Children at St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch are at the forefront of using technology to enhance their work, and that’s official!

Following an extensive external assessment St Colman’s has been awarded the prestigious ICT Mark. 

The award recognises the school’s success in developing the strategic use of technology in both administration and across the curriculum. Parents will have proof that their children are attending a school at the forefront of modern technology.

Head teacher Mr Mark Morgan commented “On behalf of St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College, Ballynahinch, I am delighted to be awarded the ICT Mark. It recognises our positive approach to the use of technology and the benefits it is bringing to our children. We believe that technology can be used in every aspect of learning and that it is essential our children are equipped for the modern world.

We are very proud to include the mark on our website and our mailings and this has been noted on a number of occasions, which has further raised the profile of the use of technology at our school.”

The lead member of staff, Mr Cathal Rice (ICT Subject Leader), involved in ensuring the school was ready for ICT Mark assessment, commented:

“I am really pleased that the presentation of this award shows recognition of the excellent work that is taking place at St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College.  Applying for the award really brought into focus the ICT work that we are doing each and every day.  All the children and staff deserve credit for this achievement.”

Similarly, Mrs Jennifer King (ICT Leader for managing the 1:1 iPads for Learning programme across the school) who also took part in preparing St Colman’s for the ICT Mark assessment, stated:

“St Colman’s is determined that all local children will have the best opportunity to excel in the jobs market of the future. St Colman’s pupils and staff should be congratulated on this wonderful achievement. This demonstrates the excellent ICT management and teaching that is taking place in our school.”

Steve Moss, Chair of the Board of Naace, said "St Colman’s thoroughly deserve the accolade of an ICT Mark accreditation. They clearly demonstrate how important it is to take a whole school approach to using technology in schools.  We look forward to working with St Colman’s to demonstrate how technology can have a substantial impact on learner outcomes in the future.”