Digital Literacy & Bridewell AI in Pre-Prep

Our digital literacy programming, including our Bridewell AI for older pupils, plays an important part within our delivery of an age-appropriate curriculum, catalysing pupils’ learning, particularly by developing critical thinking and deepening knowledge.

At Barrow Hills, our Computing and Digital Literacy curriculum encompasses coding, web and app design, robotics, and AI, with digital literacy acquisition equipping pupils to use technology effectively, responsibly, and ethically. Each and every classroom is supported by large and accessible smart screens to bring visuals and concepts to life.

We work innovatively across the Bridewell schools and in partnership with the Universities of Surrey and Royal Holloway, University of London. Together, our pupils, teachers, and research partners have co-designed a local, safe, and bespoke AI system, built to scaffold children’s achievement around our curriculum and our core values of inclusion and excellence. Maintaining the ‘human in the loop’ is central to our approaches when applying cutting-edge technology, ensuring our pupils are equipped with the skills and ethical understanding to thrive in the future.

In an era where the allure of screen time can detract from the wonders of childhood, we ensure that our use of technology is considered, meaningful, and designed to raise the bar for academic outcomes.

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Take a look at our older children developing our Bridewell AI with the Universities of Surrey and Royal Holloway in 2025

Exciting beginnings in Pre-Prep

From the beginning of Pre-Prep, individual laptops enable children and their teachers to explore interactive phonics and number activities, enhancing curriculum provision and introducing early coding and digital skills.

Across the wider curriculum, peripherals such as augmented reality headsets transport and time-hop children to places like ancient Egypt or Rome, to the summit of the Himalayas, or to volcanoes in Iceland—bringing their Humanities studies vividly to life.
In our Early Years classes, children engage in the fundamentals of programming and directional language through exciting robot programming activities. By Years 1 and 2, pupils use spreadsheets and code confidently in weekly IT lessons, led by specialist staff.

Our teaching incorporates the best of academic and creative practice and is delivered using state of the art technology.

Our role as educators is to treat each child as an individual and provide support as they pursue their journey towards independence.

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Forest School and Ecology in Pre-Prep

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Join us to explore and experience everyday school life here at Barrow Hills

Personal visits usually last around 90-minutes including a meeting with our Head, Mr John Towers, and opportunities to meet the children and tour the beautiful school.

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Join us at an Open Morning

The best way to experience what life is like at Barrow Hills is to join us at an Open Morning. You will have the chance to talk to the children and teachers about what makes our school such a magical place, and to ask any questions you have about life here.