Nominated Cyber Security Teacher of the Year

Head Teacher of Milton of Leys Primary School, Robert Quigley, has been nominated as Cyber Security Teacher of the Year for the Scottish Cyber Awards, 2018.

Now in its third year running, the Scottish Cyber Awards was created by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre to acknowledge and appreciate those who are taking commendable measures to protect Scottish people and businesses against cybercrime. The awards are open to entrants from the public and private sector, as well as academia and individuals who are contributing to Scotland’s cyber safety.

The awards will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on 28 November, 2018.

With the introduction of Chromebooks to Highland schools, Robert Quigley felt it was important that there should be a strategic approach to ensure that pupils, staff and parents were aware of possible threats and challenges that could be derived from online learning. Robert recognised the need to set up an E-safety strategy for primary and secondary schools across the Highlands.

Robert created a programme to allow every child in Highland to be confident in using digital learning. He also provided training, support material and resources to each school in preparation for their Chromebook rollout. He wanted schools to be able to engage with parents and staff in a wide range of areas including the use of social media, gaming and cyber security.

He has also been supporting schools to have a better understanding of how much progress they have made, based on a series of self-evaluation questions.

After hearing about his nomination Robert said:

“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been nominated for this award, which has come as a complete surprise!

I feel that the nomination is recognition for the hard work and willingness shown by Highland Schools to engage with the E-safety Strategy and to commit to making their pupils, staff and parents more aware and more equipped to deal with the challenges that digital learning may present.

I am very excited to go to Edinburgh and represent Highland at this award ceremony."

Bernadette Cairns, Head of Additional Support Services encouraged Robert to apply.

She explained: “As we move into a world more dominated by technology and digital solutions, both at home and school, we need key practitioners to ensure children and young people are both competent and safe in navigating this new landscape.

Robert has been central to this process in Highland. He has shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with school staff across Highland and has been instrumental in the development of new policies, guidance and effective practices in the use of digital technologies in our schools.”