YSGOL y Preseli has scooped three awards for its modern use of digital technologies.

At the National Digital Learning Event in Cardiff, the school won prizes for: Original Digital Content, Secondary; Innovative Use of Technology, Secondary (Highly Commended ); National Digital Learning Council’s Pupil Award (Highly Commended).

Headteacher, Michael Davies was delighted with the school’s success. He said: “Digital Learning is one of our top priorities and the Donaldson Report highlights its importance for the future workforce of Wales.”

Both the first and second awards acknowledge the innovation of a project entitled ‘Turning Traditional Education on its Head: The Flipped Classroom’.

As part of the project, the GCSE Leisure and Tourism classes of teacher Mrs Serena Davies trialled a ‘flipped classroom’ approach to learning. This meant that pupils watched videos at home prior to lessons which enabled them to understand the key content and vocabulary before the topic was discussed at school. It also allowed students to watch the content at their own pace while any pupils who were absent would still be able to watch the videos and not miss any essential content.

Mrs Davies said: “The benefits of this Flipped Classroom approach could be transferred to any subject. It is particularly pleasing that pupils are able to replay every video created: anytime, any place and anywhere.”

The Highly Commended pupil award went to Year 9 student Grace Stangroome for her ‘Speak Up’ video which aims to inspire everyone to be an ‘upstander’.

Grace explained: “An ‘upstander’ is someone who stands up to bullying. They give the victims a voice. My video explained what bullying is, how it can affect people and how to deal with it and not to be scared about bullying.”