Our Library and Technologies program at Penrhos supports our Junior and Secondary School students to develop a lifelong love of reading, build digital confidence and explore emerging technologies.
Students are engaged in a wide range of exciting digital projects that enhance creativity, collaboration and real-world learning across various disciplines.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
Penrhos delivers the Digital Technologies curriculum from Pre-Primary to Year 8, with programs tailored to suit the developmental stages of students.
In Junior School, all students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 attend a weekly Library class. These sessions support the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) through inquiry-based projects, while also developing vital literacy skills. Students engage in language-focused learning, build research skills and develop independent reading habits – with time each week to borrow and return books.
In Secondary School, students in Years 7 to 10 attend a fortnightly Library session as part of the English program. Supported by a Teacher Librarian, these sessions are designed to nurture or reignite a love of reading, provide time and space to explore books, and continue developing research and literacy skills. Students also borrow and return books during these sessions, helping to maintain a regular reading rhythm.
Digital Technologies FAQs
Who does Digital Technologies?
- In Junior School, all students in Pre-Primary to Year 6 do Digital Technologies.
- In Secondary School, Digital Technologies is compulsory to all students in Years 7 to 8.
What is our 1:1 IT Program?
Junior School: iPad program
iPads are used as tools for interactive learning, creative expression and personalised study, with a strong focus on age-appropriate digital responsibility.
- Pre-Primary and Year 1: access to shared iPads in classrooms
- Year 2: one iPad between two students, supporting early digital learning
- Years 3 to 6: iPads are fully integrated into the curriculum across subjects such as English, Maths and the PYP inquiry project.
Secondary School: Notebook program
From Years 7 to 12, all students are part of a 1:1 notebook program, enabling seamless integration of digital tools into everyday learning, research and project work across all disciplines.
What support do we offer for the safe use of technology?
- Cyber security workshops for parents, staff and students
- AI awareness and digital citizenship education
- Robotics programs that build problem-solving, coding and design skills
INNOVATION AND DIGITAL CREATIVITY
Our students are involved in many exciting digital projects that enhance creativity, collaboration and real-world learning across the curriculum.
All Secondary School students engage with podcasting, developing skills in scripting, recording and editing audio content. In Year 10, students take on an extended project – creating and publishing episodes of The Penrhos Pulse, the College’s own podcast (available on Apple Podcasts). This platform gives students a voice to explore current issues, community stories and creative ideas, while building media and communication skills.
Our technologies program also drives virtual reality (VR) experiences across multiple learning areas. Examples include:
- Using VR to visualise complex scientific theories – such as particles in motion or states of matter
- Creating 3D models for interdisciplinary projects
- Designing and building virtual retail spaces for the EMAN elective’s Trade Fair project, blending enterprise skills with digital design
EXPERIENCES, INCURSIONS AND STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Author visits and workshops: Each year, students from our ELC up to Year 10 enjoy engaging visits from guest authors as part of our reading program. These sessions inspire a love of literature and storytelling while encouraging students to see themselves as readers and writers. In Years 11 and 12, author-led workshops are focused on exam preparation, offering targeted guidance for creative writing and narrative construction.
Student-led programs and committees:
- Junior School library interns
- Secondary School Library Committee and Book Club
- Tech Team – a student-driven innovation group. Projects have included designing an app and developing a wayfinding solution to help visitors navigate the Penrhos campus.
- Participation in the Lego League competition, promoting teamwork, robotics and creative problem-solving
- Ongoing student podcasting projects, including The Penrhos Pulse
The highlight of our Library calendar is undoubtedly Book Week, where we celebrate reading, storytelling and library culture across all year groups (Pre-Kindy through to Year 12) with themed activities, displays and events.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR SECONDARY SCHOOL
