Provide Canonbie Primary School with WiFi internet

There have been multiple unsuccessful attempts made to the local education department by the headteacher and the Parent Council to try and get WiFi for Canonbie Primary. Both Langholm Primary and Langholm Academy have WiFi access and as a partner school in a cluster with them, we believe Canonbie Primary should be treated equally and be given WiFi.

We live in a digital era and for Canonbie Primary pupils to be successful they have to have digital skills. The ability to use computers and other digital equipment, use online applications, find information online, assess its quality and value, and make use of it in daily life is crucial in their education and their future as they enter the world of work.

It is widely recognised that WiFi can improve the quality of education in many ways:
• it enables access to a much wider range of information, knowledge and educational resources, increasing opportunities for learning in and beyond the classroom
• it helps to keep lessons interesting which helps to keep pupils enthusiastic and passionate in their learning
• interactive teaching methods enable teachers to tailor lessons and give more attention to individual pupils’ needs and abilities and support shared learning
• it helps pupils in understanding the lessons being discussed
• it helps pupils and teachers accomplish tasks faster
• accessing online materials and digital technologies helps to reduce costs associated with textbooks and materials
• pupils need to learn how to use the internet safely and to do everyday tasks such as online buying, internet banking and social media
• pupils can develop research skills by exploring online content on their own and can immediately find the learning materials that they need while they are in school.

The national curriculum and associated assessments are all changing to take account of the internet and digital technologies. The Scottish Government's Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy states that all learners should benefit fully from learning and teaching enhanced by digital technology. Reliable access to the internet is fundamental to achieving the government’s vision for the future.

In addition, the Parent Council and wider community fundraised to purchase tablets to help Canonbie Primary pupils with their learning and they are not being utilised due to lack of internet provision. It is therefore not unreasonable to ask our Education Department to provide WiFi as a matter of urgency.