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Invergowrie Nursery Class proudly announces its achievement in gaining three Digital Schools Awards:  The Digital Learning Through Play Award in Early Learning, Equitable Creative Coding Award and Digital Wellbeing Award.  The nursery are thrilled to be the first setting to receive all three awards together. The Digital Learning Through Play Award in Early Learning recognises and celebrates the impressive digital journey that the setting has been on.  The award report highlighted that digital learning is embedded throughout the setting and is very much co-led with the children.  At Invergowrie Nursery, unplugged learning and digital technology are used to support quality learning through play which inspires children and families to access the benefits of digital learning.  The use of technology helps instil a sense of community and is part of the nursery culture. The Equitable Creative Coding Award (ECCo), recognises the innovative and inclusive approaches to computational thinking and coding.  Invergowrie Nursery have invested in digital technologies to motivate and inspire, equipping children with essential skills for life and work.   This has encouraged children to be curious and explore different things.  There is a clear desire to lead in the embedding of film and screen across early level and support Education Scotland’s commitment to this part of the expressive arts curriculum. The Digital Wellbeing Award highlights that digital wellbeing is integrated into the vision and development work of the setting.  The nursery inspires safe and responsible behaviour and shares helpful advice and support for parents and carers on e-safety.  There is a strong engagement with parents and carers and this work helps parents feel empowered to support their children in safe online practices at home. Linda McGavin Senior Early Childhood Practitioner at Invergowrie Nursery Class said: “We are delighted to have achieved all three digital awards.  This recognition holds significant importance for our Nursery and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in digital learning. We aim to empower children to explore, create, and innovate in an increasingly digital world”. “We are grateful for the support of initiatives like the Digital Schools Awards in promoting digital learning in our settings.”

“Receiving the Digital Safety Award, ECCO Award, and re-validating our Digital School status underscores our commitment to embedding digital literacy throughout our curriculum. Mrs. Ashworth’s dedication has been instrumental in empowering our learners and staff to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.” Headteacher Matthew Hurding.  

Whinhill Primary is the the first school in Inverclyde to receive a Digital Wellbeing award and a Digital Schools endorsement.  The accolades recognise the pupils’ cyber resilience and internet safety and reflect the work they’ve put in over recent months to embrace new ways of learning.  Ilona Dickson, P1 teacher and the school’s ICT co-ordinator said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the Digital Wellbeing Award and Digital Schools Endorsement after our successful validation meeting.  “Our staff and pupils have worked hard over the last few years on our journey to enhance our technologies curriculum, ensuring that we provide our pupils with the skills and knowledge that they need for learning, life and work.  “We are very proud of our group of pupils that spoke very confidently to the validator about all the work and development that we have done.”

A North Ayrshire high school has become the first secondary in Scotland to receive a prestigious accolade for digital education.  St Matthew’s Academy, Saltcoats, has achieved the Digital Schools Endorsement Award.  The Digital Schools Awards (DSA) is a national awards scheme that promotes, recognises and encourages a whole-school approach to the use of digital technology. St Matthew’s has achieved the Endorsement Award in recognition of projects in the school.  Headteacher Stephen Colligan said: “We are delighted to be the first secondary school in Scotland to achieve this and it is testament to the wonderful work being done across the whole school – by both teaching staff and the students themselves.  “We know the importance of digital technology in education today and we are committed to preparing our pupils for further education, training and work by ensuring they have all the tools, knowledge and experience they need to thrive.”  

PUPILS at two small Ross-shire primaries are blazing a trail with their use of digital technology that bodes well for the future workforce needs of the country.  The Mulbuie and Ferintosh cluster has received the Digital Schools Award for its efforts embracing new ways of learning considered vital to keep pace with the rapidly changing demands of the workplace. Digital Schools Awards validator Dr Katharine Jewitt said the programme provides a “roadmap for schools” by providing a framework to integrate digital skills into the curriculum.  The award is assessed against five criteria – leadership and vision; use of digital technology to deliver the curriculum; school culture; professional development and resources and infrastructure.  She said: “Achieving the award helps to boost confidence and improve digital competencies in schools. A key challenge we face in Scottish schools is a decrease in learners taking computer science and digital. In Scotland, only 16 per cent taking computer science are girls, and there’s been a decline in educators.

SANQUHAR Primary is blazing a trail for the future workforce with its use of digital technology.  The nursery’s commitment to embracing digital technology and inspiring youngsters has earned it a “Digital Learning Through Play in Early Learning and Childcare Award”. It follows in the footsteps of the school which received its Digital Schools Award in June 2024 – becoming the first nursery and school in the region to have both. Kelly Hubbard, early years practitioner digital lead, said it had benefited both staff and children. She said: “We’ve moved from doing all paperwork by hand to doing it digitally and it is so much faster and easier. Staff have become more confident using different programmes to support our children’s learning.” Colleague Levi Sharpe added: “Digital and technology is a massive part of life these days and everything seems to be moving towards digital. We’ve watched the children’s confidence grow from first being introduced to digital and not knowing how to use it to some of them even now showing their peers what to do, it’s been a really positive and successful experience.”Meanwhile, Digital Schools Awards validator Dr Katharine Jewitt praised their work, saying: “Sanquhar ELC and Primary School are inspiring examples of settings applying new ways of learning that motivate children and empower them to achieve more.“Sanquhar has showcased using three domains of knowledge – content, pedagogy and technological to set up learning that exploits technology to promote active, engaged and productive learning. We celebrate and support the work they do every day!”

Head teacher Stephanie Fisher expressed immense pride in the school’s achievement.  “We are thrilled to receive the Digital Schools Award, which is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff and students.  It’s not just about using technology for the sake of it; it’s about enhancing the educational experience and ensuring our students are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”