Technology
Tanglin’s Philosophy on the use of Technology:
Tanglin Trust School embraces new technology wherever it supports our mission. Staff are confident users of technology and are supported and encouraged to be innovative. Students use technology to inquire, communicate, collaborate and safely take risks. When they move on from Tanglin, they are confident users of technology in a range of contexts, understanding the benefits, limitations and risks associated with its use.
The use of technology to support learning is embedded across the Senior School curriculum and supported by the Technology for Learning team.
Our approach is built on the idea that students thrive when their digital tools are purposeful, safe and carefully balanced with traditional methods. Having school managed iPads allows us to create a calm and focused learning environment where every student has access to the same high quality resources that truly support learning, creativity and wellbeing, free from the distractions.
Students in Years 7 to 9 receive specific Computing lessons, where they increase their skills as users of key software packages as well as developing an understanding of the principles of computer science and programming. Our Lifeskills programme, pastoral structures and classroom routines all support the development self-regulation and focus also needed to navigate technology with confidence. All classes automatically have a Microsoft Team and associated OneNote notebook where teachers can share curated resources with students as well as communicate and collaborate as part of their learning journey.
Within each Team, students can access information posted by their teachers, receive and submit assignments, and ask or answer questions/comments from their teacher or classmates. In classrooms, teaching and learning takes place through pen-enabled devices and each classroom has a range of technology including interactive screens. Students will experience a deliberate ‘mixed economy’ where devices will be used for their learning but also where writing extensively by hand, exercise books and discussion remain central to lessons.
Our students and teachers have access to a range of appropriate technologies with which we interact inside and outside the classroom. These interactions help prepare students to deal with the ever-growing role of technology in their lives both at Tanglin and beyond. By using school-managed devices, age-appropriate guardrails are applied and the device is limited as much as technically possible to content relevant to teaching and learning. This helps increase the quality of screen time and support students with regulation and focus while using technology.
Device Requirements
Year 7 to Year 13
Students from Year 7 to Year 13 are required to use a school-managed device while at Tanglin. The purpose of these devices is to allow students to access school resources and complete their work within a safe environment. Parents purchase the device through Innocom, Tanglin’s approved vendor, and our technology team will manage the setup and ongoing oversight of the managed device while at Tanglin.
Parents can access the online ordering system through our parent portal.
There are two recommended options. For most students, the iPad 11inch, with a 2-year AppleCare+ warranty, accidental damage protection, an Apple Pencil (USB-C) and a Logitech Combo Touch case provides an excellent balance of portability, durability and performance. For Upper School and Sixth Form students who may prefer a larger screen, the iPad Air 13”, with the same warranty, protection and accessories is an ideal choice, particularly for extended reading and more specialised subject demands. However, the bigger iPad is not a requirement.
All devices purchased through Innocom arrive pre-enrolled in our management and filtering system. When a student leaves Tanglin, the device will be wiped to factory settings and handed back to the student.