Belfast Model
School for Girls

Belfast Model School for Girls has been named as the region's top school when it comes to the use of technology at Becta's ICT Excellence Awards 2009.

The prestigious accolade of 'Best Whole School' is awarded to just one school in the region annually. The school beat off stiff competition to collect the award at Bristol's newest science venue, At-Bristol, last night (Thursday 19 November).

To win the award, teaching staff had to demonstrate they have successfully placed technology at the heart of both learning and wider school management. By helping to enhance teaching and bringing lessons to life, the school has shown clearly how technology makes a difference, not just in the classroom, but at home within the family, and across other school activities.

Belfast Model School for Girls wowed the judges with effective and innovative use of ICT in everything they do. The vast majority (94 per cent) of the pupils achieve GCSE in ICT and all have high levels of skills in the use of ICT which are transferable to other areas of the curriculum.

The school also believes that using its learning platform - the website that allows pupils, staff and parents to securely access the school online - places the school at the heart of the community.

Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta, said:

"We believe that integrating technology across the entire curriculum - not just using it in ICT lessons - is essential to higher achievement in schools and it makes lessons and learning more enjoyable and rewarding.

The ICT Excellence Awards are a fantastic way to show just what can be achieved to boost the achievements of young people using technology. It is a great pleasure to reward the hard work of all schools that entered. Belfast Model School for Girls, is a shining example of what can be done. Becta is committed to helping schools achieve similar results so that all learners have the opportunity to get the most from their time at school."

On winning the award, Johnny Graham, Principal at Belfast Model Schools for Girls said:

"We are thrilled to win the ICT Excellence Award and would like to thank everyone who has worked hard to achieve it. It's a real credit to the school staff and an affirmation of the good work they do. We are delighted that the commitment of the whole school to fully embed ICT in the curriculum has been recognised by Becta. It demonstrates the high quality educational experience of the pupils and the work of the staff in sharing good practice within the school and the wider educational community."

The ICT Excellence Awards is an awards scheme open to all schools which aims to identify and reward excellence in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The awards acknowledge UK schools approaching technology in outstanding or innovative ways. With the event in its fourth year, it is leading the way within the education system and is one of the most important and respected awards in the teaching calendar.

The process of separation can be a difficult time for families as both parents and children learn how to adapt to new circumstances. For teenagers separation means the loss of a parent living in the home, and the loss of life, as they knew it. Following parents separation it is natural for young people to experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, sadness, anger and confusion. Some teenagers will try to avoid thinking about the separation, feel embarrassed about their parents getting separated or adopt an 'I don't care' attitude. Other young people can become angry with the parent blamed for causing the separation or behave in an aggressive or challenging manner. It is also natural for teenagers to experience anxiety about one parent leaving the family home. Young people suffering from anxiety often become demanding or clingy, and they may pull back from pre-existing friendships with their peers. During times of change and uncertainty it is helpful to maintain as normal a family routine as possible and to maintain relationships with extended family members and friends. It is helpful for parents to keep the school informed on changes in their child's family life.

Many teenagers will find it hard to talk about separation and will express their emotions through their behaviour. It is helpful for parents to encourage their children to talk about feelings and explain that it is completely normal to feel sad, angry or confused about the changes in their family life. It is also normal for the teenager to want to have an input into when and where they spend time with the parent who has moved out. Try to encourage your teenager to ask questions about the things that they feel unsure or worried about and be willing to hear and respond to the same fears over and over. Just because you've explained something once doesn't mean your teenager's fear isn't still there, they may need to express how they feel and hear your explanations again and again. It is important for all children to understand that parental separation is not their fault and that both parents will continue to love them.

Continuing support and reassurance will allow your teenager to grieve and eventually adjust to their new circumstances. It will take time for your child to work through and accept the separation, but you should see gradual improvement over time. If you feel things are getting worse rather than better or if you would like to talk to someone in confidence about your concerns then please contact Parents Helpline Freephone on 0808 8010 722 or e-mail info@parentshelpline.org.uk

For further information on the range of services which Parents Advice Centre offers, including parenting courses log onto: www.parentsadvicecentre.org