Brescia House named showcase school for eighth year running
THE trailblazing Brescia House School in Bryanston has been selected as Microsoft Showcase School for the eighth consecutive year.
The independent Catholic day school for girls has been recognised as a leader in technology by Microsoft and the school is celebrating achievements of their teachers.
Microsoft’s programme recognises schools as leaders in educational transformation, creating learner-centred, immersive and inclusive learning experiences.
Brescia House School is the only school in South Africa that has been awarded this prestigious accolade for eight consecutive years and one of five South African Microsoft Showcase Schools.
The school joins more than 1 000 schools worldwide, recognised for their pioneering efforts and innovation in rethinking teaching and learning.
“I am in awe of our teachers and what they have achieved. Their persistence and commitment to life-long learning is an inspiration for us all.
“We are so incredibly proud of our staff,” Loredana Borello, head of the high school said.
Meanwhile, each year, teachers around the world apply to become Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEEs) and these teachers demonstrate how they work to achieve excellence in education using Microsoft technologies with their innovative teaching practices.
This year, the Middle East and Africa region achieved the most MIEEs in the world.
Seventy-seven Brescia House School educators are MIEEs for 2021/22, the most in South Africa.
“We are bursting with pride! It is humbling to know that Microsoft has recognised the incredible leadership that our MIEE Fellows have shown in innovation and technology,” said Deborah Zambon, head of the primary school.
Thirty-nine Brescia House School teachers also prepared for and wrote the Microsoft Certified Educator exam and achieved more than 70% to be awarded this certification, which recognises that these teachers have the global educator technology literacy competencies needed to provide learners with a rich, custom-learning experience.
Four of the school leaders, who were self-driven and passionate about teaching and learning, have also been selected as Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Fellows.
The teachers demonstrated leadership in their school and the wider educational community, sharing knowledge and acting as change agents.
After a rigorous selection process, the South African Microsoft EDU Team announced that they were proud to have four Brescia House School teachers as part of this exclusive group of top MIE experts from across the globe.
Lyneth Crighton, Tracy Heath, Wendy Sauthoff and Kevin Smart are among 23 MIEE Fellows in South Africa.
“There are only 23 MIEE Fellows in South Africa, so to have four Brescia House School educators recognised as fellows is phenomenal,” said Lyneth Crighton, head of innovation and staff development.