News

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. The awards programme was officially unveiled at the Scottish Learning Festival at the SECC in Glasgow, where John Swinney was joined by pupils from Beith Primary School in North Ayrshire and Middleton Park School in Aberdeen. The Digital Schools Award recognizes 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. Schools that achieve excellence will be awarded ‘Digital Schools’ status recognised by Education Scotland. HP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Intel are providing support for the programme, including a financial commitment of £110,000 in 2016/17 as well as the provision of practical support and resources. Speaking at the launch of the Digital Schools Awards at the Scottish Learning Festival at the SECC in Glasgow, Mr Swinney said: “The Digital Schools Award is a fantastic example of industry supporting education in Scotland.  It is the result of collaboration between Scottish Government, Education Scotland and the digital industry and as such it is closely aligned with the aims of the Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy. “I welcome the support of HP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Intel in driving this initiative forward I would urge all primary schools across Scotland to get involved.” 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. Dr. Bill Maxwell, Chief Executive of Education Scotland, said: “The Digital Schools Awards programme will help more people take advantage of the opportunities digital technology offers. I welcome the support of the programme and its partners in helping our learners develop the skills and creativity needed to be successful throughout the lives. I encourage all primary schools to sign up to this programme and the benefits digital offers.” George Brasher, Managing Director for HP UK & Ireland, said: “HP is spearheading the Digital Schools Awards programme in Scotland as we believe that the technology industry has a clear responsibility to help the next generation with their digital learning. The STEM worker shortfall is estimated to hit 40,000 annually in the UK and with an increasing number of jobs being created to meet the shifting demands of the digital economy, this gap is only going to widen. We have a responsibility to partner with teachers, government, parents, pupils and other industry leaders to enhance digital learning and close that skills gap. “HP is delighted to support the Digital Schools Awards programme which is gaining fantastic traction in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and we look forward to working with Education Scotland on the successful roll out of the programme in Scotland.” The scheme has already been successfully rolled out in the Republic of Ireland with 1730 schools signed up to become a Digital School and 336 accredited within the first three years of the programme. In Northern Ireland, where the programme launched almost a year ago, 18 schools have been awarded ‘Digital Schools’ status. “At Hewlett Packard Enterprise, we are committed to inspiring young people to develop their digital skills. This is why we are proud to support the Digital Schools Awards scheme, which allows us to work directly with schools to help improve learning and attainment”, said Marc Waters, Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the UK and Ireland. “We look forward to working with Education Scotland to support the roll-out of the programme.” For further information and to register on line visit, www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk. ENDS For further media information please contact Alison Downs / Rory Weller, Frame, 0141 559 5840 or mobile 07841 720 006 or email rory.weller@framecreates.co.uk / alison.downs@framecreates.co.uk. Notes to Editors The five measurement criteria under which schools will be evaluated in order to become a Digital School are as follows Leadership and Vision: Digital Schools will have a whole-school digital technology policy that outlines a vision and strategy and conveys a positive attitude towards the use of digital technology. Digital Technology integration across the curriculum: Schools will show digital technology integration across the curriculum in learning and teaching. Staff will demonstrate a clear understanding of how digital technology can be used in the curriculum to improve student learning. School culture: Schools will demonstrate an awareness that digital technology has an impact on the quality of learning and teaching, pupils’ attitudes and behaviour and the wider school community. Continuing Professional Development: Schools will demonstrate a commitment to on-going professional development in relation to digital technology, with a mechanism in place to inform teachers of courses in relation to professional development, as well as school-wide support and encouragement. Resources and infrastructure: Schools will have in place appropriate digital technology resources, including hardware, software and infrastructure, to support particular learning environments. Schools will also have deployed appropriate digital technology resources that reflect the plan for future improvement and development of digital technology as outlined in the whole-school policy. PR_Digital Schools Awards Launches in Scotland

Nine new primary schools in Northern Ireland were today recognized with the Digital School of Distinction award. Supported by HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Microsoft, the Digital Schools of Distinction Award has been developed to help schools to integrate technology into the classroom. The initiative aims to recognise best in class practices and build on the progress already made by schools by providing a pathway and resources for those schools seeking to do more with technology. The programme also recognises those who achieve excellence and supports the efforts of schools and teachers in making the best use of technology in the learning environment. HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Microsoft will provide support to the programme, including a financial commitment of £100,000 in the first year as well as the provision of practical support and resources. Primary schools are encouraged to register for the programme through the www.digitalschoolsofdistinction.co.uk  website where they can undergo a self-evaluation of current practices and standards. The programme aims to sign up 200 primary schools in Northern Ireland to participate in its first full year. Already more than one in eight primary schools, some 110 schools, have signed up to become ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’, since the launch of the programme in November 2015. These schools are at various stages of the validation process and are progressing well. For those schools that haven’t yet signed up, there are just 15 weeks of school term left to get involved this academic year. Remaining primary schools are now urged to sign up for the programme, to avail of the comprehensive package of support and advice available. The Minister for Education John O’Dowd congratulated the schools who have become Digital Schools of Distinction and called on all primary schools to register their interest in the programme: “Being recognised as a Digital School of Distinction is a fantastic achievement and an important milestone for all the schools that have done it. We live in an increasingly technology literate world and it’s important that our schools reflect the world our children live in,” he said. “I’d like to encourage any school that hasn’t yet gotten involved to sign up straight away.” Gary Tierney, Managing Director of HP Northern Ireland said: “At HP we believe that technology has the power to make education a more unique experience for students in a way that is more flexible, collaborative and dynamic. We’re exceptionally happy to support the Digital Schools of Distinction programme as it represents a best-in-class approach to the application of technology in the classroom.” Martin Murphy, Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Northern Ireland added: “Digital technology is a way of life for everybody but when you look at the education system, modernising the curriculum to reflect that is a pretty big job. The Digital Schools of Distinction award is a flagship programme that helps do just that.” Tom Jackson, Education Manager, Microsoft Northern Ireland said: “Microsoft is delighted to support the Digital Schools of Distinction project. With 110 schools signed up so far, it’s gaining fantastic traction in Northern Ireland and we congratulate the nine primary schools receiving awards today. No matter what career a young person chooses to pursue, technology will play a role in their daily lives, so it makes sense to ensure that our schools are equipping students with the skills they will need for the future.” New digital schools receive a presentation plaque and a ‘classroom kit’ which includes a free HP printer with a free print allowance per month of 200 colour and 2000 mono prints and access to education ICT specialists. The programme has already been successfully rolled out in the Republic of Ireland with over half of primary schools – 1,700 – signed up to become ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’.  260 schools have been accredited in the first two years of the programme. The list of awarded Digital Schools of Distinction in Northern Ireland is as follows: Millennium Integrated Primary School, Saintfield, Co. Down; St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Glen Road, Belfast; St Malachy’s Primary School, Co. Armagh; Ballyclare Primary School, Newtownabbey; St Colman’s Primary School, Banbridge; Millquarter Primary School, Toomebridge; Knockloughrim Primary School Magherafelt;  Killean Primary School, Newry; Cumran Primary School, Clough and St. Joseph’s Primary School, Carryduff. For further information and to register online, visit www.digitalschoolsofdistinction.co.uk or follow @schools_digital on Twitter for regular updates. Ends Note to Editors The five criteria under which schools are evaluated in order to become Digital Schools of Distinction are as follows: 1.    Leadership and vision: Digital Schools of Distinction will have a whole-school ICT policy that outlines a vision and strategy and conveys a positive attitude towards the use of ICT. 2.    ICT integration across the curriculum: Schools will show ICT integration across the curriculum in learning and teaching. Staff will demonstrate a clear understanding how ICT can be used in the curriculum to improve student learning. 3.    School ICT culture: Schools will demonstrate an awareness that ICT has an impact on the quality of learning and teaching, pupils’ attitudes and behaviour and the wider school community. 4.    Continuing Professional Development: Schools will demonstrate a commitment to on-going professional development in relation to ICT, with a mechanism in place to inform teachers of courses in relation to professional development, as well as school-wide support and encouragement. 5.    Resources and infrastructure: Schools will have in place appropriate ICT resources, including hardware, software and infrastructure, to support particular learning environments. Schools will also have deployed appropriate ICT resources that reflect the plan for future improvement and development of ICT as outlined in the whole-school policy.

BELFAST, 11 NOV 2015 – ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’, a flagship awards programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools is being launched today in Northern Ireland. Supported by HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Microsoft, the Digital Schools of Distinction Award has been developed to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. The initiative aims to recognise best in class practices and build on the progress already made, by providing a pathway and resources for schools who are seeking to do more with technology.  The programme also recognises those who achieve excellence and supports the efforts of schools and teachers in making the best use of technology in the learning environment. HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Microsoft are providing support to the programme for five years, to include a financial commitment of £100,000 in the first year as well as the provision of practical support and resources. Primary schools are encouraged to register for the programme through the www.digitalschoolsofdistinction.co.uk  website where they can undergo a self-evaluation of current practices and standards.  The programme aims to sign up 200 primary schools in Northern Ireland to participate in its first full year. Schools who meet the criteria will be awarded Digital School of Distinction status.  New digital schools will receive a presentation plaque and a ‘Classroom Kit’ which includes a free HP printer with a free print allowance per month of 200 colour and 2000 mono prints and access to education ICT specialists. The programme has already been successfully rolled out in the Republic of Ireland with over half of primary schools – 1,600 – signed up to become a ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’.  260 schools have been accredited in the first two years of the programme. Minister for Education John O’Dowd emphasized the added value Digital Schools of Distinction status offers to primary schools, “The Department of Education is already committed to supporting schools by investing in their digital future through C2k. Our aim is to ensure our schools are equipping children with the most up to date ICT knowledge and skills and this programme supports that objective.   I am delighted to welcome the support of HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Microsoft in bringing us the Digital Schools of Distinction programme and I would urge schools to participate.” Supporting the Digital Schools of Distinction programme Martin Murphy Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Northern Ireland, highlighted the role of schools in equipping young people with the necessary skills to be job ready in the future. “Getting education and skills right is core to investment and job creation. While Northern Ireland already performs well in terms of integrating  technology into the curriculum, there is still room for improvement and an opportunity for Northern Ireland to differentiate itself in this area. We are delighted to be able to support the Digital Schools of Distinction initiative which enables schools to harness the full potential of technology for education purposes.” Tom Jackson, Education Business and Programme Manager, Microsoft Northern Ireland said, “The world of technology continues to develop at an extraordinarily fast pace and it’s essential that young people develop the right skills and talents needed for the world we live and work in. We’re pleased to partner with HP in rolling out Digital Schools of Distinction to help support and develop work already in progress in schools.” Speaking at the launch, Principal Dominic Donnelly of St Joseph’s, Carryduff, the first primary school in Northern Ireland to be awarded Digital School of Distinction status, welcomed the award and praised the commitment of staff in embracing opportunities to implement digital learning and the enthusiasm of pupils across all age groups to discover and learn using the latest technology; “Pupils, staff, governors and parents of St Joseph’s, Carryduff are delighted to receive this prestigious award in recognition of the quality of the school’s provision for ICT.  In St Joseph’s we place great emphasis on developing the children’s ability to use ICT judiciously and effectively. “The children learn how to use technology to handle, interpret and communicate information, to solve problems, pose questions and to be creative.  In essence, our vision is to ensure that the children have the confidence and abilities they will require to be successful in a rapidly evolving technological world.  Receiving this award is a wonderful affirmation of that important aspect of our work.” Avril Allen,  Service Delivery Manager, C2K said, “We’re delighted to welcome this new digital schools awards programme which recognises and rewards the high calibre work in progress in primary schools using Department of Education funded infrastructure, software and services. We would anticipate this programme being of significant interest to schools.” For further information and to register on line visit, www.digitalschoolsofdistinction.co.uk.

Divine Word N.S. has become a ‘Digital School of Distinction’, joining a growing group of primary schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award. Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White T.D. presented the award to teachers and pupils at the school today. Supported by HP and Microsoft, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. 1,504 primary schools around Ireland have registered for the programme, with 240 schools receiving their award to date. 37 schools in Dublin have received the award and 257 registered to sign up to the programme. Speaking at the event, Minister White said: “I am pleased to see that the pioneering endeavours of Divine Word National School have been recognised with this Award. The Principal and the teaching staff are to be commended for their foresight and enthusiasm in bringing such high levels of ICT integration to the school’s day-to-day life, and that of the children, who attend.” The Digital Schools of Distinction Award aims to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. Schools who register and who are successfully validated through the programme are awarded Digital Schools of Distinction status by the Department of Education. The response to the programme from primary schools has been extremely positive.  John Williams, Principal of Divine Word N.S. said that the programme offers a great opportunity for primary schools to build on their digital capabilities: “Divine Word National School has always been to the forefront in the development of ICT skills within the whole school community. All the hard work of our teachers, pupils and parents has contributed to getting us this far. We are very proud to have achieved this award and will continue to include technology in all areas of our curriculum and planning and look forward to achieving more over the coming years.” At Divine Word N.S., pupils are encouraged to develop their skills through game-based learning, blogging and tweeting, presentation and document preparation as well as basic programming.  Following extensive fundraising by parents, the school now provides interactive whiteboards and visualisers in all its main classrooms and a computerised library system.  Provision is made for regular ICT maintenance, updates and age appropriate software for the pupils.  In service training is offered to all the teaching and ancillary staff. For more information on the school’s use of technology, visit www.divinewordns.ie Gerard McHugh, Chair of the Digital Schools of Distinction Committee and Director of the Dublin West Education Centre said: “We are delighted by the enthusiastic reception for the programme in primary schools to date. We have ambitious plans to increase the number of participating schools this year and beyond and I encourage schools who have not yet signed up to Digital Schools of Distinction to do so, so that they can benefit from the support and expertise on offer.” New digital schools receive a Digital Schools Classroom Kit, to include free printing for a year via a HP OfficeJet Pro printer, a monthly printing allowance of 200 colour pages and 2,000 black and white pages, and Microsoft software and educational apps as well as technical support services. Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland added: ” “With almost half of Irish primary schools now registered, it is clear that there is a tremendous appetite amongst educators at primary level to make the most of their schools’ digital capabilities and that the programme is providing much needed practical support and assistance in this regard. HP is delighted to support this initiative which enables schools to harness the full potential of technology for education purposes.” Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland concluded:  “It is wonderful to see schools from across the country seek to secure validation and recognition for the great work that they are doing with technology. We are confident that as more and more schools embrace this programme that students will get a better and more rewarding experience of IT in the classroom. We are delighted to be associated with Digital Schools of Distinction.” The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills in partnership with Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). Digital Schools of Distinction is delivered through a public private partnership in association with HP and Microsoft in Ireland. For further information and to register online, visit www.digitalschools.ie or follow @digital_schools on Twitter for regular updates.

1032, or almost one in three Irish primary schools, have signed up to become ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’, in the first full year of the programme. Almost 150 schools have been validated through the registration process, with the remaining schools at various stages of the validation process, which is proceeding well. The highest number of registrations came from counties Dublin (190 schools), Cork (100 schools), Galway (50 schools) and Meath (40 schools). HP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Microsoft have confirmed their support for the programme. In a survey of 300 Irish primary schools who have registered to take part in the programme, access to high speed broadband, IT maintenance, support and funding were identified as the major obstacles to integrating ICT in the classroom. Other findings from the research included: Primary school teachers were virtually unanimous (98%)  that ICT used in teaching is necessary to help prepare students to live and work in the 21st century 80% strongly agreed that ICT used in teaching has a positive impact on student motivation The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools has been extremely positive with 75% of teachers agreeing that the programme has created momentum in innovative and effective use of ICT tools by teachers 84% said that the programme has helped their school to focus more on ICT usage to support curriculum objectives Launched by the Minster for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn T.D. in September last year, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. Supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland, the Digital Schools of Distinction Award aims to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. HP Ireland

Minister Jan O’Sullivan presents prestigious national award to school for digital excellence in the classroom St Cronan’s Senior National School, Swords has been awarded ‘Digital School of Distinction’ status, joining a growing number of Irish primary schools to receive the prestigious award which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD, presented the award to teachers and pupils at the school today. More than one in three primary schools have signed up to become a ‘Digital School of Distinction’ and 140 schools have been awarded Digital School of Distinction status since the programme launched in September 2013.  The programme aims to sign up a further 750 schools during this school year. ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland, who have confirmed that they will support the programme with €200,000 in funding for its second year.  Primary schools who achieve Digital Schools of Distinction status this year will receive a range of ICT support services, including free printing for a year via a HP OfficeJet Pro printer and a monthly printing allowance of 250 colour pages and 2,500 black and white pages, Microsoft software and educational apps as well as technical support and access to education ICT specialists. It is expected that 300 schools will be recognised with Digital Schools of Distinction status this year.  Plans are also in place to expand the programme into Northern Ireland and the UK in 2015. Speaking at the event, Minister Jan O’Sullivan said: “It is very important to give recognition to schools that have adopted a strong digital schools culture. The Digital School of Distinction programme, which is in line with the e-learning roadmap supported by the Department of Education & Skills, is an excellent means to promote and enhance the use of ICT in the classroom. I would like to commend St Cronan’s Senior National School in their achievement” The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools to date has been extremely positive. Loreto Desmond, Principal of St Cronan’s Senior National School said that the programme offers a great opportunity to develop its students’ digital literacy. “Over the past number of years we have invested a lot of time and effort in the development of a digital culture in our school and it is very encouraging to see these efforts now come to fruition. Technology is embedded in teaching and learning in our school with a strong level of sharing of expertise and resources among staff. It also helps our special educational needs pupils to be integrated into the mainstream classes with all the necessary assistive technologies. We are delighted that our efforts have been recognised by Digital Schools of Distinction.” Congratulating St Cronan’s Senior National School on their award, Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland said: “There has been a huge uptake for the Digital Schools of Distinction programme which is a clear indication of the commitment of primary teachers to make the most of their schools’ digital capabilities. HP is delighted to support this initiative which provides significant support and assistance to these schools as they equip their pupils with the necessary capabilities for 21st century living.” Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland added: “The ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ programme recognises the importance of technology in the learning environment. St Cronin’s Senior National School now joins 140 other schools nationally that have been commended for their commitment to digital literacy with ICT playing an integral role in everyday learning.” Gerard McHugh, Chair of the Digital Schools of Distinction Committee and Director of the Dublin West Education Centre said:  “We are very encouraged by the level of engagement with schools to date as we work to grow the number of participating schools. We are looking forward to registering many more schools in the months ahead.” Schools who register and who are successfully validated through the programme are awarded Digital School of Distinction status. The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills in partnership with Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). Digital Schools of Distinction is delivered through a public private partnership in association with HP and Microsoft in Ireland. For further information and to register online, visit www.digitalschools.ie or follow @digital_schools on Twitter for regular updates. St Cronans Swords SNS – Republic of Ireland 2014

The Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD today launched the second year of ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ and highlighted ambitious plans to grow the number of schools participating in the flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. The programme is supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland who have confirmed that they will support the programme with €200,000 in funding for its second year. More than one in three Irish primary schools – a total of 1,100 schools – signed up to become ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’, in the first full school year of the programme. The programme aims to sign up a further 750 schools during this academic year. 137 schools have already been awarded Digital School of Distinction status and it is expected that a further 300 schools will be awarded during this academic year. Plans are also in place to expand the programme into Northern Ireland and the UK in 2015. Primary schools who achieve Digital Schools of Distinction status this year will receive a range of ICT supports, including free printing for a year via a HP OfficeJet Pro printer and a monthly printing allowance of 250 colour pages and 2,500 black and white pages; Microsoft software and educational apps as well as technical support and access to education ICT specialists. In a survey of 300 Irish primary schools who have registered to take part in the programme, access to high speed broadband, IT maintenance, support and funding were identified as the major obstacles to integrating ICT in the classroom. Speaking in Limerick at Scoil Íosagáin which today became the first new Digital School of Distinction to be awarded in this academic year, Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan T.D. said: “The Digital Schools of Distinction programme has been a huge success in its first year and I am delighted to see that the number of schools registering and receiving their accreditation is continuing to increase steadily. The programme supports the advancement of the ICT agenda in the classroom and is making a practical contribution to helping schools make the most of their digital capabilities. It also supports the objectives of the government’s Digital Strategy for Schools which will be finalised in the coming months.” Principal Patrick Hanley, Scoil Íosagáin said: “Our focus is on the continued integration of ICT in the classroom, to enhance our curriculum and benefit the pupils. Supported by the Digital Schools of the Distinction programme, our pupils are given the opportunities to become familiar with a range of technologies and to develop the skills to use them in a meaningful way that cultivates their independence, problem solving, communications and collaboration abilities. It is a great honour for our school to become a Digital School of Distinction and we are looking forward to the benefits and opportunities it will undoubtedly bring us.” Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland said: “We are very pleased to continue our support for the Digital Schools of Distinction programme this year. With more than one third of Irish primary schools now registered, it is clear that there is a tremendous appetite amongst educators at primary level to make the most of their schools’ digital capabilities and that the programme is a providing much needed practical support and assistance in this regard. The success of the programme to date is a clear indication that Digital Schools of Distinction is driving ambitious targets to support schools to be best in class when it comes to the use of technology in teaching and learning at primary level.” Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland added: “As the economy shows clear signs of a return to growth it is more important than ever that we in industry do what we can to help equip young people with digital skills so that they can participate fully in the economy of the future. From basic IT literacy all the way up to coding – these are increasingly becoming basic requirements for young people to engage fully in society and later in the economy. We are delighted with the success of this programme to date and with the fact that it is helping keeping the issue of digital skills and IT access on the agenda while at a practical level helping to raise the awareness and skills amongst teachers and pupils throughout the country.” DIGITAL SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION AIMS TO SIGN UP 750 NEW PRIMARY SCHOOLS THIS YEAR 2015

Minister of State Ciaran Cannon presents prestigious national award to local school, for excellence in the use of technology in the classroom St Augustine’s NS, Clontuskert has become one of the first schools in Ireland to be named a ‘Digital School of Distinction’, joining a growing group of primary schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award. Minister for Training & Skills at the Department of Education & Skills, Ciaran Cannon T.D. presented the award to teachers and pupils at the school today. Supported by HP and Microsoft and launched in September last year, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. 847 primary schools around Ireland have registered for the programme, with 31 schools receiving their award to date. 47 other schools in Galway have registered to sign up to the programme. The Digital Schools of Distinction Award aims to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland are providing support to the programme for five years, including a financial commitment of €300,000 in the first year as well as the provision of practical support and resources. Speaking at the event, Minister Ciaran Cannon said: “I am delighted to see a school from east Galway becoming one of the first schools in Ireland to receive this prestigious award. The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is an important platform for primary schools which benefit pupils by helping them to gain the skills to live and work in our increasingly technology driven world. I am extremely impressed by all that I have seen at St Augustine’s and I commend the school on their great achievement.” The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools to date has been extremely positive. Kate Murray, Principal of St Augustine’s N.S. said that the programme offers a great opportunity for primary schools to build on their digital capabilities. “As our pupils are surrounded by information technology in everyday life, we feel that it is important that those technologies also play a significant role in the classroom. Supported by the Digital Schools of the Distinction programme, our pupils are given the opportunities to become familiar with a range of technologies and to develop the skills to use them in a meaningful way that cultivates their independence, problem solving, communication and collaboration abilities. We know that by using these tools in our everyday teaching, we will empower our students to become the creators and big thinkers of the future. Becoming a Digital School of Distinction is a great honour for our small school and has already brought us significant benefits – the whole school is excited about the opportunities that it offers us.” In St Augustine’s, ICT is viewed as a creative tool that underpins the learning environment and is used by students to produce visually appealing projects, essays, posters and other materials using word processing, PowerPoint, film making, podcasting, and blogging. The school also uses ICT to communicate with other schools and the outside world in a secure and protected environment; to share ideas and information; to encourage collaboration between classes and students and to record lessons, events, progress in school through podcasts and film. Clontuskert uses robotics and coding as a tool to enhance curricular engagement and ensure students cultivate lifelong learning skills. The school’s website has won numerous awards over the years and the school is constantly engaged in interschool collaborations both nationally and internationally including a number of Comenius projects in Europe, and cross curricular collaborations with schools in the USA and Canada. For more information on the school’s use of ICT, visit http://clontuskert.scoilnet.ie Gerard McHugh, Chair of the Digital Schools of Distinction Committee and Director of the Dublin West Education Centre said:  “We are delighted by the enthusiastic reception for the programme in primary schools to date. We have ambitious plans to grow the number of participating schools this year and beyond and are looking forward to registering many more schools in the months ahead.” Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland added: ”Digital Schools of Distinction has proven to be a very successful programme to date. HP is delighted to support this initiative which enables schools to harness the full potential of technology for education purposes.” Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland concluded:  “It is wonderful to see schools from across the country seek to secure validation and recognition for the great work that they are doing with technology. We are confident that as more and more schools embrace this programme that students will get a better and more rewarding experience of IT in the classroom. We are delighted to be associated with Digital Schools of Distinction.” Schools who register and who are successfully validated through the programme are awarded Digital Schools of Distinction status by the Department of Education. New digital schools receive a Digital Schools Classroom Kit, to include a HP laptop with Microsoft software including Windows 8 and educational apps and access to education ICT specialists.  A new set of “Best Practice” guidelines for schools has also been developed which will shortly be made available on the Digital Schools of Distinction website. The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills in partnership with Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). Digital Schools of Distinction is delivered through a public private partnership in association with HP and Microsoft in Ireland. St. Augustine’s NS – Republic of Ireland – 2014

Holywell Educate Together N.S. Swords has been named a ‘Digital School of Distinction’, and joins a growing group of primary schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award. Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English TD presented the award to teachers and pupils at the school today. Supported by HP and Microsoft and launched in September last year, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. More than one in three Irish primary schools – a total of 1,100 schools – signed up to become ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’, in the first full school year of the programme. The programme aims to sign up a further 750 schools during this academic year. The programme is supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland who have confirmed that they will support the programme with €200,000 in funding for its second year. Primary schools who achieve Digital Schools of Distinction status this year will receive a range of ICT supports, including free printing for a year via a HP OfficeJet Pro printer and a monthly printing allowance of 250 colour pages and 2,500 black and white pages, Microsoft software and educational apps as well as technical support and access to education ICT specialists. 137 schools have already been awarded Digital School of Distinction status and it is expected that a further 300 schools will be recognised during this academic year. Plans are also in place to expand the programme into Northern Ireland and the UK in 2015. Speaking at the event, Minister Damien English said: “The Digital School of Distinction programme provides recognition to schools that have embraced