Oasis academies to provide iPads for all students and staff

Five schools across Tameside and Oldham are set to provide each student and staff member with an iPad later this year as part of a new programme. 

Oasis Academy Broadoak in Ashton, as well as Oasis Academy Clarksfield, Leesbrook, Limeside and Oldham - part of the Oasis Community Learning family of schools - will be distributing more than 3,200 iPads with rugged keyboard cases.

Oasis Community Learning say the venture is designed to "address inequalities that exist outside of school by making online learning accessible to all". 

The programme - named Oasis Horizons - will be rolled out to all 52 Oasis Academies across the country over the next academic year. It will mean over 30,000 devices being delivered, enabling students to conduct their own research, delve deeper into their subjects and enable them to follow their own lines of enquiry.

Helen Arya, Regional Director for North West Primaries at Oasis Community Learning, said: "Staff and students at Oasis Academy Broadoak, Clarksfield and Limeside are delighted to be part of this exciting project that provides new opportunities for every one of our young people from Reception to Year 6." 

CEO John Murphy holding an iPad and keyboard case

Jane Hughes, Regional Director for Northern Secondaries at Oasis Community Learning, added: "We are passionate about all of our students having the opportunities that they deserve to make great progress. Both staff and students at Oasis Academy Leesbrook and Oldham are incredibly excited to be part of this project. We are always looking for ways to continue innovating and the iPads are the next piece of the jigsaw, making online learning accessible to everyone, whether that is inside or outside of the academy." 

Oasis say the devices will support every student on their learning journey, regardless of their starting points, removing many of the barriers some young people face in accessing learning resources outside of school.

Every pupil will be taught how to make the most of their device, and how to look after it. If an iPad is reported missing it can be locked remotely, and then have its location tracked.

Staff using an iPad with a keyboard case

John Murphy, CEO of Oasis Community Learning, commented: "We want to take a step forward in our offer to our young people to ensure we address inequality that exists outside of the classroom, and so that everyone has the opportunities that they are entitled to.

"Oasis Horizons will provide every student access to online learning wherever they are, it will enable their families to support them with their learning. Familiarity with devices such as this will also prepare them for their next steps, be that further education or a fulfilling and aspirational career.

"Last but by no means least, Oasis Horizons will empower our staff to teach in new and exciting ways and to work more efficiently, reducing the time taken to do important activities like marking and freeing up that time to support their students. We are excited by the opportunities provided by Oasis Horizons, and how it will enhance learning for all." 

The project is a collaboration between Oasis Community Learning and Apple Authorised Education Specialist company Sync.

Tom Crump, National Education Manager at Sync, said: "The equitable delivery of education through digital means has never been more important. By equipping teachers and students with an iPad, OCL are preparing for the long-term delivery of equitable learning - whether students are in school or at home. We are proud to be working with OCL on their ground-breaking Horizons project - the largest provision of iPad in education happening in England to date." 

Main image:

Oasis Community Learning CEO, John Murphy (left) with Oasis Academy Wintringham staff member handing over iPad and keyboard case.