Elly Yates-Roberts |
The Microsoft-backed Digital Schools Awards Scotland programme has been expanded to include the country’s secondary schools. With more than 360 schools in Scotland, it means nearly 300,000 children aged between 11 and 18 could benefit from the scheme.
The programme encourages schools to partner with colleges, universities and employers to embed technology skills into a range of lessons.
“The Digital Schools Programme is a shining example of how we, as an industry, are committed to supporting the next generation and ensuring that all young people acquire the skills they need to thrive in the modern digital workplace. We are proud to be part of this exciting initiative and look forward to seeing how it enables students to better prepare for the world of work,” said Steven Grier, country manager at Microsoft Scotland.
The scheme encourages schools to look at using digital skills in real-world and work-ready scenarios. It promotes digital innovation and creativity; computational thinking; advances in science, technology and maths; the need for cyber resilience; and more.
Microsoft, along with partners including HP and Intel, will continue to provide practical support and resources as well as £600,000 of funding over the next five years.
“A key priority in shaping the Scottish Government’s digital learning and teaching strategy has been to align the needs of employers with the curriculum,” said Shirley-Anne Somerville, minister for further education, higher education and science in Scotland. “Our colleges, universities and employers have a key role to play in helping schools to prepare our young people for the opportunities to flourish in the future.
“The government welcomes HP, Microsoft and Intel support on this digital schools programme, which is a fantastic example of industry supporting education in Scotland.”