Surrey Freemason’s Lodges in Farnham, Surrey, together with Farnham Masonic Centre, have raised £6,450 to provide additional iPads and Chromebooks to schools in Farnham.
These have been gifted to William Cobbett Primary School, Potters Gate Primary School and Farnham Heath End School.
Mrs Julie Campbell, headteacher at William Cobbett Primary School, said: “The staff and children in reception class are incredibly grateful to Surrey Freemasons for their kind donation of six iPads.
These will help support learning across the curriculum. For example, counting and shape activities, letter formation and phonics games, and development of their understanding of the world around them. The children will be able to independently record some of their learning experiences by taking photographs, which the staff can then share with parents.
“The children have already greatly enjoyed using the new iPads and are looking forward to discovering new apps and tools to support their learning in the future.”
Jayne Venables, headteacher of Potters Gate Primary School added: “We are so delighted that Farnham Freemasons have generously funded the purchase of additional iPads for Potters Gate School. The children have been using them outside daily to photograph their outdoor learning and they have proved indispensable in maths lessons.”A further 12 Chromebooks have been donated to Farnham Heath End School.
Chromebooks are becoming more and more part of Heath End’s day-to-day life and have been invaluable during the periods of lockdown.
They are being used daily with Google Classroom, which allows teachers and pupils to share information and assignments more efficiently. This has proven invaluable during periods of lockdown, by making digital and online learning more possible.
Mr Stuart Maginnis, principal at Farnham Heath End School (FHES), said: “We are incredibly grateful to receive this donation, to support the learning at FHES. This kind donation from local Freemasons will only enhance the use of these devices and give all students an opportunity of improving their learning.”