STAFF and youngsters from Westacre Middle School in Droitwich are celebrating after scooping a prestigious accolade.
The ICT Mark Award recognises that the school is at the forefront of using technology to enhance its work.
There were a number of aspects which impressed the inspectors who carried out an external assessment.
Westacre, which uses technology in both its administration and across the curriculum, has a network comprising two computing suites, iPads and well-resourced classrooms and also has a pupil digital leaders’ Cyber Council.
Westacre’s website and twitter feed communicate well with parents, the school has invested highly in hardware and software and there has been significant support from the headteacher and governors to develop ICT further.
And excellent partnerships have been established with first schools in the area.
Headteacher Donna Evans said she was delighted the school had been recognised in this way.
“We believe technology can be used in every aspect of learning and that it is essential our children are equipped for the modern world.”
Paul Barber, the school’s computing subject leader), ensuredWestacre was ready for its ICT Mark assessment.
“All the children and staff deserve credit for this achievement,” he said.
Mark Chambers, Naace CEO, said Westacre thoroughly deserved the accolade as it demonstrated how important it was for a ‘whole school approach’ to using technology.
“We look forward to working with Westacre to demonstrate how technology can have a substantial impact on learner outcomes in the future.”
Coun Richard Morris said “ Westacre Middle School should be congratulated on this wonderful achievement.”
“As a past pupil of Westacre myself, I am very proud that the school is doing so well.”
MP Nigel Huddleston said: “Congratulations to all at Westacre Middle School for being awarded the National ICT Mark.
“This is recognition of both the school’s excellent ICT provisions and of the hard work of their staff, teachers and pupils.”
He added it was important young people had a solid grasp of modern technology from an early age and ICT skills would be becoming even more important in the future.
He said it was great Westacre was making sure his pupils were ‘ahead of the game’.
