Top of the class
Schools celebrate Scottish digital award
Two Renfrewshire schools have been picked among Scotland’s best for digital teaching and learning.
Gryffe High School, in Houston, and East Fulton Primary School, in Linwood, are included on a list of 38 schools which have been awarded Digital School status by the Scottish government.
Launched in September 2016, the Digital Schools Award programme was developed to support, encourage and recognise schools in their efforts to integrate digital technology across the curriculum.
Principal teacher at East Fulton Primary Lauren McChlery said: “We are delighted that the hard work of staff, pupils and partners has been recognised in our achievement of the Digital School Award.
“Pupils and staff use a wide variety of digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum and are dedicated to providing all pupils from nursery to P7 with the skills they will need for the future.”
Colin Johnson, headteacher of Gryffe High, one of just three secondary schools included in the list, said: “Digital Technology is at the centre of all that we do in education and in providing opportunity for pupils, staff and parents to use this to maximum effect can only enhance the learning experience and capabilities of all.
“In Gryffe High School we welcome the challenge of using digital technology to best effect and look forward to the exciting journey that this will afford us.”
Colin Deans, ICT teacher at the school who collected the award, added: “I am absolutely delighted that Gryffe has achieved this award and has been recognised for all the exciting digital learning and technology happening within the school.
“As a school, we are always striving to engage with emerging technology to ensure that pupils have the best possible learning experience possible and prepare them for the world of tomorrow.
“This award not only validates our current practice, but gives us the confidence to ensure we continue on this exciting digital adventure.”
The new cohort joins the 43 primary schools awarded Digital School accreditation in 2017.
The programme, which is free to all schools, offers a roadmap and resources to schools seeking to do more with technology in their classrooms. It recognises schools demonstrating best practice and supports the efforts of those trying to maximise their digital potential.
Industry partners HP, Microsoft and Intel operate and coordinate the programme, as well as providing a financial commitment of £ 600,000 over five years and practical support and resources.
It is run in partnership with Education Scotland and Skills Development Scotland and is supported by the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning.
Minister for further education, higher education and science, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “It is encouraging to see so many schools embracing digital and supporting teacher professional learning to enrich their pupils’ education.
“The digital technologies sector makes a significant contribution to employment and economic growth in Scotland and is on track to be the fastest growing part of the economy to 2024. To fully benefit from the sector’s global opportunities, we must ensure our young people are prepared with the digital skills required for the workplace.”