BEITH Primary School pupils joined First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jown Swinney to launch a new digital awards programme.

Scottish primary schools encouraged to sign up to the programme which will help them assess progress and recognise excellence in the use of digital technology while providing practical support and encouragement

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 Kit McNee and Jenson Spencer, P7 pupils from Beith Primary School in North Ayrshire.

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 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 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.”