Hear from Kasia Learmonth, a Classroom Teacher and Strategic Lead on Sumdog at Kinross High School in Kinross, Scotland about how they use Sumdog to create a more engaging and inclusive learning environment.
Kinross High School is a mixed public secondary school located in Kinross, Scotland, within the Loch Leven Community Campus. The school has a pupil population of around 1,000 students aged 11-18, supported by approximately 100 staff members. The school has been using Sumdog for over a year.
When I first joined Kinross High School, I knew that finding the right resources for our pupils was crucial. Many of the students in our targeted support classes struggle with literacy and numeracy, and traditional teaching methods were not always effective. We needed something that would offer different styles of learning while allowing us to track progress. Sumdog was the perfect fit. Having used it in a previous school, I knew first-hand how beneficial it could be, so I introduced it within our targeted support class as well as our first year Literacy and Numeracy groups.
Before Sumdog, in the targeted support class, we relied on spelling activities, phonics exercises, jigsaw puzzles, books, and whiteboards. While these were helpful, they often felt repetitive and didn’t always hold students’ attention. Sumdog provided an interactive alternative that made learning more dynamic and engaging. Instead of passive exercises students could actively participate in their own learning journey through personalised tasks and challenges.
Sumdog is now integrated into our daily lessons. In our targeted support groups, we use it at the start of sessions to recap previous lessons and at the end for consolidation. The platform is especially useful for spelling practice, as students revisit concepts from two weeks prior to reinforce learning. It also allows for flexible teaching; I can divide the class, with some students working independently on Sumdog while I provide focused instruction to others. Even outside the classroom, Sumdog remains a valuable tool. During events like sports day, when students have downtime between activities, they can use iPads to continue their learning.
"One of the biggest advantages of Sumdog is its ability to provide differentiated learning. I can set specific tasks based on each student’s needs and even assign extension activities for those ready for an extra challenge."
The assessments are particularly beneficial. Every two to three weeks, I use Sumdog to conduct summative assessments without labelling them as tests. This reduces anxiety, especially for pupils with additional support needs (ASN), who might find traditional assessments overwhelming.
The impact on students has been remarkable. Many who previously viewed maths as a difficult subject now approach it with more confidence. They are not just completing exercises; they are engaging with their learning, identifying areas for improvement, and discussing their progress. This has been particularly beneficial for pupils with dyslexia, as Sumdog helps reinforce spelling and grammar skills.
The students love Sumdog, especially the coin rewards and game-based activities. One of my pupils calls it “productive learning” because, while it feels like playing a game, he knows he is actively improving his skills. In secondary school, it is vital to find ways to keep pupils motivated, and Sumdog does just that. The tailored questions mean that every student can work at their own pace while still feeling included in the broader classroom experience.
Parents have also responded positively to Sumdog. Many appreciate how it transforms homework into an interactive experience rather than a traditional worksheet-based task. They see that iPads are not just for entertainment but can be valuable learning tools in class. This aligns well with modern educational approaches and keeps students engaged in a way that feels relevant to them.
Overall, Sumdog has transformed the way we support literacy and numeracy at Kinross High School. It has made learning more interactive, engaging and personalised, giving students a greater sense of ownership over their progress. The data provided by the platform helps us track development, adapt lesson plans, and provide targeted support where needed. As a teacher, I appreciate the ease of use and the insight it provides into student learning. For our students, it has turned learning into an experience that is both rewarding and fun.