We are a Digital School
What is a Digital School of Distinction?
Digital Schools of Distinction is a flagship programme which aims to promote, recognise and encourage excellence in the use of technology in primary schools. In May 2016, we successfully demonstrated how we integrate technology into our teaching and learning on a daily basis.
Admittedly, on the day this was a relatively easy task as teachers and students are confident and confident at using the technology currently available to us and so, we received the nationally recognised Digital School of Distinction Award, accredited by the Dept. of Education. However, the adjudicator also understood that we are acutely aware of the ever changing technologies available to us and make every effort to stay abreast of these changes and integrate them into our classrooms.
How many Digital Schools are there in Ireland?
As you can see from the map, there are 336 schools in Ireland that have attained this award, which translates to 8.3% of the total 4028 primary and secondary schools in our country.
Additionally, we are one of just 12 schools in Kildare to have this award.
So how did we get the award?
Junior & Senior Infants
Junior & Senior Infants
Bee-Bot
Bee Bot is an exciting new robot designed for use by young children.This colourful, easy to operate little robot is ideal for teaching sequencing, estimation, problem solving and having fun! Bee-Bot teaches children the very early stages of coding as they learn to programme Bee-Bot to follow a course, sending him forward, back, left or right.
First & Second Classes
First & Second Classes
Skype
We use Skype to contact classes within the school and to also link up with people and classrooms in other countries. Take a look at the First and Second class blogs to view some video footage of our recent Skype calls between the classes.
Ipads & Interactive Whiteboard
Every week, the children use iPads to practise their handwriting, sounds, numbers and develop oral language through apps such as Toca and Playschool. The children really look forward to this time and also learn the basics of using an iPad such as volume, closing apps etc. In addition, children also use the interactive whiteboard during daily lessons and during Aistear to take turns at completing games and activities that are relevant to the curriculum.
Third & Fourth Classes
Knex
The children in 3rd class are undertaking the Knex challenge this year. Currently, they are working on creating 2D objects and will move to the more difficult tasks of creating motorised 3D objects in the coming months.
Scratch
Scratch is a relatively new programming tool that is being used in primary schools. This encourages children to engage problem solving, sequencing, orientation (and patience!) skills as they create their own cartoon. This is particularly important following the Minister of Education's recent announcement that coding and Digital Science will be included as Junior and Leaving Certificate exams in the near future.
Fifth & Sixth Classes
These students are reporters on what is happening in their individual classrooms and as the oldest students in the school, they will also teach their younger peers on how to do the same. Keep an eye on the blog for updates. (http://scoilbhridekilcullen.blogspot.ie/)
Careers in Technology
There are so many opportunities and career prospects available to students nowadays that involve technology. Indeed the top 10 jobs worldwide in 2016 all involve some aspect of technology and communication. As students continue their learning in secondary school, we think it is important to ensure that they are aware of these opportunities as they make their subject choices.
