News

DIGITAL SCHOOLS AWARDS TO PARTNER WITH AMD TO SUPPORT EFFECTIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOL ACROSS EUROPE

AMD joins HP in supporting Digital Schools Awards program as it expands across Europe Digital Schools Awards announces a new industry collaboration with global semiconductor company AMD, as it seeks to grow its programme across Europe. Established in 2015 with backing from industry partners led by HP Inc, Digital Schools Awards brings together the sector and education authorities to promote, recognise and encourage a whole school approach to the use of digital technology in schools. To date, more than 1.1 million children in 4,200 nursery, primary and secondary schools across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland have taken part in Digital Schools Awards initiatives. Next year, the Awards hope to welcome a further 800 schools and 300,000 pupils. For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies to improve how people live, work and play. As part of the company’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of talent, it partners with  organisations to establish AMD-powered Learning Labs in cities around the world to inspire  and enable students’ pursuits through STEM education. With its support to Digital Schools Awards, AMD aims to advance digital skills in teaching and learning, reward and recognise good practice and encourage the creation of digital schools communities to share experiences and benefits from effective use of technology. AMD will also support Digital Schools Awards as it expands across Europe, with plans to launch a new European award. Anna Doody, programme manager, Digital Schools Awards, said: “AMD is a major global technology  company in the semiconductor sector with a significant commitment to advancing STEM skills in schools. We are excited to have them join our programme and help facilitate digital innovation in as many schools as possible, as we expand across Europe in the coming months.” Annmarie Whelan, Education Manager from HP Inc, said: “We are thrilled to have a long-standing partner like  AMD to participate with us to this programme  in Europe. Collaboration is a cornerstone of the Digital Schools Awards and introducing further industry expertise will bring a significant benefit for the schools that take part in the scheme.” Anne Fertitta, Senior Manager, Global Community Affairs  at AMD said: “At AMD, we’re passionate about enabling the imagination and creativity of the next generation of scientists, researchers and innovators. We’re pleased to work with Digital Schools Awards and HP to expand and improve the use of digital technologies for students and teachers in Europe.” Schools can find out more by visiting: https://www.digitalschoolsawards.com. ENDS

New Framework Developed To Boost Digital Wellbeing in Schools

Badge will help young people identify and manage digital harms A ground-breaking education initiative devised to support cyber resilience and internet safety in schools has been revised to incorporate a greater focus on digital wellbeing. The Digital Wellbeing Award, which builds on the CR-IS (Cyber Resilience and Internet safety) Badge, launched by the Digital Schools Award scheme in 2019, aims to provide young people with the skills and confidence required to navigate the digital world. Digital wellbeing is the impact of using digital technology on children and young people’s social and emotional wellbeing. Cyber resilience is a key ambition of the Scottish Government’s Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland, published in February 2021. The new framework acknowledges the increasing amount of time that children spend online and the risks they face as a result. It is also a response to the proliferation of remote learning during the pandemic, with schools facing increasing demands to include digital wellbeing as part of their wider pastoral care. This framework has gathered national and European perspectives and distilled them into a whole-school road map for promoting students’ digital wellbeing through strong cyber resilience and internet safety practices. Crucially, this includes establishing processes that will enable young people to secure, manage and protect their own wellbeing. As previously with CR-IS, the initiative will be offered as a stand-alone badge by Digital Schools Awards Scotland, which was established in 2016 in partnership with Education Scotland, Scottish Government Child Protection Unit, Police Scotland and HP, to bring together government bodies and businesses to support the teaching of digital skills in schools. Anna Doody from Digital Schools Awards said: “Digital Schools Awards was created to help schools develop and maintain positive and resilient digital practices in learning and teaching. Ensuring children have the skills to recognise, react to, and recover from online harms is a natural progression of our work with the education sector. “At the same time, we also need to promote safer, smarter and kinder ways of playing, learning and socialising online.” Ollie Bray, Strategic Director, Education Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Digital Schools Award for Scotland to launch the Digital Wellbeing award. “Ensuring our young people enjoy a positive experience online is a priority and this new framework will support education, practitioners and learners to foster a community led cyber resilience and internet safety approach to recognise, react and recover within the digital world.” To achieve the new badge schools will be required to show that they have embedded cyber resilience and internet safety into their planning and across all subjects, while also implementing a positive and supportive digital wellbeing ethos. Teachers should include elements of cyber resilience and internet safety in their lessons while student leaders will support and encourage digital wellbeing among their peers. The initiative is developed in conjunction with Education Scotland and supported by industry partners HP and AMD in Scotland. Schools can find out more by visiting: www.digitalschoolsawards.com.

Northern Ireland schools initiative to help pupils stay safe online

– Young digitals leaders from Ballyclare help launch new cyber safety award scheme  – An industry backed initiative and the first of its kind in Northern Ireland is set to help schools tackle cyber risks and keep pupils safe online. Developed by Digital Schools Awards Northern Ireland to provide education professionals with the resources and support needed to help pupils stay safe in the digital world, the new Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety (CR-IS) Badge is backed by technology companies HP, Microsoft and RM Education with the support of C2K and the Department of Education. Online platforms are becoming increasingly accessible to young people with as many as one in four children aged 8-11 operating their own social media profiles. As the internet becomes further integrated into everyday life, it is vital that schools provide pupils with the knowledge and confidence to operate online. The stand-alone badge will be available to all schools that demonstrate a strategic approach to cyber resilience and internet safety. The initiative follows the successful integration of the Digital Schools Awards programme in primary and secondary schools throughout Northern Ireland, which encourages a whole-school approach to digital learning. Ann-Marie Whelan, HP Education Manager said, “Advances in digital technology have brought about huge positive change into almost every aspect of our lives and we want to ensure our young people enjoy a very positive and beneficial experience. However, we also need to better equip and educate young people on the potential dangers and how to stay safe online.” Digital Schools Awards Validator Dr Victor McNair said, “Schools are ideally placed to provide progressive and relevant activities that help pupils build enduring and adaptable cyber-resilient skills. “Teachers will instantly recognise the language used in the self-review framework and they will benefit from the local and national resources provided to help them develop classroom activities, partnerships and professional learning opportunities.” Pete Murphy, RM Education said, “Introducing the new CR-IS badge is a really positive way to encourage both staff and pupils to understand the actions they can take to stay safe online. “As the UK’s most secure internet safety provider, RM Education is delighted to support NI schools in ensuring young people enjoy a positive experience online.” Speaking at the launch of the new cyber resilience and internet safety award, Karen Irwin, UICT Co-ordinator at Ballyclare Primary School said, “Pupils are very much at the heart of our internet planning and strategy and we encourage an open dialogue between pupils, teachers and parents. Our Digital Leaders group which meets weekly is represented by pupils from each year group and together we work on creative projects and ideas to help everyone stay one step ahead in an ever-changing cyberworld.” First launched in Northern Ireland in 2015, the Digital Schools Awards programme is supported by C2K and the Department of Education and since then over 70 nursery, primary and secondary level schools have completed the programme and achieved Digital Schools status. The programme is open and free to all schools to participate.  Schools can register online for the new Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety Badge at www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk.

Record number of schools in Scotland achieve digital schools status

– First nurseries in Scotland achieve digital schools status – – Digital Schools Awards extended following the success of national programme at primary and secondary level – A handful of nursery schools have become the first in Scotland to complete a pioneering education initiative developed to encourage digital learning amongst children. Pre-schools from across Scotland were officially recognised by Education Scotland today (Tuesday 17 September) for their commitment to promoting digital skills in the classroom. They were joined by more than 70 secondary and primary schools at the largest ever Digital Schools Awards, held at St Mungo’s High School, Falkirk, where a total of 114 schools were officially recognised. To better equip the next generation, awarded nursery schools provide access to the latest hi-tech equipment, including green screens and stop-motion animation technology. Independent learning is also encouraged on SMART boards and tablets, and classes are prepared to teach pupils about safety online. The extension of the Digital Schools programme to pre-schools follows the successful roll out of the initiative across secondary and primary levels and signals the growing importance for young people to develop digital skills. To date more than half Scottish schools (51%) have signed up to the Digital Schools Awards – a nationally recognised programme developed in collaboration with Education Scotland and industry titans HP and Microsoft. The education initiative is the most successful of its kind in Scotland and aims to inspire schools to better integrate digital learning into the curriculum. The Digital Schools Awards programme is driven by a consensus among policy, academic, technology and business leaders that schools play a central role in shaping Scotland’s future as a digital nation. It is also regarded as a vital tool in tackling Scotland’s growing digital skills gap, which currently has a deficit of around 8,000 jobs a year.[1] The presentation ceremony follows the release of figures from the SQA which show a 21% drop in uptake of computing science from 2017 – 2019. [2] As well as recognising schools which have successfully implemented digital learning within the classroom, awards were also presented to the first 10 Scottish schools to complete the Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety (CR-IS) Badge.  Launched in February 2019, the Digital Schools Awards CR-IS Badge aims to educate pupils on how to remain safe online. Digital Economy Minister, Kate Forbes, said: “The Scottish Government recognises the knowledge, skills and attributes that children and young people need to acquire to thrive in our interconnected, digital and rapidly changing world. “The Digital Schools Awards are a great way to encourage schools to develop new and innovative ways in which to achieve that aim, as well as to recognise excellence. “My congratulations to this year’s award winners, who are being rightly celebrated for their dedication and enthusiasm for digital.” Steven Pavia, HP, said: “Combining digital technology with the world-class fundamental learning applied at Scottish schools is crucial for the next generation to thrive in our everchanging cyber-physical world. “The Digital Schools Awards is a great example of education, industry and government working together to prepare the next generation. To achieve the accreditation is a fantastic achievement, and I would like to congratulate each school on their success” Paul Morrison from Microsoft said: “Technology is an incredible tool – one which encourages connectivity, creativity and independent exploration. Opening our young people to the possibilities of the digital world and providing them with the skills needed to prosper within it is an important task – and one we are committed to supporting. “ Stephen Phee, head teacher at St Mungo’s High School said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a Digital School. It is a testament to the hard work of our teaching staff, who have been instrumental to developing and implementing our digital learning strategies. “As teachers, we have long understood the importance of embedding digital skills within the curriculum. The Digital Schools Awards provided us with the framework and support needed to bring technology into the classroom in an effective and responsible manner.” To achieve Digital Schools Awards accreditation, schools are required to self-assess their developments in digital technology under common practice areas of Leadership and Vision, Digital Technology for Learning and Teaching, School Culture, Professional Development and Resources and Infrastructure. The programme promotes skills such as digital innovation and creativity; computational thinking; advances in STEM; the use of digital technology to promote higher order thinking skills; support for digital equity and access and the need for cyber resilience. Schools are encouraged to register for the programme through the www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk website where they can undergo a self-evaluation of current practices and standards. [1] Skills Development Scotland (https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/news-events/2018/november/shortage-of-digital-skills-a-danger-to-the-scottish-economy/) [2] Times Education Scotland (https://www.tes.com/news/sqa-results-2019-higher-computing-entries-fall-21)

Schools come together to achieve digital award

Five schools from Bearsden, just outside Glasgow, have become the first in Scotland to achieve Digital Schools Award status by working together. Bearsden Academy, Mosshead Primary, Bearsden Primary, Baljaffray Primary and Castlehill Primary received the nationally recognised education award via a cluster initiative. It is the first time in the history of the programme, that schools have set out to share resources, mentor and guide each other. As part of the initiative, senior pupils from Bearsden Academy were assigned to each of the four primary schools within the cluster and worked closely with the children to support their digital learning and development. This included maximising the use of technology and the digital learning platform Glow. In addition, teachers at all five schools met regularly to streamline the digital curriculum. They also developed improvement plans as a cluster and for their own school and would regularly reflect on their own personal development. To date, 44% of schools in Scotland are registered for the Digital Schools Awards programme, which encourages excellence in digital learning and supports the efforts of schools, teachers and learners in making the best use of digital technology in the classroom. The initiative, which launched in September 2017, is delivered in partnership with Education Scotland. It was designed to promote, encourage and reward schools that make the best use of digital technology in the classroom and received a financial commitment of £600,000 over five years from leading organisations such as HP, Microsoft and Skills Development Scotland. Initially designed for primary schools, a secondary programme was rolled out in 2018 to focus on real world, work ready scenarios. A total of 165 primary schools and some 25 secondary schools have been awarded Digital Schools status. George Cooper head teacher at Bearsden Academy said: “We are very proud of the pupils and teachers who have worked incredibly hard, often in their free time, to collaborate, exchange knowledge and support each other to achieve the Digital Schools Award. “The cluster initiative was built on the close working relationship we have in our cluster and will help equip our students for the future, whether preparing primary school pupils for secondary school or preparing our senior pupils for adult life in a digital world.” When recognising the schools, validators commented on the digital expertise of staff, strong infrastructure and successful planning to identify teaching and learning needs. There are currently nine other Digitals School clusters taking part in the programme, which aim to achieve Digital School status within six to nine months of commencement. East Dunbartonshire Council’s Convener of Education, Councillor Jim Goodall, said, “It’s great to see Bearsden Academy being recognised for the excellent progress it has made in promoting digital tools to develop young people’s skills for life and work.  The school has adopted innovative ways of promoting their use. It has engaged S6 pupils as digital leaders and they have been working with local primary school pupils to develop the digital skills of younger pupils. Parents have also been involved and the appropriate use of digital tools, both in school and at home, has increased greatly over the last two years.” Anna Doody from Digital Schools Awards said “The Digital Schools programme has successfully brought 165 nursery and primary and 25 secondary schools in Scotland to accreditation. The ability to pull resources, collaborate on ideas and provide guidance to each other only offers another level of support to schools.” Ann Marie Whelan from HP said: “This was a great exercise in collaboration which saw neighbouring schools work closely together to better prepare pupils for the digital world. Participating schools are required to self-assess their developments in digital technology under common practice areas of Leadership and Vision, Digital Technology for Learning and Teaching, School Culture, Professional Development and Resources and Infrastructure. Upon joining the initiative and completing an online self-review framework, schools within a cluster are assigned a validator who will propose a matrix system of support aimed at addressing learning gaps. The Digital Schools Awards Scotland is a national award to promote, recognise and encourage a whole-school approach to the use of digital technology in nursery, primary, special education and secondary schools. The Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety Badge introduced earlier this year provides education professionals with the resources and support required to help pupils safely navigate the digital world. The CR-IS Badge was developed out of a recognition that growing digital teaching and learning in schools should go together with excellence in developing teachers’ and pupils’ cyber resilience and online safety.  Schools can apply for CR-IS without going for the Digital Schools Award or it can be done in conjunction with their application to become a Digital School. Schools are encouraged to register for the free programme through the website www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk  -Ends- Keep up to date with the Digital Schools’ initiatives by following: Twitter @schools_digital

Scottish Minister unveils plans to help protect children online

Feb 2019 – Scottish schools are set to be at the forefront of the fight against cyber bullying and the exploitation of young people online, as a world-leading initiative is unveiled by the Minister for Children and Young People, Maree Todd, on ‘Safer Internet Day’ (5 February 2019.) Designed to provide education professionals with the resources and support required to help pupils safely navigate the digital world, the Special Recognition Badge for Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety is the only programme of its kind being delivered in the UK. The framework has been developed by Digital Schools Awards in partnership with Education Scotland and the Child Protection Unit and has the backing of major tech companies HP, Microsoft and Intel. The initiative is also supported by Police Scotland. Officially launched at the Young Scot ‘DigiKnow?’ event in the Dundee Science Centre, the stand-alone badge will be available to all schools that demonstrate a strategic approach to cyber resilience and internet safety. The initiative follows the successful integration of the Digital Schools Awards programme in primary and secondary schools throughout Scotland, which encourages a whole-school approach to digital learning. Online platforms are becoming increasingly accessible to young people, with as many as one in four children aged 8-11 operating their own social media profiles. As the internet becomes further integrated into everyday life, it is vital that schools provide pupils with the knowledge and confidence needed to operate online. Through practical support and access to resources the programme will encourage an open dialogue amongst teachers and pupils on issues of cyber safety. It will help participants to identify online risks; and stress the importance of building strong cyber hygiene habits and practices.  Schools are also encouraged to put in place measures such as counselling for children who are affected by their exposure to social media. Maree Todd, Scottish Minister for Children and Young People, said: “The proliferation of the internet and advances in digital technologies have brought around much positive change. But in an age where mobile technologies are integrated into almost every aspect of our lives, ensuring young people enjoy a positive experience online needs to be a top priority. “This is the first initiative of its kind to be delivered in Scotland, that supports teachers with information and practical resources. By doing so we are better equipping them to educate pupils on the benefits and potential dangers of the internet. A multi-agency approach which sees Scottish Government bodies working in partnership with industry, means the programme is well placed to support teachers to implement strategies in schools.” George Brasher, Managing Director of HP UK and Ireland, said: “Keeping young people safe online has never been more important. Through this initiative, HP is proud to support schools in ensuring that young people grow up in a culture where staying safe online is as natural to them as any other aspect of their digital lives.” To attain a Special Recognition Badge for Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety schools must complete a self-assessment to identify their expertise. Where gaps in the knowledge exist, Digital Schools Awards will provide the necessary guidance to achieve accreditation. The award also helps schools obtain the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Strategy for Scotland and draws on the National Action Plan and other important strategies. To find out more, schools are encouraged to visit www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk.

Digital Schools Awards Ireland launched by Minister for Education and Skills

An innovative scheme promoting excellence in digital learning and teaching, and aimed at equipping pupils with cutting-edge digital skills, is set to be offered to Irish secondary schools. The Digital Schools Award announced today by the Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh T.D., encourages schools to integrate digital skills across the curriculum. The initiative builds on the aims and processes of the Department of Education and Skills’ ‘Digital Learning Framework for Post-Primary Schools’ introduced this year. Participating schools self-assess their developments in digital technology under the two areas of Leadership and Management, and Teaching and Learning.  The programme encourages teachers to identify and develop classroom activities that promote skills such as digital innovation and creativity; collaborative and self-directed learning; problem solving and computational thinking. It also encourages and supports teachers’ professional development in digital technologies, digital equity and access, and cyber resilience across the whole school. HP Ireland, Microsoft Ireland and Intel are providing practical support and resources, including financial backing.  The programme, which will initially operate as a pilot in a number of schools, is welcomed by the Department of Education and Skills. Developed by HP in Ireland in partnership with Microsoft, the digital schools programme is already proving successful in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where more than a third of schools have signed up. Speaking at the launch of the Digital Schools Award at the NAPD – National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals – Conference in Galway today (Friday 19 October, 2018), Minister McHugh said: “Digital technology is revolutionising lives and careers, and Irish education is harnessing the potential of digital in teaching and learning, so that Irish students are fully engaged and well placed to take advantage of the digital revolution. “The Department’s Digital Strategy for Schools Action Plan is backed by a €210million capital investment programme and is key to our schools being part of the best education systems in Europe. “This Digital Schools Award, backed by industry, will further support schools in embedding digital technologies in all aspects of their activities, and help ensure that good practice is captured and shared among the teaching community. “I welcome the support of HP Ireland, Microsoft Ireland and Intel in driving this initiative.” Speaking at the programme launch, Ann Marie Whelan, HP Ireland, said: “We, as an industry, are committed to helping ensure that young people have the skills necessary to thrive as digital citizens – both in the workplace and wider society.  We are proud to support the aims of the Department of Education’s Digital Learning Framework and, through the awards, provide recognition to the schools and teachers committed to making digital technologies part of teaching and learning in the curriculum.” Dr. Kevin Marshall of Microsoft Ireland said the company is committed to ensuring schools around the country have the support they need to develop and successfully implement digital frameworks. “As a company we’re working at both ends of the system.  We’re engaging students through our dedicated education and innovation hub at our campus, DreamSpace, opening their minds to the opportunities technology can provide them with. “With teachers we’re supporting training and development at our newly opened education suite, and also directly with our partners, DCU and UCD.  Through this work we’re constantly inspired by the leadership approach teachers around the country are taking to future-proof their schools and ensure students and teachers have the digital know-how to excel in the classroom of the future”. The Digital Schools Award is an important recognition which helps highlight schools leading the way in digitalising their future, the Microsoft Head of Education added. “By highlighting success stories, we hope other schools will be inspired to start their own digital journey.” Post primary schools across Ireland can find out more at www.digitalschoolsawards.ie.

Plugged-in Scottish schools pick up digital award

Scotland leading the way in future skills race as latest round of Digital Schools recognised First secondary schools to achieve Digital School status named 1 May 2018 – 38 Scottish schools have been officially recognised for excellence in digital teaching and learning with the award of national ‘Digital School’ status. Best practice in the use of digital technology in the classroom and across the curriculum at 35 primary and 3 secondary schools was marked today at a ceremony in Tulliallan Primary School in Fife, attended by Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Shirley-Anne Somerville, along with pupils, teachers and programme partners. The new cohort joins the 43 primary schools awarded Digital School accreditation in 2017. 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 in order to both improve the learning experience for pupils of all abilities and provide students with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital economy and society. 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 co-ordinate 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. One in four schools in Scotland – 668 schools – have registered to participate in the Digital Schools Award since its launch. The programme aims to sign up a third of all Scottish schools by the end of 2019. Science Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville: “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. “That is why the STEM Strategy includes a commitment to support digital skills development in early learning settings and primary schools through the Digital Schools Programme.” Steven Grier, Country Manager, 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.” “The careers of tomorrow will increasingly be found in sectors such as robotics, programming and engineering”, commented George Brasher, UK MD, HP. “However, with recent reports showing employers are struggling to fill 43 per cent of STEM-related job roles, the UK is clearly unprepared. HP believes it has a responsibility to partner with industry leaders and help close this skills gap. Programmes such as the Digital Schools Award do just this – reinventing how schools teach STEM skills, better equipping the next generation for the digital economy.” Claire Gillespie, Digital Technologies Sector Skills Manager at Skills Development Scotland, said: “With Scotland’s digital technologies sector offering a huge array of opportunities for new entrants, it’s vital that we help our young people develop their interest and enthusiasm in the digital world. I’d like to congratulate all the schools receiving their accreditation and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.” Alan Armstrong, Strategic Director, Education Scotland said: “We know that making effective use of digital technology helps to raise learners’ attainment, ambition and future careers opportunities. So we need to ensure that our children and young people develop their digital skills from the earliest age. I’m delighted to see so many schools and establishments from across Scotland involved in the Digital Schools Award programme.  Their dedicated staff are making the most of digital technology to provide more innovative learning and teaching.  Learners’ experiences and skills really grow well.  Congratulations to the everyone receiving their award today.” Schools awarded Digital School status will demonstrate, among other things, the presence of a whole school digital strategy, evidence of how digital technology is being used to improve learning, and a commitment to ongoing professional learning for teachers. Schools are encouraged to register for the through the www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk website, where they can self evaluate their own current practices and standards. List of newly accredited Digital Schools in Scotland are: Secondary Schools   City of Glasgow Kelvinside Academy Senior School Falkirk Larbert High School Renfrewshire Gryffe High School Primary Schools Aberdeenshire Kemnay Primary School Tough Primary School* Angus Inverbrothock Primary School Seaview Primary School Argyll & Bute Port Ellen Primary School* City of Dundee Craigiebarns Primary School Fintry Primary School City of Glasgow John Paul II Primary School Clackmannanshire Banchory Primary School East Ayrshire Willowbank Primary School East Dunbartonshire Craigdhu Primary School East Renfrewshire Braidbar Primary School Giffnock Primary School Thornliebank Primary School* Falkirk Avonbridge Primary School Bankier Primary School Fife Blairhall Primary School St Marie’s RC Primary School Torbain Primary School Tulliallan Primary School Highland Milton Of Leys Primary School North Ayrshire Gateside Primary School Mayfield Primary School North Lanarkshire Ladywell Primary School* Orchard Primary School Perth & Kinross Milnathort Primary School Portmoak Primary School Renfrewshire East Fulton Primary School South Lanarkshire Glenlee Primary School Stirling Aberfoyle Primary School Borestone Primary School Deanston Primary School Doune Primary School West Dunbartonshire Gavinburn Primary School St. Stephen’s Primary School For further information, please contact Ashleigh Copeland, BIG Partnership on behalf of Digital Schools Awards Scotland E: ashleigh.copeland@bigpartnership.co.uk T: 0141 333 9585 / M:

Digital Schools Awards Launches in Scotland

21 September 2016: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney today launched the ‘Digital Schools Awards’, a national awards programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of digital technology in primary schools.

New scheme aims to power up digital skills in Scottish secondary schools

Wednesday 6th September – An innovative scheme promoting excellence in digital learning and teaching, is set to be offered to Scottish secondary schools with the express aim of equipping pupils with cutting-edge digital skills. The Digital Schools Awards, announced today by Shirley-Anne Somerville, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, encourages schools to infuse digital skills across the curriculum. Colleges, universities, and employers are also encouraged to partner with schools to develop a modern, digitally resilient workforce with advanced computational thinking capabilities. The announcement builds on the successful introduction of the Digital Schools Awards to Scottish primary schools last year. This programme has already seen 15% of primary schools register and 43 schools achieve digital school accreditation, including 22 schools who today received their awards at a presentation held in Goldenhill Primary School, Clydebank. Participating schools are required to self-assess their developments in digital technology under common practice areas of Leadership and Vision, Digital Technology for Learning and Teaching, School Culture, Professional Development and Resources and Infrastructure.  The secondary programme builds on the primary and encourages schools to identify activities where digital skills are more focused on real world work-ready scenarios. The programme is being driven by a consensus among policy, academic, technology and business leaders that schools play a central role in shaping Scotland’s future as a digital nation. The development team consulted with schools and organisations such as Developing the Young Workforce, PLAN C, Scotland IS, Smarter Grid Solutions, STEM, the Child Protection Team for Education Scotland and the Digital Technologies Skills Group to include the latest thinking in digital technology for education. As a result, the programme promotes skills such as digital innovation and creativity; computational thinking; advances in STEM; the use of digital technology to promote higher order thinking skills; support for digital equity and access and the need for cyber resilience. HP, Microsoft and Intel are providing practical support and resources including a financial commitment of £600,000 over 5 years and the programme is recognised by Education Scotland.  The programme is also supported by the Scottish Government’s Digital Skills funding. It is expected that by the end of 2018, more than a quarter of all Scottish primary and secondary schools and over 190,000 pupils aged between 5-18 years, will be digitally supported through the programme’s activities. Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP said: “A key priority in shaping the Scottish Government’s Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy has been to align the needs of employers with the curriculum.  Our colleges, universities and employers have a key role to play in helping schools to prepare our young people for the opportunities to flourish in the future.  I welcome HP, Microsoft and Intel support on this digital schools’ programme which is a fantastic example of industry supporting education in Scotland.” David Hogg, Education Manager for HP EMEA, commented: “The Digital Schools Awards programme is a unique partnership between the technology industry, education and government and offers a great opportunity for Scotland to take a lead in the development of digital skills across both primary and second level education. HP is proud to support this ground-breaking digital schools’ initiative which will help young people in Scotland take full advantage of career opportunities as they consider further education or employment and allow them to play a full part in making Scotland a great digital nation.” Steven Grier, Country Manager, Microsoft Scotland, said: “The Digital Schools Programme is a shining 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 enables students to better prepare for the world of work.” Claire Gillespie, Digital Technologies Sector Skills Manager at Skills Development Scotland, said: “Involving technology employers in our schools is key to ensuring that young people will have the knowledge and experience needed in the years ahead. There are many excellent digital projects happening in our schools and the Digital Schools Awards provides a roadmap for best practice. I’d like to encourage any school that hasn’t yet got involved in this programme to consider doing so.” Schools are encouraged to register for the programme through the www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk website where they can undergo a self-evaluation of current practices and standards.

Promoting, Recognising and Rewarding the Effective Use of Digital Technology in Schools.

Legal

© 2023 Digital Schools Awards