Clonaslee College awarded European Digital School Status

Photo L to R: Rachel D’Alton, Site Administration Manager at AMD, Val Gabriel, Managing Director of HP Ireland, Ciarán Todd, IT/Digital Technology co-ordinator at Clonaslee College, Catherine Hyland & Amy McKane, Leaving Cert students at Clonaslee College

Clonaslee College awarded European 'Digital School' status for excellence in digital teaching and learning

29 March 2023 – Clonaslee College, has been recognised with the prestigious European ‘Digital School’ status for their outstanding contributions in digital teaching and learning.

Supported by global technology giants HP and AMD, along with government and education partners, the Digital Schools Award Europe aims to promote digital teaching and learning and equip pupils with advanced digital skills.

To achieve the award, schools must demonstrate a whole school digital strategy, evidence of how digital technology enhances learning, and a commitment to ongoing teacher professional development. The programme has already highlighted innovative and collaborative approaches to integrating digital technology in teaching and learning, inspiring other schools to follow suit.

This award is a testament to Clonaslee College’s commitment to providing students with a cutting-edge education and equipping them with advanced digital skills.

Ciarán Todd, IT/Digital Technology co-ordinator at Clonaslee College, said: ‘We are proud to have achieved this award. The Digital School Awards programme has given us valuable tools, structure and supports to help us further enhance the digital and learning in our school. It is great to get recognition for the tremendous work that we are doing to incorporate digital technologies into our teaching and learning and to ensure that our students are ready to take on an increasingly digitalised world’.

At the awards ceremony held at Banagher College, County Offaly, nine secondary schools in the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board received their award today. These schools took part in a new initiative called the SELFIE Digital Schools Academy1, which aims to support sustainable digital education practices in European schools. The academy provides schools that have completed the European SELFIE self-reflection tool with digital education mentor support and professional development resources, focusing on themes such as leadership, collaboration, infrastructure, professional development, teaching and learning, assessment, student digital competences, STEAM education, and remote learning.

LOETB Director of Schools, Linda Tynan, described the Digital Schools Awards as having been ‘very beneficial for our schools’, adding,'I’m really delighted that we’ve been able to support an initiative like this, where the digital innovation of our staff and students is formally recognised; it’s very gratifying to see that all our schools have been so successful within the Digital Schools Awards programme.’

Speaking at the awards ceremony where a total of 14 Irish secondary schools were presented with their award, Val Gabriel, Managing Director of HP Ireland said: ‘The Digital Schools Award Europe is providing a vital platform for schools to assess and develop their digital capabilities. These 14 Irish secondary schools have demonstrated outstanding leadership in embracing digital technology as a tool for enhancing education. 

HP are proud to have set a goal of accelerating digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030 and this is a great step towards achieving that whilst also bringing about more digital equity for Irish schools. Congratulations to all awarded schools for their achievements, and we look forward to continuing to work together to drive digital innovation in education.’

Rachel D’Alton, Site Administration Manager at AMD, commented: ‘Congratulations to the teachers and staff in the schools that are receiving their awards today. With our commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators, we at AMD are proud to partner with organisations like the Digital Schools Awards to advance digital education in Ireland and beyond. We congratulate those awarded today and thank you for your hard work in integrating digital technology into the curriculum. Promoting technology skills among students will undoubtedly have a positive impact on their future success.’

Anna Doody, Programme Manager at Digital Schools Awards, said: ‘Digital skills are crucial for the success of our young people in an increasingly digital world. It is inspiring to see these 14 Irish secondary schools recognised for their commitment to digital teaching and learning, and for their efforts to equip their students with digital skills for the future. Through the Digital Schools Award Europe, we are working to promote excellence in digital education across Europe, and these schools are setting a high standard for others to follow.’

2023 awarded digital schools:

Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa

Banagher College

Clonaslee College

Coláiste Naomh Cormac

Dunamase College

Holy Family Community School

Oaklands Community College, Edenderry

Portlaoise College

Presentation Secondary School Waterford

St Colmans Community College

St Colmcilles Community School