More than one in five primary schools, some 655 schools, have signed up to become ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’, since the launch of the programme last September. 

Remaining primary schools are now urged to sign up for the programme, to avail of the comprehensive package of support and advice available, with just 19 school weeks left in the academic year 2013/14. 20 schools have already been fully validated through the programme, with the remaining schools at various stages of the validation process, which is proceeding well.

Launched by the Minster for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn T.D. in September last year, 'Digital Schools of Distinction' is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools.

Supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland, the Digital Schools of Distinction Award aims to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland are providing support to the programme for five years, including a financial commitment of €300,000 in the first year as well as the provision of practical support and resources.

The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools to date has been extremely positive. Tom Roche, Principal of Knockaclarig National School, Tralee Co. Kerry, which has just received its 'Digital School of Distinction' status said that the programme offers a real opportunity for primary schools to build on their digital capabilities.

'Registering to become a Digital School of Distinction was an obvious move for our school as we are keenly aware that technology is playing an ever more important role in education and we want to be at the forefront of the movement to integrate ICT successfully in the classroom. The registration and validation process to become a Digital School of Distinction has been seamless with good support throughout. We are excited about the opportunities this programme offers our school.'

The Minister for Education and Skill Ruairi Quinn T.D. congratulated the schools who have already signed up and called on all primary schools to register their interest in the programme:

The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is an important platform for primary schools which can help to advance the ICT agenda in the classroom while making a practical contribution to helping schools make the most of their digital capabilities. The effective use of ICT for teaching and learning in our schools is a key policy objective of my Department.  It is central to the achievement of the key reforms outlined in the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and I would encourage schools who have not yet signed up to do so, so that they can benefit from the support and expertise on offer.

Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland added:

We are delighted that the Digital Schools of Distinction programme has been enthusiastically received in primary schools to date. Using digital technology to its full capability in the classroom can greatly enhance the learning experience. HP is proud to be able to support this programme, which I am glad to say  has already attracted interest from overseas with a number of other countries expressing an interest in rolling out the programme.

Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland said:

Microsoft is passionate about ensuring that young people get the opportunity to become IT literate from as early as possible. By supporting and encouraging schools to embrace technology in the classroom it is enhancing the overall learning experience of our students as well as equipping them with skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. We are delighted with the positive response to the programme to date and would encourage all other schools to get involved.

Schools who register and who are successfully validated through the programme are awarded Digital Schools of Distinction status by the Department of Education.  A dedicated resource is provided to help schools go through the registration and validation process, including an ICT helpline. The validation process has already highlighted some very innovative and collaborative approaches from schools and teachers regarding the integration of ICT in teaching and learning, which will be an inspiration to other schools.

New digital schools will receive a Digital Schools Classroom Kit, to include a HP laptop with Microsoft software including Windows 8and educational apps and access to education ICT specialists.  A new set of “Best Practice” guidelines for schools has also been developed which will shortly be made available on the Digital Schools of Distinction website.

The list of validated Digital Schools of Distinction is as follows: Bishop Galvin National School, Templeogue, Dublin 6W; Dualla National School, Cashel, Co Tipperary; Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan, Tipperary; Knockaclarig NS., Tralee, Co Kerry; Ladyswell NS, Dublin 15; Lucan East ETNS, Lucan, Co Dublin; Naomh Lorcán Ó Tuathail, Dublin 1; North Bay Educate Together National School, Dublin 5; Robertstown NS, Naas, Co Kildare; S.N. Naomh Treasa, Connemara, Co Galway; Sacred Heart SNS, Tallaght, Dublin 24; Scoil Bhriocain, Rosmuc, Co Galway; Scoil Ide, Limerick; Scoil Maelruain Senior, Tallaght, Dublin 24; Scoil Mhichil Naofa, Kilkenny; Scoil Mhuire na mBráithre, CBS Primary, Tralee, Co Kerry; Scoil na mBuachailli, Cork; St. Colmcille’s B.N.S, Swords, Dublin; St. Paul’s N.S., Dooradoyle, Limerick; and Timoleague N.S., Bandon, Co Cork.

The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills in partnership with Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). Digital Schools of Distinction is delivered through a public private partnership in association with HP and Microsoft in Ireland.

For further information and to register on the site or follow @digital_schools on Twitter for regular updates.