Limavady teacher picksup international award

There were 250 educators from around Europe participating with 24 people awarded for their innovative uses of technology in the classroom at the event.

David’s winning project entitled “Ignite Pupil’s Innovation” was judged the best amongst 81 entries from 41 countries in Western Europe and Central and Eastern Europe. Entries were judged by an international panel of 30 education experts based on a number of criteria. All shortlisted teachers demonstrated innovative teaching practice through virtual classroom tours and with onsite interviews by judges with each entrant outlining how they teach their students critical 21st-century skills, such as collaboration, critical thinking and social responsibility. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the Convento do Beato in Lisbon the 22nd March.

Speaking about his win, David Young said: “Given the prestige of this competition and the standard of entries I am very proud to have been acknowledged in this way. I have gained so much through my participation in Microsoft’s Partners in Learning for Schools Programme. Microsoft’s investment into its ‘Partnership in Learning’ competition has brought together 82 entries from across Europe with 120 judges, speakers and leading educators from around the world. The exhilarating and exciting week in Lisbon has really pushed me to drive further innovation in my classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of preparing and presenting my innovative methods of teaching to the judges and leading educators and am delighted to bring home the coveted prize to Limavady High School. I look forward to representing Europe in the World Competition in Athens later this year.”

Commenting about the win, Tom Jackson, Microsoft Education and Business Programme Manager said: “Our Partners in Learning programme is our way of recognizing, supporting and encouraging innovative use of technology in the classroom. Through this programme we get to work closely with education innovators and leaders – something that is truly inspiring. David’s project is an example of how the use of technology in the classroom can really change and enhance the learning experience for students. I am delighted that a teacher from Northern Ireland has been recognized at this hugely competitive event and we look forward to supporting him on the road to Athens where he will represent the island of Ireland at the world competition.”

Victor McNair, a Senior lecturer at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland where he is responsible for Postgraduate Technology and Design students at the University’s Jordanstown campus.

“It isn’t so much David’s use of a range of technologies that make his teaching approach innovative.  Rather, it is the real-life application of the school curriculum. He treats his pupils like design experts and trains them to engage with real clients and to solve real problems when they get back to the classroom. During the many client meetings he gets them to arrange, they experience their clients’ hopes, fears and demands as well as seeing first-hand what designers have to do to make a living. His cutting-edge use of technology, while nothing new in technology and design departments in Northern Ireland schools, is utilized much more effectively than most to produce the most amazing concept buildings. His client focus does not stop with the exams either.  He uses the expertise of his older pupils to foster a client-led and professional approach with the younger pupils, thus ensuring that the ‘studio’ atmosphere of his classroom is maintained and developed over the years.   David’ energy is refreshing and stimulating and his pupils seem to take hard work, innovation and success as the norm.”