Announcement: Tech programme unveiled for Medway schools.

From 2023, SparkedEcho will deliver Medway's first ever immersive tech programme in Medway schools at KS3 and KS4 - for both students and teachers.

We are currently working with teachers across The Leigh Academies Trust, at Rainham, Strood and Hoo, who are interested in the application of creative immersive technology in the classroom and the potential for virtual reality and augmented reality in curriculum. 

Through a series of research and play opportunities, we are co-designing a programme that will nurture skills in digital literacy, enhance creative thinking and build cross-curricular resources. During 2022 we are:

• Trying out and seeing immersive technologies in action; 360 filmmaking, 3D sound, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Projection Mapping.
• Considering their cross-curricular relevance to sciences, computing and language, as well as the application of creative storytelling to promote empathy and unique perspective in areas such as literature and history.
• Evaluating how we work within limitations of single classrooms, hybrid teaching, firewalls, access to low-fi tech, teachers skills and confidence using tech.
• Helping road test the beginnings of a shared directory; free creative software and locally relevant classroom resources using creative tech.  
• Developing good practice for safeguarding the metaverse.
• Identifying opportunities to support schools on their Artsmark journey - SparkedEcho is an Artsmark Partner.
  
  

The project is being undertaken onsite at Rainham Leigh Academy, supported by our creative practitioners and specialist software and equipment. 

The school research is part of our wider plans to deliver a transformative artist programme during 2022-26 to establish Medway as a community of excellence in the digital arts. It is supported by Royal Opera House Bridge through the Learning Offer Development Fund.

If you would like more information about our school work, sign up to our newsletter or contact Isabel Jaques, Assistant Producer of SparkedEcho - isabel@sparkedecho.org.