Preston Lodge HS has worked hard to implement a series of initiatives that are focused on the development and growth of a rich learning culture in the school. Calum Stewart (depute head) explained to us that there had been a focus on developing their learning to learn programme in order to help nurture learning attributes such as learner resilience, resourcefulness, responsibility, reasoning and reflection. He explained that such approaches were designed to help all learners and educators reflect on the idea that learning was not just about knowing content but equally about learning how to learn. With the advent of pupil-led learning spaces at the school, such as Neil takes on Science, Mr Stewart remarked that he was not sure what the main driver was that had led to this; whether it was the devices that were enabling access to the web and dynamic web tools, whether it was the learning culture they were looking to nurture and grow or whether the changing nature of their courses were becoming more appealing to learners. Nonetheless, he was sure that he was seeing positive change in attitudes to learning in the school and thought that all these factors were helping to effect change.

Preston Lodge HS: Learning to learn Interview with Calum Stewart (DHT)

Mr Stewart was keen to stress that the culture in relation to the use of devices was one that was not looking to fixate on a particular device. The learning culture that was being grown would thrive no matter what device was being used and the possibility of having an open network to enable a BYOD (bring your own device) option for his learners was one that he very much looks forward to.

Finally, Mr Stewart commented on the need for learning to be open to change and particularly so when digital technology is misused by learners. Although there had not been any incidents of note in relation to this he believed that if there were the school should not react in a way that might lead to the closing off or shutting down of new ideas and methodologies. He stressed that managing perceived and actual risks with effective planning and carefully considered responses to any challenges that arise is the best approach to help us take learning forward.