Ysgol y Preseli wins digital accolades

Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych has scooped three awards for its modern use of digital technologies.

At the National Digital Learning Event in Cardiff, the school won prizes for:

• Original Digital Content, Secondary
• Innovative Use of Technology, Secondary (Highly Commended )
• National Digital Learning Council’s Pupil Award (Highly Commended).

Headteacher, Michael Davies, said he was delighted with the school’s success:  “Digital Learning is one of our top priorities and the Donaldson Report highlights its importance for the future workforce of Wales.”

Both the first and second awards acknowledge the innovation of a project entitled ‘Turning Traditional Education on its Head: The Flipped Classroom’.

As part of this exciting project, the GCSE Leisure and Tourism classes of teacher Mrs Serena Davies trialled a ‘flipped classroom’ approach to learning.

This meant that pupils watched videos at home prior to lessons which enabled them to understand the key content and vocabulary before the topic was discussed at school.

It allowed students to watch the content at their own pace while any pupils who were absent would still be able to watch the videos and not miss any essential content. It also meant that homework could be completed by all, regardless of ability.

Class time was then re-structured into workshops where pupils could inquire about lesson content, test their skills in applying knowledge, and interact with one another in hands-on activities.

This provided opportunities for learning through activity and allowed teachers to revisit concepts that pupils didn’t understand. It was also easier for teachers to track and assess the progress of students.

Another advantage of the method was that pupils were able to practise exam-questions within class time and with the teacher’s support, which wouldn’t have been possible at home.

Mrs Davies said: “The benefits of this Flipped Classroom approach could be transferred to any subject. It is particularly pleasing that pupils are able to replay every video created: anytime, anyplace and anywhere.”

The Highly Commended pupil award went to Year 9 student Grace Stangroome for her ‘Speak Up’ video which aims to inspire everyone to be an ‘upstander’.

Grace explained: “An ‘upstander’ is someone who stands up to bullying. They give the victims a voice. My video explained what bullying is, how it can affect people and how to deal with it and not to be scared about bullying.”

Grace is a Digital Leaders at Ysgol y Preseli and created the video in her free time as part of the WISE KIDS Digital Youth Ambassador Award programme.

She hopes that her message can be passed on to as many people as possible and has included contact information for those who are being bullied, such as ChildLine.

Mrs Davies and the Digital Ambassadors will be sharing their experience with other schools during a two day e-learning conference at Ysgol y Preseli on 7th and 8th July.

Mr Davies added: “I would like to thank Mrs Serena Davies for leading this whole school project and the staff, pupils and parents for their excellent support in initiating our ideas.”