Apple Distinguished School Recognition for St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, Pottsville
St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, Pottsville, is recognised as an Apple Distinguished School from 2021 - 2024 for its commitment to a professional learning culture that drives innovation and embeds technology into the curriculum to enhance the student-learning experience. (September 2021)
Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. Since 2021 St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, Pottsville, has carried this special title, demonstrating Apple’s vision for learning with Apple technology. St Ambrose is the first Diocesan school to achieve this recognition and is one of 728 schools across 36 countries.
To be recognised as an Apple Distinguished School St Ambrose staff must be committed to ongoing professional learning for all staff to be proficient in embedding Apple technology and continuously exploring innovative ways to engage students. St Ambrose has developed a unique continuum of technology skills that students will learn as they progress from Kindergarten to Year 6 so they can connect, succeed and thrive.
Since receiving this amazing recognition, St Ambrose has creatively engaged students in deeper learning experiences using technology. Through implementing a 1:1 iPad program in Years 3 to 6, learning experiences are crafted using Apple tools to enhance students' understanding in innovative ways. Students collaborate to create engaging stories, iMovie, Keynote, Apple Books, and record Podcasts designed to connect their learning with the world around them.
Students research, collaborate, and present in many different ways across all year groups. Students have agency and ownership over their work and can personalise and show individuality.
‘As an educator, I have been able to create learning environments that engage students in meaningful tasks that intrinsically motivate them to select their means of expression and create products that demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and ideas,’ said Year 5 teacher Grace McMahon.
Students can collaborate using a diverse range of apps that cater to their individual abilities in a fun and interactive manner.
‘I have used my device to work with my classmates in group activities to share our ideas on class projects with the app keynote to display our Religion PBL unit,’ said Year 6 student Sophia.
The St Ambrose staff are keen to continue collaborating, sharing, and learning from other Apple Distinguished Schools. By establishing an Apple Support Network within the Lismore Diocese, they are looking forward to sharing their experiences with other Diocesan schools either currently using iPads, phasing iPads into their school or thinking about it.
Congratulations to the St Ambrose Catholic Primary school community for developing a culture of innovation that strives to instil a love of learning in staff and students.