HP is spearheading the Digital Schools Awards programme in Scotland as we believe that the technology industry has a clear responsibility to help the next generation with their digital learning. The STEM worker shortfall is estimated to hit 40,000 annually in the UK and with an increasing number of jobs being created to meet the shifting demands of the digital economy, this gap is only going to widen. We have a responsibility to partner with teachers, government, parents, pupils and other industry leaders to enhance digital learning and close that skills gap.

HP is delighted to support the Digital Schools Awards programme which is gaining fantastic traction in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and we look forward to working with Education Scotland on the successful roll out of the programme in Scotland.

The Digital Schools Award is a fantastic example of industry supporting education in Scotland.  It is the result of collaboration between Scottish Government, Education Scotland and the digital industry and as such it is closely aligned with the aims of the Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy.

The Digital Schools Awards Programme is a very valuable approach to embedding digital learning in primary schools.  It fully supports and promotes the vision set out in the Government’s Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy for Scotland. I am delighted to see these first set of awards being presented and the number of schools registering for the programme continuing to grow.  I encourage all primary schools in Scotland who have not yet done so, to sign up to the programme.

Today’s children need to be digitally competent which includes having an awareness of digital safety, etiquette and exposure to appropriate applications. At Kirkton of Largo, our pupils engage in high quality, rich learning experiences across the curriculum and use digital tools appropriately to support their learning. The Digital Schools Award Programme enabled us to assess and evaluate our provision in depth and confirmed digital skills were firmly embedded across the school. It also gave us the opportunity to share our work with others and plan future developments in digital technology.

The use of digital technology is embedded in our provision, pedagogy and practice.  Staff have a very positive 'can do' attitude and utilise digital technology to support children’s learning and parental engagement at all levels.  This award has given us an opportunity to evaluate our practice, identify our strengths and consider further innovations and developments with our partners.