The UK has more Microsoft Showcase Schools than any other country in Europe. The programme works with headteachers to lead their schools through digital transformation through a community of peer support and Microsoft experts. The UK now has 48 Showcase Schools in areas including London, Port Talbot, Paisley, Exeter and Glasgow. In total there are 325 education institutions from 58 countries around the world enrolled in the Microsoft Showcase Schools programme.
One of those is Queen Anne High School, in Dunfermline, Fife, which teaches boys and girls aged 11 to 18. All classes were set up on Teams, with teachers able to share weekly learning material and homework. There is an emphasis on the use of digital technology in classrooms with a “bring your own device” policy in place for all students.
A total of 40 teachers have achieved certified Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) status – which shows their skills in using technology in a learning environment – and five teachers have been accepted onto the MIE Expert programme this year to help other staff across the school.
Another Showcase School that’s embracing the use of technology in the classroom is Downe House, a boarding school in Thatcham, Berkshire, that’s open to girls aged 11 to 18. Over the past four years the school has rolled out a new digital strategy based on M365, which has led to pupils and teachers using Microsoft Teams, Stream, OneNote and Flipgrid. This made it easier to transition to remote working during lockdown, and the school continued co-curricular activities by offering book clubs, yoga and quizzes via the internet.
Most girls have since returned to the school but due to ongoing restrictions and individual circumstances, there are some who continue to be taught online. Every classroom has been equipped with cameras to livestream lessons to those studying from home. Online pupils have a digital buddy to support them in lessons, and a pastoral buddy to ensure they are included in every aspect of school life.
A further three schools in England – Broadclyst Community Primary School, Ribblesdale High School, and Danesfield School – were named Microsoft Demonstrator Schools and have joined a consortium of schools that are considered leaders in the use of technology in education. They offer guidance and coaching to help other schools and colleges make the best use of technology and provide remote learning for students.
Anthony Salcito, Vice-President of Education at Microsoft, said: “The global Showcase Schools community comes together as a group to tackle challenges, celebrate successes, share learnings and try new solutions in a vibrant online community through Microsoft Teams. As Showcase Schools continue their education transformation journey, they are supported by Microsoft, their partners and each other through capacity building, transformation guidance, peer learning, amplification opportunities and early access to research and solutions.
