Local schools lead the way with new classroom technology

Pencoed Primary has become the third school in South Wales to receive Reference School status from the online technology company, Google.

The accolade, which is awarded to individual schools and colleges as well as specific regions, recognises the outstanding use of technology within the classroom to drive forward and deliver positive learning outcomes.

Councillor Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, said: “This recognition is well deserved and I would like to congratulate the pupils, teachers, staff and governing body of Pencoed Primary.

“It follows hot on the heels of the Google Reference College status that was presented to Bridgend College in 2020.

“Blended learning and the move to virtual classroom environments has proven to be of huge benefit during the coronavirus pandemic, and it is great to see how Bridgend County Borough is leading the way and supporting the wider use of technological systems throughout the region.

“The majority of our local schools use Google Classroom which can be accessed through Hwb, the Welsh Government digital learning platform, to support remote and blended learning.

“Primary schools such as Ysgol Cynwyd Sant, Oldcastle and Litchard have all taken part in professional learning linked to Google Education which has been provided by the Central South Consortium Joint Education Service, and Litchard Primary is now delivering professional learning which is supporting new IT co-ordinators to develop digital learning within other schools.

“Porthcawl Comprehensive is supporting schools across the region with online safety and qualifications linked to the new digital technology GCSE, and staff at Ysgol Cynwyd Sant are acting as enhanced lead practitioners to support the development of Welsh medium digital learning networks.”