St Paul's Bay primary school a model for shaping the future of ICT learning

The global Innovative Schools Programme seeks to promote 21st century learning opportunities for students in selected countries around the world.

In each of the countries, an innovative school is working collaboratively with Microsoft using research-inspired learning principles and best-in-class technology to design and implement teaching and learning strategies that ignite students' natural desire to learn and prepare them for success in today's evolving global economy.

The aim of the Microsoft Innovative Schools Programme in Malta, particularly the Pathfinder School Programme, is to help the selected school build on its successes and continue implementing even further innovative practices in its daily operations.

St Paul's Bay primary school was selected as a Pathfinder School in the global competition because of its willingness to think differently, its commitment to innovation and its proven ability to change and improve. "Our vision as a Pathfinder school is the constant commitment towards becoming a leading school in the eLearning process," said Lina Deguara, head of St Paul's Bay primary.

This school has always shown the willingness to think outside the box and committed itself to innovate its practices. Besides the official school website, the individual classes too have been encouraged to set up their own site thus helping students assimilate more closely the communicative qualities of the internet. ICT has become fully integrated within the school's development plan.

Other recent initiatives undertaken by this school include the opening of a YouTube channel for the school, the installation of a Wi-Fi internet system and the introduction of smart boards and projection facilities in classrooms. Other initiatives include collaborations with national and international entities as well as hands on experience on ICT and various media.

The Partners in Learning Agreement reflects Microsoft's stance to support the government's ICT in education objectives stressed in various national education policies. Through the Innovative Schools Programme, Microsoft makes available to the participating schools top education experts to help the school deploy a holistic approach to completely transform the learning experience of the learners.

St Paul's Bay primary's future projects include the integration of ICT throughout the curriculum and installation of interactive whiteboard systems, among other projects.