Published on 07/04/17
The Stephen Perse Foundation, digitally connected pioneers of technology in education, is proud to be shortlisted as Digital Innovation/Ed Tech School of the Year at the TES Awards 2017.
The Foundation, which prides itself on preparing young people for life in an ever changing global and digital world, beat hundreds of entries for a place on the coveted shortlist which recognises "measurable excellence in the use of education technology by a school".
All students use their iPads as 'virtual satchels' to enjoy seamless access to resources and unlock new ways to learn, connect, collaborate and innovate. As an international leader in education, the Foundation is known for sharing its resources, skills and vision with other schools around the country and around the world.
Since making its digital resources free to the world in the form of iTunes U courses for KS3, GCSE, A Level and International Baccalaureate, the Stephen Perse Foundation has had almost 300,000 visitors to the iTunes U store. The Foundation's iBooks are also equally popular, with over 106,000 downloads of our 55 free titles, from Primary Maths with Splat the Stephen Perse Alien to IGCSE Science and even Fashion Design.
Students are also developing their digital citizenship and creativity and stretching their academic interests with projects such as the Pelinguist iBook, an iBook made by 6th Formers collecting articles, videos and widgets in nine different languages - all done in one day.
At the Stephen Perse Foundation, the learner and their individual goals and needs is always in the centre and there can be no doubt that the iPad has had a dramatic effect on collaboration, innovation and engagement across the school.
Tricia Kelleher, Principal of the Stephen Perse Foundation, said: "Using technology, students develop first class collaborative skills both in school and with local and global communities, and global connections are a part of everyday learning.
"The digital dimension has become integral to our development and, as technology evolves so rapidly and as the needs of our learners are always of paramount importance, we need to sustain a breadth of engagement and a diversity within the leadership of the school to achieve the very best outcomes.
"What is needed to create the best learning environment for a three-year-old is not the same as will be required to assist an 18-year-old to complete their International Baccalaureate Diploma and succeed in their university application or career choice.
"As such, our suite of digital resources includes both the published iBooks and iTunes U courses and a vast curated collection of teacher and student made digital resources to support and extend students wherever and whener they need - at school, at home and on the go, using their iPads as virtual satchels.
"We are very excited to be shortlisted in such a prestigious award and are very pleased to see our digital footprint being recognised."
The TES Awards are widely recognised as the 'Oscars' of schools, teachers and support staff across the UK, highlighting the talent, dedication and innovation of individuals and teams from across the UK's school sector. They are renowned for rewarding innovation and progressive thinking.
Aisling Brown, Educational Technologist and teacher at the Stephen Perse Foundation, said: "Technology is not just another tool - it allows us to rethink how we teach and learn to extend and enthuse our students in the classroom and beyond.
"We see technology as a tool to assist the learner and educator. Perhaps the best feedback we have had about our digital resources, and our choice as a school to pursue digital development, is seeing students continue to engage with these resources out of interest and curiosity in their own time."
The winner of the Digital Innovation/Ed Tech School of the Year will be announced at a special awards dinner in London on 23rd June.
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