NEWS

Microsoft Showcase School 2022

We are thrilled to have been awarded Microsoft Showcase School status for the second year in a row. This status recognises the innovative use of technology, a student-centered approach, development of Future Ready skills and the expansion of Microsoft and Adobe training and qualifications. VR technology has also been introduced into the curriculum.

In addition to preparing students with the skills of the future, we have been ranked 85th in the Best Independent School (I)GCSE Telegraph rankings and 127th in the Best Independent School A-level Telegraph rankings. These lists outline the best private schools across the UK and The Ladies’ College is the highest-ranking school in Guernsey.

Microsoft Showcase Schools are described as pioneers in education, and they are recognised and celebrated for educational transformation that includes vision and innovation in teaching, learning, and preparing students for the future. The Ladies’ College makes use of technology to deliver a hybrid model, combining in person teaching with technology to deliver personalised learning.

Head of IT at The Ladies’ College, Paul Beasley, said ‘I am delighted The Ladies’ College has been recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School for the second year in a row. With technology ever-changing and improving, we are constantly working on ensuring that our students are receiving the best IT education they can. In today’s digital world, we want our students to be as knowledgeable as they can whilst remaining safe online.’

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 Professionals in applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator. The College is the only school in the Channel Islands to offer these industry standard qualifications, which are available to all students in support of academic learning.

Director of Studies at The Ladies’ College, Howard Barnes, said: ‘I’m proud of The Ladies’ College for this recognition but also for our placement in the UK rankings. We work tirelessly to ensure our students have access to ever-changing technology and we are offering subjects and extra-curricular options that support them as they enter the world of work, whether it be next year or in 10 years’ time. I would particularly pay tribute to our teachers who continually adapt and pioneer and have developed their own skills. Most teachers are now Microsoft Innovative Educators, while some have submitted evidence to be recognised at Expert level and other have sat examinations to become Microsoft Certified Educators. In our 150^th anniversary we are reflecting on how far the college has come and how we can continue to further improve.’