Belfast Model
School for Girls

The Girls' Model has been adding to their list of achievements in developing ICT. Our Specialist School status has allowed us to pursue innovative teaching and learning practices and to work with community partners, business organisations and parents to create an environment rich in technology and enterprise.

Becta ICT Mark

Becta is the Government's lead agency for ICT in education across the whole of the UK. The Becta ICT Mark is a nationally recognised accreditation scheme which gives schools recognition for their achievements in reaching a standard of maturity in their use of technology.

Our assessment was carried out by a Lead Assessor from England and a local assessor from Queen's University and feedback from them was extremely positive as they stated that we far exceeded the threshold and our main strengths included:

• The whole school approach to ICT and the teamwork displayed by all members of staff within the school is exceptional.
• Pupils opinion is valued by staff and pupils adopt a responsible attitude when making suggestions to teachers. There is a clear system for teacher-pupil collaboration.
• The strategic and operational leadership and management of ICT are outstanding and underpin all aspects of the school's development plans.
• Excellent embedding of ICT into the teaching and learning process.
• Opportunities for personalised and individualised learning are very good within the school.
• The SMT support and provide excellent opportunities for staff development internally and externally with a clear focus on developing innovative practises across the school.
• The extended opportunities for learning are very well developed and integrated into the local community. The school is at the heart of community life and support is acknowledged in both directions.

We are now one of 5 NI ICT Mark schools and the first from the non-grammar sector.

Congratulations to all the pupils, staff and partners of the Girls' Model who work hard to develop our use of ICT and help us achieve our vision of "achievement for all".