Digital Learning

The Gardens School is highly regarded for creativity and innovation and our digital learning and technology programmes have been the envy of neighbouring schools for many years.  

Our History

The Gardens School opened in 2002, making a purposeful and strategic decision to work solely with Apple products.  A young and enthusiastic establishment staff embraced Apple technology and were involved in many Apple Professional Development programmes, with TGS often featuring as a popular stop on the "Apple Bus Tour".  2010 brought with it the start of our very successful eLearning Special Programme, which ran for 6 years before transitioning into the BYOD programme that has continued through to present day.  Our BYOD initiative began with Year 5/6 in 2016 and was extended to Year 7/8 in 2017 - with Apple iPad the device of choice for our students.  By the time we moved into our brand new school in 2018, we were offering 1:1 iPad in Year 4 (school-owned) and our Year 0-3 teams were operating with 1:3.  As of 2024, the 1:1 iPad programme has been extended into Year 3.

We have continued to develop our IT infrastructure, to ensure that students who do not have a device still have access to up to date school owned devices - both iPad and laptop.  Alongside this, we have continued to extend and enhance our staff capacity to develop high quality teaching and learning programmes which leverage technology as a creative tool for learning.  Our Board and staff have worked hard to develop a plan that will ensure we continue to offer exceptional programmes to our students. 

Apple Distinguished School

Since 2019, The Gardens School has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School, making us part of a global network of schools recognised for continuous innovation and creativity in learning.  Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of leadership and educational excellence that demonstrate Apple's vision for learning with technology.  Our commitment to ongoing innovation includes providing plenty of opportunities for our staff to access high-quality professional development.  It also means continually looking ahead to what our students will need in this ever-changing world, to equip them for their futures in learning and work.

Digital learning is authentically integrated into programmes and students at The Gardens School benefit from a broad curriculum that is delivered by highly experienced and passionate teachers.