The Ladies’ College recognised as Microsoft Showcase School

The Ladies’ College has been awarded Microsoft Showcase School status, which recognises the innovative use of technology, a student-centred approach, development of future ready skills and the expansion of Microsoft and Adobe training and qualifications.

The College is the only school in the Channel Islands to offer these industry standard qualifications, which are available to all its students to support academic learning.

Following the two lockdowns due to the pandemic, the College has been instrumental in adapting learning methods for all students, with every student having access to Microsoft Teams. The Ladies’ College has now adopted a legacy hybrid-teaching model, allowing students to attend lessons from home, while other students attend the lessons in class. Technology and teaching are used to keep students safe, delivering remote technical support when required, including tracking wellbeing and engagement.

The College has 28 staff members certified as Microsoft Innovative Educators (MIEs), three MIE Experts (MIEE) and an MIE Trainer.

During the last year, over 40 Year 9 students have received their Microsoft Office Specialist certification in Word 2019/365. Students in Year 12 also chose a similar course to strengthen their digital skills.

As well as receiving Microsoft Office Specialist certification in Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, students are invited to sit expert-level qualifications in Word, Excel and Access. These industry-standard qualifications are delivered through online courses and exams and certification is delivered by The Ladies’ College as a Microsoft Academy. The College also offers Key Stage 4 and 5 students the opportunity to sit Adobe courses and become Adobe Certified Associates or Adobe Professionals. VR technology has also been introduced into the curriculum.

Head of IT at The Ladies’ College, Paul Beasley, said ‘Our association with Microsoft and Adobe is key in developing our students’ digital skills, which sets them up for the future.

‘Alongside our Microsoft Office offering, we understand Adobe software has long been the industry standard software used in the digital and creative industries. By offering this to our students, we can match their chosen pathways with relevant software skills, putting them in good stead when they enter the job market.’

Director of Studies at The Ladies’ College, Howard Barnes, said: ‘I am delighted to have achieved this award that recognises the work of our community to prepare The Ladies’ College students to engage and shape their, and our, futures.

‘As a Showcase School, we have worked with other schools, locally and worldwide. One of the most important benefits of technology can be wider, effective communication. Being part of the network of Showcase Schools has enabled us to have access to leaders in the rapidly changing field of information technology, and for us to contribute as part of this network.

‘As we approach our 150th anniversary this year, we are committed to building on our past, maintaining our commitment to excellence and opportunity in girls’ education, and ensuring our students are ‘future ready’.