Hi-tech team going digital

Pupils at Orchard Primary have proved they are plugged in to new technology.

The Overtown school is one of 38 schools officially recognised for excellence in digital teaching and learning with the award of national “Digital School” status.

Orchard Primary headteacher Jill Woodward said: “Today’s learning and teaching is enhanced by effective use of digital technology.

“Tomorrow’s work place will require even more digital skills.

“It is our role as educators to ensure that we are enabling children to experience high quality learning and teaching today and developing the young workforce for tomorrow.

“Digital Schools Award Programme gave us the tools to evaluate where we currently were as a school and plan our journey of improvement.

“For us at Orchard Primary this has strengthened pupil leadership, digital skills and awareness of learners and skills and creativity in staff to ensure all we do now is sustainable for the future. “I look forward to our next steps in our digital journey!” Several senior pupils at the school were assigned roles as digital leaders and helped issued online safety packs to the children and helping younger pupils begin to use computer programs.

Other initiatives included using digital technology to help in maths lessons and ‘brekkie and bytes’ sessions to help pupils and parents with their digital skills.

Launched in September 2016, the Digital Schools Award programme was developed to support schools in their efforts to integrate digital technology across the curriculum in order to improve the learning experience for pupils and provide students with the skills to thrive in an increasingly digital economy and society.

Steven Grier, from Microsoft Scotland, said: “The Digital Schools Programme is a fantastic example of how we, as an industry, are committed to supporting the next generation and ensuring that all young people acquire the skills they need to thrive in the modern digital workplace.

“We are proud to be part of this exciting initiative and look forward to seeing how it further enables students in Scotland to better prepare for the world of work and keep Scotland at the forefront of the current digital revolution.”