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St Patrick’s (Ballymaghery) School 13 Castlewellan Road Newry

Our school receives the 'Digital Schools Northern Ireland' Award!

23rd Jun 2021

Congratulations to Mr Flanagan and our Digital Leaders team - Dara, Ava, Sophie and Ollie from P.7 and Erin, Matthew, Ronan and Nathan from P.6.  In spite of the disrupted school year they have successfully achieved the 'Digital Schools N.I. Award' and we are very proud of this. This is a national award programme which promotes, encourages and recognises best practice in the use of digital technology in primary schools in Northern Ireland.

The assessment took place on 25th May 2021.  The assessor was Beverley McCormick.  The Validation Report states that 'St Patrick's P.S. has a clear vision for the infusion of digital technologies into all layers of school life, one that has been developed over the last six years as a result of self-assessed practices.'  'Teachers effectively use digital technologies to manage and plan their classroom routines and teaching'. 'The school keeps its policies and action plans up-to-date and those relating to digital technologies have been recently up-dated to reflect the impact of online learning'.

The report further states: 'The school places high value on ensuring that its students develop safe online practices by teaching appropriate behaviours and how to develop critical thinking skills.  This was evident when talking to students who were able to confidently share how they kept themselves safe when online and were able to discuss the school's 10 Internet Safety Rules.  Staff are aware of their individual responsibilities relating to the safeguarding of children within the context of e-Safety and know what to do in the event of misuse of technology by any member of the school community.  E-safety is also promoted through assemblies and displays. Links to online resources are frequently shared with parents.' 

The report concludes: 'It is evident that the staff work collectively to ensure school improvement is at the heart of their practices.'

St Patrick's P.S. was asked to become a mentor school and have agreed to do this.

Well done, everyone!