Primary 3 at Howden St. Andrew’s PS are the latest class to borrow the SpheroBOLT robots from the Digital Learning Team. Used as part of their Project Based Learning time, they explored the question, ‘What will the future look like?‘ and considered how technology might shape their future world.
From these discussions came lots of questions about robots and how they work. Learners developed early coding skills by giving the SpheroBOLT simple instructions and watching what happened next. They enjoyed trying out different commands, spotting mistakes and fixing them when things didn’t go to plan. By working together and having fun experimenting, pupils learned that coding is all about problem‑solving, teamwork and trying again.
Reading Progress became a key focus for literacy and reading interventions following staff CLPL sessions in 2024 and reflection on attainment data. Focus was on supporting targeted pupils and breaking down barriers to learning around comprehension, as well as developing confidence, fluency and expression in their reading. Pupil Support Workers were also targeted in the training and staff sessions, in order to support pupils and build sustainability across the school. Pupils really enjoyed using Reading Progress and were excited when they began to see their improvements.
“Pupils feel secure using Reading Progress with a device. They can go off and record in a quiet space without an audience. The camera really draws them in and they can get instant feedback.”
Class Teacher
The insights generated provide clear data which can be used to support and plan next steps and SMART targets, as well as being used to verify teacher judgement. Line graphs are generated automatically for individual pupils and the class, based on accuracy and reading speed, as well as additional data provided for challenge words and expression in reading.
Unintended Results and Additional Success
Staff were thrilled to see not just an improvement in confidence, fluency and expression when using Reading Coach, but also within the wider class setting. Pupils began to volunteer to read out loud in front of the class, and participate more in class / group tasks with their peers.
“Pupils even began bringing in books from home to share and read – that didn’t happen before!”
Class Teacher
Microsoft Reading Progress and Reading Coach
Microsoft Reading Progress is a Teams based programme, in which the class teacher assigns a text for pupils to read out-loud and record. The platform analyses the recording and generates feedback based on pronunciation, fluency, expression and has the option to add in comprehension.
Microsoft Reading Coach is another Learning Accelerator which can be used within the Reading Progress assignment, or as a stand-alone feature either through immersive reader or through the new web-based app: • Reading Progress tracks the progress of the learner. •Reading coach offers support and opportunities to practice parts they find challenging.
The web-based app offers the chance for pupils to generate their own stories based on their interests, practice in their own time, and earn rewards for continued reading.
Well done again to St Mary’s, Bathgate. We are looking forward to see your continued progress next session!
We are delighted to announce the recent success of St Paul’s Primary School, in achieving their Digital Schools Award Endorsement, celebrating their continued dedication of the use of digital technologies to enhance learning and teaching.
There was strong evidence of how technology is used consistently to support pedagogy… Digital literacy is integrated very well with the curriculum with clear lines of development and innovation.
Digital Schools award Validator
“The award recognises the ongoing commitment to maintaining a high standard of digital education and ensuring a seamless digital experience for learners at all levels. This acknowledgement not only validates sustained efforts but also reaffirms the school’s dedication to self-analysis and development in digital learning and teaching. It reflects adaptability and responsiveness to the ever-evolving landscape of technology and pedagogy.”
Digital Schools Award Scotland
St Paul’s Primary School is the second school in West Lothian to achieve this accolade which is a testament to the great work taking place across the whole school. We look forward to seeing how St Paul’s continue to take forward digital learning in your school. Well done!
We are thrilled to announce that two talented students from Kirkhill Primary School have been recognised as Runners-Up in the recent #DigitalInventorsCompetition! Their innovative project earned them an invitation to the award ceremony in Glasgow this week, where they celebrated their achievements.
The Competition
Pupils were challenged to research common health and care challenges and come up with ideas that could be transformed into a digital health and care solution.
They designed a heated blanket to soothe the symptoms of Arthritis, and includes space for a medicated gel pad for topical treatment, and a digital chip to connect to an app for wireless control. It is designed to be made using recycled materials, and specifically targets the area of pain, using heat to improve symptoms and reduce the environmental impact of heating the whole house.
Kirkhill Primary School submitted designs from pupils across P6, and also had a second group receive a Special Recognition award for their invention too. This is an incredible achievement to all. Well done to everyone who entered, you are all superstars!
