were assessed against strict criteria by the Department for Education and Skills each year. The Language College submission related to aspects of the whole school curriculum as well as specific objectives in Modern Foreign Languages. A successful first three years led to a re-designation for a further three years in 1999 and the school was one of the first Language Colleges to be designated for a further four years in September 2002. iPad Scheme The school provides iPads through two lease schemes, one three years in length, and the other two years. A new iPad scheme begins when students enter year 7 or year 10. At the beginning of each scheme, parents can place an order for an iPad using an online registration portal. iPads are used throughout the school day to assist within lessons as well as completing home learning tasks. The scheme is operated by Albion Computers who provide an insurance policy. The school says it chose the devices due to "performance and security" as well as the "amount and quality of apps". In 2018, Tomlinscote was awarded Apple Distinguished School status until 2021 for using "iPad and Mac products to inspire student creativity, collaboration and critical thinking". Tomlinscote operates a system of an E-Learning Co-ordinator, 7 Digital Champions and 34 Digital Leaders to teach each other the new skills needed to integrate technology into the classroom environment. Additionally, the school changed their device management framework to "JAMF" (Just Another Management Framework). Year 9 started using the framework in July 2020 with their new iPads. Notifyd Tomlinscote School uses an app called "Notifyd" to send notices from staff to students. Developed by four of their pupils, they claim "it improved our communication system with students". One of the students who created the app explained how the design "encourages short and accurate messages" to avoid the alternative system of long emails and overflowing inboxes. The "Notifyd" app is published on the Apple App Store where it has received multiple 5 star reviews. In addition to an iOS app, the staff area of their website prominently links to a web-based version. In connection to their app development efforts, Tomlinscote School is a verified organisation on the GitHub software development website. Notifyd continued to play an important role in Tomlinscote's communication with students during the COVID-19 pandemic, with pupils encouraged to check it for messages daily. References External links Tomlinscote School