St Mary’s College in Derry has been recognised on a global scale for its innovative approach to educating tomorrow’s workforce.
The Northland Road school has been selected by Microsoft as a 2014-2015 Microsoft Showcase School for its excellence in transforming its learning environment to deliver more personalised education to students, using mobile and cloud technology to better prepare students for success in the workplace.
The college joins an exclusive community of over 150 premier schools from around the world, recognised to celebrate their truly pioneering efforts and innovation in rethinking teaching, learning and assessment in order to drive deep 21st century competencies.
As a Showcase School, St Mary’s College will work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education and communicate a vision for education enabled by technology through the hosting and mentoring of other schools in the community on transformational educational practices.
Marie Lindsay, principal, described the honour as “amazing.”
She said: “Being selected as a Microsoft Showcase School is an amazing honour and recognition of the passion our teachers and staff have for creating the best learning environments possible
“We look forward to sharing our experiences with other schools in our community and the world to continue finding innovative ways to equip our students with the proper tools needed for success inside and outside of the classroom.”
As well as being awarded Microsoft Showcase status, two of St Mary’s College teachers have been selected as Global Microsoft Expert Educators – Roisin Rice and Jarlath McGill.
As Microsoft Expert Educators, they will be involved in a range of exciting activities throughout the coming year;
• Free Microsoft tools and technology
• Exclusive professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to develop your personal “brand” and career as a thought leader by participating in case studies, speaking engagements and content development
• Eligibility to earn an all-expense paid trip to the Microsoft in Education Global Forum in Redmond, Washington in April 2015.
As well as being recognised on a global scale for their innovative approach to educating tomorrow’s workforce, Showcase Schools also receive the following benefits from Microsoft as part of the programme:
• Collaboration with an international group of thought leaders
• Complimentary Microsoft IT Academy membership
• Eligibility to have at least two High School Student Ambassadors (secondary/high schools only)
• Access to professional development for Educators within their school
• Invitations to Regional Global Forums and BETT (London or Singapore)
• Monthly community webinars and Yammer group discussion, exclusive to Showcase Schools
• Email signature and welcome kit
Mr McGill said he was “relishing” the opportunities that the award gave both himself and the school,
He added: “I hope to continue the innovative work that St.Mary’s has done in bringing I.T. into every subject and classroom.”
Ms Rice said being a Microsoft showcase school offered the opportunity to extend and enhance its digital curriculum.
She added: “Our students are at the cutting edge of new innovation and technology which opens a world of possibilities and employment opportunities.”
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