In a first for the Digital Schools programme, five schools from Bearsden in Scotland have worked together to achieve Digital Schools Award status.
Bearsden Academy, Mosshead Primary, Bearsden Primary, Baljaffray Primary and Castlehill Primary have received the award via a cluster initiative.
The schools have shared resources, and have mentored and guided each other, with senior pupils from Bearsden Academy assigned to four primary schools within the cluster, working with children to support their digital learning and development.
The cluster initiative was built on the close working relationship we have in our cluster and will help equip our students for the future.
– George Cooper, Bearsden Academy
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 students for adult life in the digital world.”
The partnership between the schools also included developing improvement plans as a cluster, reflecting on personal development, and meeting regularly to streamline the digital curriculum.
Currently, 44% of schools in Scotland are registered for the Digital Schools Award programme. Launched in September 2017, and delivered in partnership with Education Scotland, the programme encourages and rewards schools that make the best use of digital technology in the classroom.
Participating schools are required to self-assess their developments in digital technology within five criteria areas:
- Leadership and vision
- Digital technology integration in the curriculum
- School digital technology culture
- Continuing professional development
- Resources and infrastructure
Schools can register for the free programme at www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk