Swansea school picks up top award

Secondary teachers at a school in Wales are celebrating after their innovative use of technology was congratulated with a UK-wide award.

Pioneering teachers at Gowerton Comprehensive in Swansea have been recording their lessons using cameras and IT equipment and making them available online so that pupils can watch them at home on their computers or mobiles.

The clever teaching method has seen the school become the first Welsh secondary to pick up the coveted Third Millenium Learning Award, joining just 14 others across the UK to gain the recognition.

Commenting on the award, Gowerton head teacher Peter Harrison said he was delighted with the way in which staff and pupils have taken to the new tools and the added depth it brings to lessons and homework.

"We have made a significant investment in ICT to help all pupils reach their full potential and gain ICT skills necessary to succeed in the workplace," he said.

The school was one of the first in the UK to pioneer the use of cloud-based computer systems such as Google Apps and as a result the local council adapted this innovative approach into their learning platform for other schools in the area.

Gowerton pupils can now access their timetables, school work and other learning resources away from school just by logging on from any device connected to the internet.

They are not the only school in Swansea to win the award, however, with primary teachers at the nearby Casllwchwr Primary School congratulated for their clever use of iPods, iPads and computers, which are fully integrated into everyday lessons.

Swansea Council's cabinet member for education, Councillor Mike Day, said: "I am proud to see our schools and education department leading the way in Wales and standing shoulder to shoulder with the best in Britain for using a range of technology and ICT to engage all pupils in learning."

Presented by the National Association of Advisors for Computers in Education, the Third Millennium Learning Award is awarded to schools that show an innovative, 21st century curriculum alongside exemplary teaching and modern technology.

Posted by Harriet McGowan

Meet the Teaching Personnel news team >>