Eltham College has been selected by Microsoft as a 2020-2021 Microsoft Showcase School and joins an exclusive community of just 335 schools from around the world, recognised and celebrated for educational transformation using technology. This includes vision and innovation in teaching, learning and assessment; computational and critical thinking; creativity and collaboration; and a willingness to promote a growth mindset among educators and students.
Over the past year the enormously successful digital strategy the College launched, based on the Microsoft Office 365 platform, has seen a comprehensive staff training programme enable more than 90 staff to become CMIE (Certified Microsoft Innovator Educators) with many now working towards achieving MIEE (Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert) accreditation.
As one of only 48 schools in the UK who hold the prestigious title of Showcase School, the accreditation reflects the priority the College places on integrating digital technology into teaching and learning. The ultimate achievement of the past twelve months was undoubtedly the smooth transition to online teaching and learning during lockdown, due to the school’s digital capacity, with Microsoft Education technology already embedded across the College.
Headmaster Mr Guy Sanderson said, “Being selected for the second year in a row as a Microsoft Showcase School is an amazing honour and recognition of the passion our teachers and staff have for creating the best learning environments possible for every student.” “We look forward to continuing to share our experiences with other schools in our community and across the world as we to continue to find innovative ways to equip our students with the proper tools needed for success inside and outside of the classroom.”
Director of Design and Technology Maxim Gennari, who leads on the school’s digital strategy commented, “We are delighted that we will continue to be a Microsoft Showcase School this year and it is very much thanks to the commitment and dedication of our staff who have adopted and embraced the technology. I know that our parents have been very impressed with how well the transition to online teaching was managed, under difficult circumstances.”
Eltham College will continue to work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education transformation and communicate an education transformation vision, enabled by technology, through a commitment to host and mentor other schools in the local community and around the globe.
