School hands out free laptops to students for online lessons - The Solihull Observer

School hands out free laptops to students for online lessons

Solihull Editorial 12th Sep, 2021   0

A SCHOOL in Solihull is starting the new term by handing out brand new free laptops to every student.

The scheme at WMG Academy, Solihull, comes after the pandemic highlighted the importance of technology in education.

The scheme will see all current and new students at the school being given a Samsung or HP Chromebook, paid for from school funds.

The initiative means that all students, regardless of background, will have access to the latest technology to allow them to access the internet and learning platforms at school and at home.




Kate Tague, chief executive officer of WMG Academy Trust, said: “The classroom is changing and we are keeping ahead of the curve.

“We are delighted to be able to offer every single student in our academies a free Chromebook.


“It levels the playing field and means students are less likely to fall behind due to a lack of technology.

“The pandemic has emphasised how important technology is in modern education.

“Every child and young person deserves to have the same chances when they’re starting out in life and we’re doing all we can to ensure all students are equipped with the tools necessary for learning in the 21st century.”

Classwork and homework is set online and students can interact with teachers virtually as well as in person.

Lessons still take place in the academy, with a combination of traditional lessons and online activities.

Students will take their individual laptop home at the end of every day so they have access to their work at home.

In total, almost 1,000 teenagers will benefit in the first year of the scheme, which will cost the Trust £200,000.

Stringent safeguarding measures will be in place to ensure online safety at all times.

Students may also choose to opt out of the scheme and use their own laptop instead.

For more information about WMG Academy Solihull visit www.wmgacademy.org.uk

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