Cedar Lodge pupils thrive with TrilbyTV digital signage

TrilbyTV has published a case study on Cedar Lodge School in Belfast, describing how the specialist school has used digital signage across its site for the past decade.

Cedar Lodge is a specialist school for children aged 3 to 19 with severe learning difficulties, complex needs, or medical difficulties. The case study outlines how the school uses screens for pupil-created content and for wider school communications.

Principal Chris Murphy said the approach links to the school's focus on inclusive and student-centred communication.

"We've been using TrilbyTV here for the last 10 years... we've found it to be a fantastic tool to give our [pupils] a voice to celebrate their successes," said Chris Murphy, Principal, Cedar Lodge School.

Student Content

The case study describes a shift in how the school uses displays. It says digital signage has become a channel where pupils produce content rather than only viewing it.

Cedar Lodge uses iPads, iMacs and Apple TV in classrooms and learning areas, according to the case study. It links those devices to content creation for screens around the building.

ICT and Technology Technician Matthew Harvey said the school has expanded the number of screens in recent years. He said the school uses that growth to segment messaging across different parts of the site.

"We can tailor our content to specific learning areas of the school and that has really allowed our sense of communication with pupils, with staff, with parents to feel seamless and create more of a school community," said Harvey.

The case study also points to the use of content creation tools alongside the signage platform. It names Adobe Express as one of the tools that pupils use to produce material for display.

Staff Updates

The school does not limit use of the screens to pupil work, according to the case study. It says staff use digital signage for achievements and key messages.

The case study describes training for staff and continued access to internal resources. It also notes uptake among employees.

"it's been really encouraging to see how quickly staff have embraced it," said Harvey.

Community Focus

The case study frames the screens as part of a wider effort to create a celebratory atmosphere in the school. It links the content to events, achievements and day-to-day recognition.

A Year 12 student described the displays as a way for pupils to share work with a wider audience.

"a great way to show off students' creativity for everyone to see," said the student.

The case study also touches on continuity in the school's approach as technology changes. Murphy said the platform has changed over time and the school has continued to use it.

Platform Development

The case study says Cedar Lodge has kept digital signage as part of school life over more than a decade. It also says the platform's features have evolved over that period.

The school's experience sits within a broader shift in how education organisations use digital signage. Schools and multi-academy trusts have adopted screens for internal communications, safeguarding reminders, timetable changes, wellbeing messages and celebration content. Technology teams have also had to manage oversight, content approval and accessibility.

Harvey closed the case study with a direct endorsement of the approach.

"Having digital signage in your school is a no-brainer. If you want to keep up with the times and move forward with technology, I would highly recommend TrilbyTV," said Harvey.

TrilbyTV said it focuses on education organisations and positions its platform for school communications, staff and pupil community cohesion and parental engagement.