Lochaber school receives Digital Schools Award
Lundavra Primary School in Fort William has become the first school in Highland and one of the first schools in Scotland to receive the ‘Digital Schools Award’. The school joins a growing group of primary schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award recognised by Education Scotland.
The Digital Schools Award is a new national awards programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of digital technology in primary schools.
Drew Millar, Chair of Highland Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee said: “Congratulations to Lundavra Primary. It is fantastic to see their ground breaking work getting recognised.”
The awards programme was officially unveiled at the Scottish Learning Festival at the SECC in Glasgow in September 2016. Launched by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney; the Digital Schools Award recognises best practice and builds on the progress already made, by providing a pathway and resources for schools seeking to do more with digital technology. The programme also recognises those who achieve excellence and supports the efforts of schools, teachers and learners in making the best use of digital technology in the classroom.
Head Teacher at Lundavra Primary School Nick Thomson said he was delighted with the award, “From the very beginning of the new school, the vision for the use of new digital technologies and creating the right infrastructure was at the forefront of our planning. We worked closely with the Highland ICT in Learning team to develop our ideas on how technology can support high quality teaching and learning in the classroom and at home.”
The school will be invited to an Awards Ceremony early next year to receive their award.
Bill Alexander, Highland Council’s Director of Care and Learning said: “This tremendous award is great tribute to a forward looking school, its innovative Head Teacher, staff and pupils. They are leading the way in Scotland, in support for learning and teaching through the use of technology.”
Primary schools around Scotland are being urged to sign up for the programme, to avail of the comprehensive package of support and advice available.
Primary schools across Scotland can register for the programme at www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk where they can undergo a self-evaluation of current practices and standards. The programme aims to sign up 400 primary schools in its first year.