Coalisland school recognised for its work with digital technology

FOR their ongoing work in incorporating digital technology into learning and teaching, St Joseph’s College, Coalisland has been recognised as an ‘Apple Distinguished School’ – and the First Minister paid the students a visit to celebrate!

At the centre of leadership and educational excellence, Apple Distinguished Schools demonstrate Apple’s vision for learning with technology – believing that they are some of the most innovative schools in the world.​

Marking the honour, Michelle O’Neill was full of smiles when she toured the Coalisland school alongside its pupils who spoke to her about leadership, their inspirations and how technology empowers them to learn new things every single day.

A spokesperson from the College said that the main reason for pursuing the prestigious recognition of ‘Apple Distinguished School’ was to ‘show the world the great work that St Joseph’s is doing’.

“Since we introduced iPads, our learning environment has evolved and our outcomes and academics, have improved dramatically,” they said.

“But that is not the only difference in the past 10 years. Our enrolment has increased and as a result we have worked in partnership with our students to ensure we offer a curriculum that meets their needs and matches the prospects of further education or employment in our local or global community.”

Indeed Apple Distinguished School leaders, teachers and the extended community have a clear vision for how their technology-rich environments support learning goals.

“Our pathways begin when our new Year 8 pupils start their induction and we keep a close eye on how they are doing in class, how they feel as young people and offer opportunities to represent the College in sport, in STEM, in music and on stage,” the spokesperson added.

“We work closely with our parents and carers and have made the decision to offer as many extra curricular opportunities to deliver after school catch up and revision classes to make home life a little less stressful.”