Digital Strategy
As part of Ark's Digital strategy, every child receives a Chromebook, as well as access to the full suite of programmes on Office 365 and a range of online learning platforms.
In 2020, Ark Schools launched a ‘Digital Strategy’ in response to what the COVID crisis highlighted about the importance of technology in education. As part of this new Digital Strategy, all students that go to an Ark school receive a Google Chromebook, together with access to the full suite of ‘Office 365’ applications from wherever they are in the world and from whatever device they are using.
Through widespread use of this package, we hope to improve the quality of home learning opportunities that our students receive, develop student digital literacy as an important lifelong skill, and promote student independence when learning outside of the classroom.
In line with this, we have identified the following key areas where technology can support student progress and outcomes:
- Enabling more formative assessment
- Providing greater access to personalised learning
- Broadening the extended curriculum and enrichment opportunities
- Increasing amount of reading across the curriculum
- Improving accountability for home learning
This year, all students will be required to bring their Chromebook into school for use in lessons and study periods. This will enable students to build familiarity and confidence with the Microsoft 365 apps so they can become more independent learners of the 21st Century.
Homework
MS Teams is now embedded as the main homework portal for all students at Ark Putney Academy; this is an app included in the Office 365 account which students can login from any device. This increases the likelihood that we will achieve our goal of improving student independence with learning at home.
At Ark Putney, we nurture every student’s growth by providing engaging and challenging learning experiences at every stage of their academic journey.
In Key Stage 3, students are introduced to a wide range of interactive online platforms such as Sparx and Language Nut, which spark curiosity and help them build strong digital skills from the outset. As they move into Key Stage 4, students engage with curriculum-focused tasks though Kril assignments that encourage deeper thinking and greater independence. By Key Stage 5, our students complete pre-reading activities, extended written responses, and independent study, preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.
This progressive approach ensures that every student is continually challenged, empowered, and inspired to become a confident, independent learner ready to thrive in the modern world.
Weekly Homework Expectations at Ark Putney
Students at Ark Putney are set regular homework to support their learning and develop independent study skills. Expectations relate directly to where students are in their academic journey.
- Year 7: Around 2.5 hours per week
- Year 8: Around 4 hours per week
- Year 9: Around 5 hours per week
- Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): 7–9 hours per week
- Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form): At least 5 hours per subject per week, including independent study
This balanced approach helps students build strong study habits and prepares them for future success.
Spark
To help our pupil make the most of digital learning, the Ark Network provides a range of resources through SPArk – a place where students can find work relevant to their year group and each subject.
This includes signposting to third party apps such as the Oak National Academy and BBC Bitesize, so that pupils have quick access to useful learning resources. Other software that we highly recommend as a resource for additional independent learning includes Hegarty Maths and Seneca.