students to be confident, creative, and responsible users of technology, able to navigate the demands of the future workplace, adapt to change, and use digital tools to express themselves, solve problems, and collaborate with others.
At St Paul’s, our approach to digital learning is rooted in our core values: a belief in every student’s dignity, a commitment to excellence and inclusion, and a desire to form young people who use technology with discernment, compassion, and confidence. Whether exploring new AI tools or revisiting the basics of responsible device use, we aim to prepare students not just for exams, but for a digital world that demands wisdom as much as skill.
Rooted in equity, our programme also aims to remove barriers, close gaps, and ensure every child can engage fully in learning, both in school and at home. Our investment in one-to-one devices, staff training, and digital strategy reflects our commitment to creating a future-facing curriculum that supports the whole child.
Our E-Learning Foundation
In 2004, we established the St Paul’s E-Learning Foundation, a registered charity created to help realise our vision that every child should benefit from the power of digital learning, both at school and at home.
Through the generosity of our families, we invite all parents and carers to make a regular monthly donation. These donations, combined with Gift Aid, allow us to purchase and provide high-quality devices to every student within each year group if they choose to join the charity.
Students joining the scheme receive:
- a digital device for use at school and at home;
- an introduction to using their device effectively and responsibly;
- ongoing support through one-to-one or small-group coaching;
- easy access to our IT Helpdesk in the Learning Resource Centre to resolve any technical issues quickly, including help connecting at home.
You can find full details of the E-Learning Foundation and how the scheme works.
Technology for Learning
Technology, when used thoughtfully, plays a powerful role in helping our students become critical thinkers, problem-solvers and creators. At St Paul’s, we use technology to support higher-order thinking, skills like analysis, evaluation, creativity and self-reflection, so that students can engage deeply, collaborate meaningfully, and grow in confidence.
This doesn’t replace traditional teaching. Books, discussion, and teacher-led instruction remain essential. But with technology, learning becomes even more dynamic, helping students prepare for a fast-changing world where adaptability and digital confidence are key.
Technology in Our Curriculum
At St Paul’s, we recognise the importance of teaching both about technology and through technology.
Computing is taught as a dedicated subject in Years 8 and 9, with students able to continue their learning through GCSE Computer Science and A Level Computing. These courses help students understand the principles of programming, data, systems, and the ethical dimensions of technology, all essential knowledge for an increasingly digital world.
Alongside this, digital tools are meaningfully embedded across all subject areas. From creative media in RE and data modelling in science, to collaborative essays in English and revision quizzing in languages, students use technology to extend and personalise their learning every day. Our aim is to equip them with the confidence, critical thinking, and technical fluency they need to thrive not only in exams, but in life beyond the classroom.
Responsible Use and Digital Citizenship
At St Paul’s, helping students become confident and responsible users of technology is just as important as the devices themselves. From the moment students join our one-to-one device scheme, they are taught how to look after their devices respectfully, not just in terms of care and security, but also in how they use them as tools for learning.
Through tutor sessions, IT inductions, assemblies, LoveEd and digital literacy lessons, and ongoing guidance, we teach students about digital safety, privacy, and the importance of a healthy digital balance. Our approach encourages students to reflect on how they interact online, manage distractions, and navigate the digital world with integrity.
We also recognise that the digital landscape is evolving rapidly. That’s why we’re exploring AI literacy, helping students think critically about how artificial intelligence is used in society and how to use it ethically, discerningly and creatively in their own learning.
Our goal is not just to equip students with devices, but to shape them into thoughtful, ethical digital citizens who are ready for life in an ever-changing world.
Staff Training and Innovation
We believe that technology is only as effective as the people using it: that’s why we invest heavily in staff training and professional development. Every teacher is supported to use digital tools in ways that truly enhance learning, not replace it. Through regular coaching, collaborative practice, and in-house innovation groups, we build confidence, creativity and shared expertise across our team.
We are exploring the exciting potential of AI and adaptive technologies to support inclusive teaching. From planning lessons to improving accessibility, these tools offer new opportunities to personalise learning, reduce workload and meet the diverse needs of our students. As with everything we do, our approach is thoughtful and grounded in what makes great teaching.
AI for Students
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, we are beginning to equip students with the knowledge, curiosity, and discernment to understand and use it responsibly.
Through classroom discussion, guided exploration, and real-world examples, we help students think critically about how AI works, where it appears in their lives, and how it can be used safely, ethically, and creatively.
We also emphasise the importance of respecting age restrictions on AI platforms and tools. Our approach encourages students to see AI not as a shortcut, but as a learning partner; one that must be used wisely, with integrity, and under appropriate guidance.
At-Home Learning and Parent Support
Our commitment to digital access doesn’t end at the school gates. We understand that students need reliable access to learning both in school and at home, so we offer practical support to help families get the most from their child’s device. From guidance on connecting at home to help with setup and troubleshooting, our team is always on hand to assist.
We work closely with parents and carers to set clear expectations for digital learning at home. Our friendly support team is always happy to help families feel confident and supported with device use throughout the school year.
It’s reassuring to know my child can learn independently at home, with the same support and access they have in school.
— Mrs Williams (Parent)
Confident. Compassionate. Connected.
We use technology to shape learners ready for the world, not just the exam hall.
