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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.

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.

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.