We have a balanced approach to technology, and ensure our students are experiencing technology in a way that is meaningful and contributes to the learning.  In addition to class sets of iPads (BYOD for Grades 5 to 8), classrooms at Richland are equipped with interactive whiteboards.  Richland’s learning commons is also outfitted with new laptops for our students.

Richland Academy has partnered with experts in the fields of robotics and engineering to offer our students an enriched learning experience, and enhance our school-wide STEAM initiatives (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

In addition to offering our students a Robotics co-curricular club, we also provide students from Grades 1-8 with a series of workshops designed in conjunction with our Faculty, and have been tailored to support the Science Inquiries taking place in each class.

Tinkering and messing about fuels children’s natural curiosity about life and about the way things work. Tinkering is a lot of fun, but there are also important benefits to tinkering. Tinkering can teach children valuable lessons and can help them develop fine motor skills, problem solving abilities, and peer relationships. In addition, tinkering allows children the opportunity to creatively express themselves and bring their ideas to life.

Our Makerspace is outfitted with a wealth of recyclable materials and real tools, all of which are available for our students to explore and discover.

“The long-term benefits of tinkering time are remarkable,” said Katy Scott, Education Technology Specialist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. “In many ways, tinkering resembles inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning, and project-based learning, all of which have been proven to have long-term positive effects on student achievement and success.”