Apple and Mere Green Primary School youngsters have teamed up to showcase students’ digital skills and help teachers create space themed movies at the launch of an innovative training facility at their school.
The official opening of the West Midlands Apple Regional Training Centre – which will support educators in using Apple technology in the classroom – took place at the outstanding academy on Tuesday (22 October).
Teachers from eight different schools attended the celebratory event, which featured a welcome by Mere Green headteacher Kristal Brookes, followed by tea and cake and a workshop.
Attendees used key Apple Apps: Clips, Keynote, GarageBand and iMovie to create content for a space themed movie to celebrate 50 years since the moon landings. The school’s young ‘digital leaders’ were on hand to assist the visiting teachers with producing green screen effects. During the workshop staff learnt new skills and gained confidence in using these in their own classrooms to engage children in learning.
Delegate Jenny Malcom, of Fulfen Primary in Staffordshire, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the event, as did my colleagues! As always, I came away inspired and wanting to try new things.”
Apple Distinguished Educator Terri Coombs, I.T. lead for Mere Green Primary School and Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) specialist leader of education (SLE) for computing, I.T. and online safety, said the event was a great success.
“At Mere Green we believe that technology can enhance teaching and learning in new and exciting ways, quality I.T. has been an embedded part of our school vision for some time,” she said.
“We are committed to ensuring provision across school is outstanding, and we support staff with professional development to achieve Apple Teacher status, this equips our staff with the confidence and skills to plan and use technology in an effective way. At Mere Green our moto is making a difference, as a chosen Apple Regional Training Centre we can become the centre of a community that shares best practices and inspires excellence.”
“At Mere Green we believe that technology can enhance teaching and learning in new and exciting ways, quality I.T. has been an embedded part of our school vision for some time,”
– terri coombs
Apple and Mere Green teamed up after the school, which is part of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), was selected as West Midlands Apple Regional Training Centre for 2019-2020. The centres deliver courses to develop the skills and confidence of educators to use Apple technology inside and outside the classroom gives teachers the opportunity to earn badges to achieve Apple Teacher Recognition. The community shares best practices and inspires excellence through teaching with Apple technology.
The centre has scheduled four more events to take place across the school year, which are open to any schools across the West Midlands to attend. For details visit @westmidsrtc and Eventbrite.