DigiSmart

DigiSmart provides a structured, progressional programme of extra support focusing on reading and ICT. It targets disadvantaged 9-10 year olds, who are at risk of not achieving level 4 by the end of year 6. Every year, almost all catch up completely; some children, like Connor, even start speeding ahead. This achievement then brings added confidence, extra motivation and a better attitude, enabling DigiSmart to regularly transform struggling underachievers into successful, happy learners.

The grant recipient

Photo-SHINE at work

LIFT for Learning is a dynamic young charity that seeks to reach, inspire and support those from disadvantaged backgrounds who need extra help to realise their potential.

They currently work in 200 schools across England and are planning to increase this to 1,000 schools by 2014.

the DigiSmart programme

What it aims to do

  • develop digital and traditional literacy skills and raise achievement levels
  • transform disengaged pupils into successful, confident learners who can act as mentors to other children in the classroom

How it works

LIFT for Learning works closely with schools to identify children who are struggling to keep up with their peers. DigiSmart provides specialist tuition through a series of booster workshops that use the internet in a fun and structured way, in tandem with printed materials.

DigiSmart clubs are run weekly over two terms. They are for groups of 12 students in year 5 (9-10 years old) and are delivered by teams of 2-3 adults. LIFT for Learning provide the programme, training and ongoing support. Schools host the sessions and provide the teaching staff.

Latest results

Based on a sample of year 5 pupils:

  • Digismart's results are consistently excellent; 2010 saw their best set of results to date
  • ICT: 93% of pupils started below the national level expected for their age and 99% finished at level 4 or above (the expected level for year 6 pupils)
  • Reading: 49% of pupils started below the national level expected for their age and 93% finished at or above the expected level at the end of year 5

You can read more about DigiSmart – and its impact on the ground – in SHINE's 2011 Supporters' Magazine (page 8). Download Now

The funding and replication

SHINE made a grant for LIFT for Learning to create the first three DigiSmart clubs in south-west London in 2001. Since then SHINE has made further grants for programme development, set up, delivery and expansion costs. Additional funding is provided by other trusts and foundations.

Funding: £1,685,406 to LIFT, over 13 years (2001-14)

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"It's like a gift this project - only 5% of pupils have computer access at home so it's giving them an opportunity they would not otherwise have."

Headteacher, The Alton School

"My daughter does nothing but talk about what she does during the club... I can't wait until it's my turn to have a go!"

Parent of a DigiSmart child

"I have learnt a great deal myself about the internet. Even as a regular user, there were things I did not know."

Headteacher, St.Barnabas & St. Philip's school

"DigiSmart has had a really big impact on their confidence back in class [and] being able to solve problems... It improves their ability to persevere when the work gets a bit tough and it also improves their motivation... They've gained grades we didn't think they would get and DigiSmart played a really big part in that."

Head Teacher, Ladybarn Primary School

"When I took over as head teacher of a second school down the road I asked for DigiSmart to be there as well."

Head Teacher

"DigiSmart helps me improve in my learning, it helped me with my SATs from Level 3 to Level 4 and it helped my confidence... it teaches you how to learn, it teaches you how to listen."

Digismart Student

"You're actually learning loads of different things but you don't really notice it because it's that fun."

Digismart Student