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The Director of Microsoft Education visits @priorygeography [ @microsofteduk ]

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So, there we were thinking that we had a quiet few moments at Priory Geography when Steve Beswick, the Director of Microsoft Education, popped in together with some of the Partners in Learning Team.  This post is also over at Priory School’s blog.  It was an exciting day, and we were keen for it not to be a run-of-the-mill school visit. I have been involved with Microsoft and Partners in Learning since 2009 and love their approach to learning first and product second.

 

On Wednesday, Steve Beswick, the person responsible for every PC in every school in the UK, visited Priory Geography.  This high profile visit was in recognition of the creative use of technology that the department has been developing over the past five years.

During the visit he watched geography lessons; met with DiGITAL LEADERS; spoke to students from Years 9-11 about careers in technology and spoke to senior leaders.  Mandeep from Microsoft’s Partners in Learning also visited the school and worked with Newly Qualified teachers on Professional Learning activities.

Priory’s students were stunning as always and attracted positive comments from the Microsoft team.  They commented on the excellent behaviour and appearance of our students and were blown away with the brilliance of the DiGITAL LEADERS team of Robbie, Scott and Jonathan.

Steve was impressed with the quality of geography lessons saying that they are developing the 21st Century skills of collaboration, independence and problem

solving that employers are looking for.  He also stated the importance of gaining qualifications: you couldn’t work for his team without a degree qualification.

A journalist also accompanied the party and will be writing up the experiences so watch this space.

Mr Rogers, Curriculum Leader for Geography and Microsoft Innovative Educator, said ‘I’m so proud of the Priory Geography Team who have consistently maintained a high quality of teaching and learning.  We know that we are improving the outcomes for our young people while furnishing them with the skills needed for life in work.’

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Thanks to Ms Debens and Mr Atkins for organising the programme and delivering an Outstanding lesson during the day.  Special mention goes to Mr Parrott, our PGCE student whose lesson was watched by Steve, our Chair of governors, an Assistant Headteacher, Mr Rogers and Gerald Haigh.

Looking to the future, Mr Rogers said that he was looking forward to continuing the partnership with Microsoft and students from Priory will be contributing to a new Student blog for the company.

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