Microsoft rewards East Devon school
Microsoft Corp. closed the 2014 Microsoft in Education Global Forum by awarding Broadclyst Community Primary School in East Devon $25,000 as part of The Pitch Competition. This new programme has been designed to seek out and kick-start the most innovative ideas from school leaders worldwide, allowing schools to pitch for part of a $50,000 fund to help bring their visions to a reality and transform their schools. In addition, in partnership with the British Council, all six projects will be incorporated on YouthSpark on Global Giving to help them continue raising funds for their ideas.
“All judges at The Pitch were using the format for the first time, but any anxieties we might have had evaporated in the pleasure of the event and the creativity and sharing spirit of the teachers and their students,” said Merlin John, Education Journalist and The Pitch judge. “We are confident that there will be a substantial impact from all the projects that came before us and we will be following their progress closely.”
The Microsoft in Education Global Forum, one of the world’s leading education technology events which has grown 25% year-on-year, unites over 1,100 attendees, including 150 government education leaders, private sector executives, 250 educators and 75 mentor school leaders, to share ideas on how to solve the challenges that the sector is currently facing.
Broadclyst Community Primary School was awarded the funding for its Global Enterprise Challenge idea. During the challenge, students from around the world will connect to run an international company, competing against other students to become the most successful company globally. The idea was chosen as a winner for the opportunities it will give students to increase their awareness of cultural diversities, to gain an understanding of world markets and currencies, as well as honing their communication, collaboration, teamwork and problem solving skills through the use of technology.
“We’re really excited that we have been given this funding by Microsoft to turn our idea into a reality,” says Jonathan Bishop, Headteacher, Broadclyst Community Primary School. “This global challenge will promote social interaction within teams and across countries and require children to solve problems, share ideas, communicate effectively and through the use of mobile devices and Office 365 encourage anywhere, anytime learning, both at home and at school for all involved. These are vital skills for our young people to develop, and we should be harnessing technology in any way that we can to help them to develop those skills.”
“Our goal with The Pitch was to promote ideas that improve learning experiences and inspire students to succeed,” said Anthony Salcito, Vice President Education, Microsoft. “The winners exemplify the pioneering spirit of the Global Forum, and we’re looking forward to seeing these projects come to life.”
The Pitch competition rounds off a string of announcements made by Microsoft and its partners at the event that reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to protecting the privacy of students around the world and highlighted its suite of best-in-class products.
