Digital Schools Award for St Nicholas' Primary in Carrickfergus

The award, supported by HP, Microsoft and the Department of Education NI, aims to promote, recognise and encourage a whole school approach to the use of digital technology.

It involves a three step process to help schools assess progress and recognise excellence in the use of digital technology within schools.

The award process includes a self-evaluation by the school is the five areas, including leadership and vision; ICT integration across the curriculum; school ICT culture; continuing professional development, and resources and infrastructure.

The self-evaluation is then submitted for validation, which includes a visit from a moderator who holds an interview with the ICT co-ordinator and the principal to discuss their submission. The school is then advised if their application has been successful or not.

St. Nicholas’ not only achieved Digital Schools Award status, but was also asked to act as a mentor school for others wishing to apply for the award.

The written report by moderator Peter Heaney stated: “The use of digital technology is a predominant feature of the schools T+L (teaching and learning) delivery across the curriculum.

"Planning is used effectively to identify where intervention, development and deployment will be most productive.

"There was clear evidence both from the discussions and the submitted documentation that levels of motivation and innovation across the school are high and sustained.”

School principal, Mr Kieran Austin said: “I am delighted that St. Nicholas’ Primary School have recently been recognised with the Digital Schools Award Northern Ireland This award is a testament to the hard work surrounding the promotion and development of ICT within the school, alongside the partnerships between parents, pupils and staff.”