12 February 2021
Meldrum Academy praised for thorough and rigorous approach to digital journey
Meldrum Academy has become a Digital School in Scotland.
The Digital Schools Awards Scotland is a three-step programme to help schools assess progress and recognise excellence in the use of digital technology at nursery, primary, special education, and secondary school levels.
In order to receive the award, Meldrum Academy had to complete a rigorous self-evaluation process which included demonstrating the school has an acceptable usage policy, digital technology plan, a school website and writing a short statement outlining recent achievements and highlighting the use of tools, practices or initiatives.
The school is then assessed by an external validator who meets the head teacher, visits classrooms, and evaluates the self-assessment submission against a variety of criteria.
In her general recommendation, external validator Catherine Cunningham, said: “Meldrum Academy has taken a thorough and rigorous approach to their digital journey. This has resulted in developing a strong team, confident in their collective ability to deliver a sound curriculum for all pupils.”
Not only did Ms Cunningham conclude that Meldrum Academy had achieved the award, but she also recommended the school become a mentor school as they are able to develop and share their skills with other schools.
The letter confirming the award said Digital Schools Award Scotland considers Meldrum Academy to be pioneer among schools where digitally enhanced teaching and learning is helping children and young people prepare for living and working in the 21st century.
Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “Many congratulations to Meldrum Academy’s head teacher Ian Jackson and his team on such a glowing assessment. It is so pleasing that Digital School Awards Scotland consider Meldrum Academy to be among the leading schools when it comes to digital learning. Well done everyone involved!”
Committee vice chair Cllr Rosemary Bruce added: “This is fantastic news. Congratulations to all at Meldrum Academy for achieving this brilliant award. I am pleased to see there are many schools across Aberdeenshire using digital technology in innovative ways both inside and outside the virtual classroom.”
New Machar Primary School recently shared a video explaining their digital learning journey. You can see it by clicking on this link: http://bit.ly/NewmacharHL21 The school is currently enjoying 100% digital inclusion among pupils and has demonstrated best practice in terms of finding new and innovative means to engage with families. In addition to offering weekly bedtime stories and assemblies, the school leadership team is involved in regular check-ins with families, and many support groups are run by the wider staff team. Their ‘whole school live’ events have inspired everything from shortbread making to marble runs and they have seen more than 125,000 pieces of work submitted online by pupils.