Introducing LEO Academy Trust

LEO Academy Trust, a collective of Primary schools (Key Stage 1 and 2 - ages 5-11) located in London and South East England, has been a technology pioneer in the UK market since rolling out its 1:1 device-to-learner ecosystem in 2019. Since then, and aligned with the Academy Trust's mission to develop a family of great schools where collaboration makes a real difference, LEO has embarked on a journey to integrate digital technology seamlessly into all aspects of the teaching and learning process.

Overview of the Study

In a pioneering study led by Dr. Fiona Aubrey-Smith, the impact of digital technology, with a focus on 1:1 device integration, was thoroughly examined across the schools within the LEO Academy Trust. This extensive research, conducted over a significant period, delved into various aspects of educational technology's role in modern pedagogy. Employing a combination of surveys, interviews, observations, and data analysis, the study sought to rigorously evaluate the impact of technology usage at LEO.

Key Findings

The study confirmed and quantified the impact of 1:1 device adoption across the LEO Academy Trust, highlighting how Chromebooks are used to deliver positive change in pedagogy, learner engagement, and operational efficiency. Among the notable impacts were the enhanced capacity for personalized learning, the provision of inclusive educational experiences, and the streamlined administrative processes.

Mote Findings

Mote emerged as one of the most widely used tools in this digital transformation. Mote was recognized for its efficacy in delivering personalized feedback, significantly reducing the workload for teachers while enhancing the quality of student writing, as well as its role as a powerfully simple tool that young learners use in a variety of creative tasks. Key findings include:

• Time Efficiency: Mote enabled teachers to provide detailed feedback in a fraction of the time required for traditional methods.
• Personalized and Engaging Feedback: Audio feedback was perceived as more personal and engaging, leading to a higher rate of student receptivity and incorporation of feedback.
• Support for SEN and EAL Students: Mote proved invaluable in supporting students with special educational needs and those for whom English is an additional language, making curriculum access more equitable.
• Promoting Inclusivity: The tool played a significant role in creating inclusive learning environments, providing assistive features that cater to diverse learner needs.