At Berkhamsted, we strongly believe in using technology as a force for good. Our digital device and EdTech strategies are driven by research and designed to provide pupils with the best educational experience. However, we also recognise that an over-reliance on technology can have damaging consequences. For us, it’s all about finding the balance.
This week, we held a Digital Retreat Day for all Year 7 pupils to reflect on their use of technology and social media. The day was split into two parts: a device-free nature walk followed by a discussion of the addictive dangers of online algorithms.
Led by our chaplaincy team, pupils were invited to get outside and take note of the natural world around them. Starting with an energetic scavenger hunt, pupils were able to enjoy the benefits of exercise and working as a team. The session then took a more reflective tone as Reverend Becky Taylor reminded pupils of the importance of “lifting up your eyes” from screens and appreciating the world around them. With this advice in mind, pupils continued the nature walk in silence, picking up interesting plants and listening to the sounds of the outdoors. Finally, they used their findings to create beautiful pieces of nature art!
Classroom learning is an essential part of life at Berkhamsted, but we make sure pupils have many opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise. While this Digital Retreat Day was designed to spark conscious engagement with the outdoors, our pupils have the chance to get outside each day, whether that be through Games sessions, sports clubs, outdoor education or just kicking a ball around at break.
The second session of the day was focused on technology addiction and echo chambers. Led by our Director of EdTech, Jo Hughes, and Director of Character Formation and Leadership, Benjamin Kerr-Shaw, the session started with a quiz to identify what type of technology user pupils are. Are you a passive scroller, a social sharer, a keen gamer, or a curious clicker? While social media, messaging platforms, entertainment, games and the internet all have value, spending too much time on any one of these can be damaging. Once pupils identify where they spend the most amount of their time online, they can start to put strategies in place to limit their use.
Pupils then moved on to discussing how social media companies design addictive content to make money and gather data. They considered how an algorithm that knows what you like to watch can be great for entertainment, but may have limitations if it turns your social media into an echo chamber. The importance of fact-checking and listening to a wide range of opinions was emphasised, demonstrating how our pupils are already becoming responsible and critical technology users.
In September 2025, pupils from Year 7 will not be allowed to bring a mobile phone onto the school site. This is part of our plan to protect pupils from the distracting and potentially dangerous influence of social media. While we utilise technology to enhance pupils’ learning experience during the school day, this is rigorously monitored and led by the latest EdTech research. And it is always balanced out by a healthy dose of running around outside!