MUST HAVE APPS FOR BISHOP’S WALTHAM JUNIOR SCHOOL

In order to maximise communication between school and home, I would highly recommend downloading the following applications onto your electronic devices (phone/tablet/iPad etc.).

 

Making a folder on your homepage is a terrific way to group apps together making it easier to use your phone. If all of the apps below are kept in the same place, you won't have to go hunting through folders or searching your phone when you want to use/view them.  To make a folder, hold your finger down on one of the apps and drag it on top of another.  You will then be able to name your folder (e.g. BWJS).  Finally, just drag the remaining school based apps into the same folder so they are all stored together.

The following applications can be downloaded from:        

 

Arbor
 
(to be fully implemented by Sept 2022)

As a school, we use Arbor to collect and process key information about your child and you as parents/ carers to ensure the data we hold is accurate and up to date.

We also use Arbor to allow you to provide parental consents, update medical/dietary information, track attendance, book parents evening appointments and pay for meals/trips/clubs etc.

Arbor provides a convenient and accessible solution for you to electronically review and request changes to the data held on you and your children via smartphone, tablet, or PC anytime, anywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

School Jotter

School Jotter contains links to the school website, school blog, BWJS facebook page, PTA (FoBS) facebook page and BWJS twitter feed.

As the app is directly linked to the school website, it will notify you each time a letter/newsletter is uploaded.

The app also:

-       hosts the school calendar
-       displays latest news/achievements/notices
-       has a photo gallery
-       provides email contact links for each class teacher

Each time the school uploads news, notices, letters etc. – a notification will be sent to the device.

 

 

 

Parentmail

The school predominantly uses parentmail to send individual/group texts and/or emails.

The school jotter can only be used to send whole school notices/year group notices etc. – not direct to individuals or groups.

By downloading this app you will receive a visual notification each time you are sent a parentmail email or text.

The school also sets up extracurricular activity club lists so parents can be directly notified if a club is cancelled etc.

BWJS is a cashless school - Most payments can now be made using +Pay 

+Pay is designed with parents in mind – we know that straightforward and easy school payments encourage more parents to pay online, making the system even more cost-effective for schools.

+Pay lets parents securely save payment details, track and manage their child’s spending and see the accounts of all their children. +Pay’s low balance notifications are included as standard for top up reminders, helping busy parents stay on top of dinner money week in, week out.

 

 

 

Times Table Rockstars

 

When it comes to times tables, speed AND accuracy are important – the more facts your child remembers, the easier it is for them to do harder calculations.

Times Table Rock Stars is a fun and challenging programme designed to help students master the times tables!  The game can be played on any smart phone/tablet/PC.

To be a Times Table Rock Star you need to answer any multiplication fact up to 12×12 in less than 3 seconds!

All pupils will have been provided with a unique username and password (should be displayed inside homework book)

 

 

Gooseberry Planet

As a school we have purchased an ‘Online Safety’ application to further supplement our computing curriculum.  At some point this half term, pupils will be issued with login details and guidance on how/when to use the app. 

‘Gooseberry School’ teaches online safety in a unique way, joining, teacher, pupil and parent together. The pupils learn through gamification, the teacher has a complete tool kit with monitoring system and the parent can view their child’s performance.

‘Gooseberry Parent’ works alongside Gooseberry Student and allows the parent to see how their child is reacting within the game, the resource area is full of tips and advice for the carer to learn about key aspects of online safety and be part of their child’s learning journey.

 

 
Doodle

Doodle is the platform we use to set homework every week.  It can be accessed through a web browser, or through dedicated apps which can be downloaded from the Play Store or App Store.

Doodle, the award-winning technology that creates every child a unique work programme tailored to their needs!  

By continually adapting to their level, Doodle Adapt sets work at just the right level for each pupil, letting them work independently and ensuring progression through the curriculum.

At the same time, it automatically plugs their learning gaps, targets challenging topics and consolidates their knowledge.

 

Every child in the school has a unique account for Doodle.