DIGITAL TOOLS AT ACS COBHAM
From Tools to Transformation: Empowering Learning Through Technology
Since 2021, we have embarked on an ambitious journey of digital transformation – one that goes far beyond hardware and software. Our aim? To create meaningful, future-facing learning experiences and spaces that empower students and staff alike.
This transformation has been about more than just keeping up – it’s about opening doors to opportunities that were once unimaginable.
Spaces that Spark Innovation
The transformation of our physical spaces has been game-changing. The Hive, our new Digital Hub/STEM Lab, and the state-of-the-art Innovation Centre are vibrant hubs of creativity across campus. Whether it’s High School students developing digital prototypes, or our partner schools exploring these spaces during collaborative sessions, these environments inspire students to dream, design, and do.
These spaces house initiatives like the Digital Foundations course and allow students to transform ideas into real-world applications. The result? Students are spending less time learning the tools and more time learning with the tools – and that’s exactly the point.
Tech Clubs: Creativity at Lunchtime
Our investment in cross-campus extracurricular tech clubs is helping students discover new passions – and it’s having an impact. With rotating lunchtime offerings like Minecraft Coding, First Lego League, Makers Gonna Make, Procreate Drawing Club, and Food Technology Club, students have time to explore during the day, without missing out on after-school sports or performing arts.
One standout example is our Food Technology Club, led by Lyndsey Stuttard, Educational Technology Specialist. With guest speakers from real-world companies like Ben & Jerry’s, students are learning how tech, branding, and creativity blend in unexpected industries.
Amelia really looks forward to it each week. It’s opened her eyes to an industry she didn’t even know existed. Probably the best club that either of my kids have done. 10/10—thank you!
Even more exciting? Our 2024–25 Digital Design Club was made up of 90% girls – a huge shift from just a few years ago when it was 90% boys. The students even presented their 3D projects for the UN Sustainable Development Goals at a leading EdTech event in London, the BETT Conference. This signals a powerful shift in how young women view and embrace creative technology.
Leading the Way in Digital Teaching and Learning
Technology transformation isn’t just about students. Our staff have embraced the change, too. Since January 2023, the number of ACS Cobham teachers who are Google Educator Certified has skyrocketed from 5 to 86 – a 1,620% increase. Every single Middle School teacher is now Google certified, thanks to ongoing training led by our EdTech Specialist Amy Box.
Lower School, already recognised as an Apple Distinguished School, is now joined by Middle School in the journey to earn Apple’s recognition too. With all Lower School teachers certified Apple Teachers, and Middle School staff well on their way, the foundation for world-class digital integration is set – thanks to the work of Educational Technology teachers Lyndsey Stuttard and Hayden Anderson.
STEM Meets Imagination
Anderson has been pioneering integrated STEM learning in Lower School, blending science and digital skills in a way that excites and empowers. Students use their iPads to document experiments, model designs in Minecraft, and share reflections on Seesaw – all in tailor-made digital workbooks.
Events like the Human Body STEM Day, co-developed by Stuttard and Anderson, transformed The Hive into an immersive experience, complete with projections and soundscapes. Second grade students explored the skeletal system and learned about blood and the human heart in an engaging and interactive way. It felt more like a science museum than a classroom!
Empowering Teachers Beyond ACS
This June, the EdTech team will partner with the ACS Partnerships team to host a free, hands-on day of learning for teachers across London and Surrey. The event, conceived by Stuttard, will feature workshops by ACS teachers, partner trusts, and companies including Adobe, Logitech, Creative Hut, and Ootiboo – all
focused on helping educators unlock the full creative potential of their own schools’ tech investments.
AI in the Classroom – With Purpose
Artificial Intelligence is the next big leap in education – and ACS Cobham is leading with intentionality. Our EdTech team takes a balanced approach, integrating AI tools into learning where it enhances, not overwhelms.
In Early Years, Stuttard has helped children create AI-generated augmented reality dragons, bringing their storytelling to life in Forest School. In Middle and High School, Anderson has introduced platforms like MagicSchool AI, enabling students to interact with historical figures via chatbots or seek tutoring support in maths and writing.
Amy Box has equipped teachers with the knowledge and confidence to embrace AI – not just as a novelty, but as a meaningful tool for student agency, project management, and differentiated learning.
Our internal data shows that teacher confidence in AI use has grown significantly this academic year, thanks to continuous professional development and coaching.
What’s Next?
Digital transformation at ACS Cobham is not a destination – it’s an ongoing evolution. What began as an infrastructure upgrade has grown into a culture of curiosity, creativity, and confidence. With empowered staff, inspired students, and an ever-evolving toolkit, we are not just keeping pace with the digital age – we’re leading it.
