Newport College leads way in digital learning readiness

Newport College has taken decisive action to ensure its students remain ahead of the curve as Senior Cycle Reform continues to reshape teaching and assessment across Ireland.

While many schools nationwide are still working to meet the reform’s digital requirements, Newport College has strengthened its laptop-led learning programme across the entire school, giving local students a significant advantage as the new system beds in.

More than 200 students use personal devices every day as part of their learning, supported by Wriggle Learning, and this number is expected to rise again in 2026. Digital platforms and assessment methods are now embedded across every subject from first year upward. This early and structured approach reflects the reality of the reformed Senior Cycle, where in many subjects up to forty percent of a final grade must be researched, produced and submitted digitally.

Donal Madden, Principal of Newport College, said:

“One of our core values is Excellence. Devices in our classrooms have supported Universal Design for Learning, helping students with additional educational needs while allowing exceptionally able students to work more independently. Our learners’ voices played a key role in introducing devices and their input has strengthened how technology supports teaching and achievement.”

This early action aligns with the expectations of the new curriculum. Senior Cycle Reform is the most substantial change in post primary learning in more than twenty years, with students now required to produce digital portfolios, collaborate online, use research tools and complete continuous assessment tasks throughout the year. The long-standing reliance on final written exams is shifting toward a model that places more emphasis on digital project work, independent learning and critical thinking.

For families in the Newport area, the school’s early move is already delivering clear benefits. Lessons are more interactive and students are more engaged in their subjects, while parents have greater visibility of their child’s work through digital platforms. This has been especially helpful during teacher absences when learning continues under supervised facilitation. Digital tools are also supporting students with additional needs and those learning English, and for a rural community there is reassurance in knowing that Newport students now have access to the same standard of digital learning available in larger urban centres.

Sean Glynn, Chief Learning Officer at Wriggle Learning, said:

“Newport College made a timely decision to strengthen digital learning and it is already helping students. Senior Cycle Reform places real demands on digital skills and continuous assessment. By acting early and supporting teachers with the right tools, Newport has created a modern and inclusive learning environment that matches the expectations of the new curriculum.”

Newport College will continue building on its digital progress with further teacher training, strengthened digital literacy programmes and ongoing improvements to infrastructure as the reformed curriculum expands.