Mernda Primary School prioritises Digital Technologies (Digitech) as an integral part of the core curriculum for students from Prep to Year 6. At Mernda PS we believe that technology is the future of all workplace skills that is required for our students of today and our school supports this through directing a large budget towards up to date technology in all classrooms.

To support Digitech at Mernda Primary, a significant amount of the school’s global budget is devoted to providing the necessary infrastructure, hardware, technicians and a Digital Learning leading teacher. Students at Mernda Primary school are provided with access to 1:1 computing in all classrooms, as timetabled by their teacher and each teaching space has access to an Interactive Whiteboard to assist with teaching. Careful consideration is taken when purchasing devices for students with touch screen tablets used in Junior Primary (Prep – Year 3) gradually progressing to full sized laptops in Years 3-6.

Technology Resources & Infrastructure –

Each room in Mernda Primary School is fitted with an interactive Whiteboard and capabilities for 1:1 computing in all rooms (shared between 2 rooms) along with access to Virtual Reality, 360 photography, Robotics, Video and Still Cameras and editing tools.

Digitech Curriculum –

The Digitech program provides a comprehensive program that is fun and cutting edge for all students. Lessons are carried out once a week by the classroom teacher as standalone Digitech sessions and the use of technology is also integrated across the curriculum in all other subjects. Teachers at Mernda Primary are supported by a full time Digitech Leading Teacher and a team of Technicians onsite to ensure the smooth running of the program.

Introducing Technology Skills –

Mernda Primary aims to provide every student with the opportunity to be introduced to and comfortably use a wide range of apps, cloud-based platforms, manipulate websites, research effectively, construct and direct robotics using code, navigate computing tools and other digital devices.

This is to assist our ‘digital native’ students to progress from simply ‘touch and swiping’, as young learners, to Microsoft Office and Typing skills, Programming, Robotics and using Web 2.0 tools which incorporates online collaboration and cloud based learning opportunities. We work hard as a staff to offer a ‘Digitech’ lesson each week on top of the general usage of ICT, to teach students all about Digital Technologies.

Cybersafety Program –

Mernda Primary School is an eSmart accredited school and has an active Cyber Safety program that is taught by classroom teachers from Prep – Year 6. The school takes pride in a whole school approach with an acceptable use agreement for Digital Technology. Students discuss and learn about Cyber Citizenship, Digital Footprints and how to be a responsible online user.

Student Leadership Opportunities –

As part of our student leadership program, there are opportunities for children in Year 4 and 5 to apply for the position of ‘ICT Whiz Kid’. Here they develop in their Digitech and Leadership capabilities. Mernda Primary provides many opportunities for your learners to develop their digital capabilities throughout their primary school years.

Students showing aptitude and interest in Digitech can also become a student leader in the ICT Whiz Kid Program in Years 4 and 5

Digital Communication –

Parents are actively encouraged to be part of the school community online, with the use of the ‘Digital Parent Portal’ and through their child’s online Digital Portfolio. Student reports are accessible online and parents are encouraged to be involved with their child’s day-to-day learning through the ‘Digital Parent Portal’.

Educating Future Ready Citizens –

Mernda Primary School prioritises Digital Learning for all students from Prep to Year 6. Our main goal is to assist students towards becoming future ready citizens and to provide them with technical skills and collaborative abilities in order to function and work in the rapidly changing digital world.

We believe that technology compliments and assists teachers and students to learn, collaborate and explore during lessons. Digital tools are embedded across all areas of the curriculum at our school, both in the classroom and in specialist areas such as Science, Performing Arts, Phys Ed and Visual Arts.