Cadoxton Primary School has unveiled its new state-of-the-art immersive classroom space.
The Barry primary school received over £140,000 of Welsh Government funding to create a unique 360-degree interactive experience for pupils.
Staff at Cadoxton say the classroom, which uses immersive interactive software, is proving especially useful for pupils with additional learning needs or English as an additional language, as well as for everyday lessons such as Welsh and creative writing.
Learners are also working on developing their own interactive resources to use and share with the community, which include the history of Barry.
Hannah Cogbill, a teacher at Cadoxton Primary School, said: "The immersive classroom has been an incredible asset to our school and has encouraged teachers to think of more creative ways to deliver learning, such as immersing pupils into fantasy worlds for creative writing exercises."
"It’s also a vital resource for our pupils with EAL and ALN, not only due to the number of languages that is available, but the type of situations we can emulate."
"For example, we had one pupil who was going on a plane for the first time and was incredibly nervous. With our immersive classroom space, we were able to recreate the experience for them."
“This is a fantastic addition to our school, and we implore anyone interested to get in touch with us to find out more. Whether you’re a fellow educator or looking for a more creative way to deliver team training, the immersive classroom offers a wide range of uses.”
Based just off the indoor sports hall, the classroom uses a four-wall touch screen system and the ceiling, together with digital projection, to bring the real world into an immersive experience for students, also using sound, smell, and wind.
It boasts a large library of ready to use programmes available in numerous languages, including Welsh and English, bringing to life fantasy and fairy tales such as stepping inside a children’s book or the deep sea and more practical experiences such as emulating being on a train platform.
The school was helped by Vale Council's education team with their funding application to the Welsh Government, while BT was called in to create the immersive classroom.
The new facility can also be booked out by other groups for a fee, including other primary and secondary schools, local businesses and community groups.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, cabinet member for education at Vale Council, said: "The immersive classroom goes beyond the traditional classroom boundaries and provides a limitless potential of ways to engage pupils, particularly those who may struggle with the traditional learning experience."
“This project is at the cutting edge in terms of technology and is an outstanding example of the future of learning."
“I look forward to seeing how the school continues to use this technology and hope it can become an incredible resource, not just for our schools, but members of our community too.”
For more information, including how to book the immersive classroom facility, visit Cadoxton Primary School’s website, or contact the business manager at diamondl13@hwbcymru.net
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