Dear [Head Teacher / name of relevant school contact]
[I am/We are] currently exploring primary school options for [my/our] child and to help us with that important decision [I am/we are] very interested to learn more about your school’s approach to homework and in particular to the use of technology in the classroom and for homework.
It may help you if [I/we] frame my areas of interest by asking some specific questions. [I/We] would very much appreciate your thoughts in response, or alternatively if there could be an opportunity for us to meet, to understand your school’s position on the following:
- How frequently are digital devices used in lessons and in which context are they used? For example, are large screens typically used for teaching, and are personal devices ever used for pupil classwork or assessments outside of computing/ICT lessons?
- If so, how regularly, and in which year groups or subjects?
- Is access to a computer or other online device required for some or all homework assignments? Are homework tasks routinely set on an online platform, and if so are paper-based alternatives also available?
- Are parents able to opt for their children to complete paper-based rather than device-based homework if they prefer a screen-free approach at home?
- What if any role does the school believe device use should play in the development of core skills like handwriting, independent reading, spelling, and times tables?
- How has your school evaluated the educational value of any device use in class?
[My/Our] purpose in posing these questions is simply to understand how technology, and particularly screens, devices and online platforms, are being used in your school. [I am/We are] concerned about our children spending too much time on screens and devices, and that their core skill development will be suffering as a result. [I am/We are] hoping to learn that you understand [my/our] concerns in this regard, and perhaps share at least some of them.
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to [my/our] questions. [I/We] shall very much appreciate any information you can provide about your school’s approach in this area.
Yours sincerely,