A SCHOOL has been recognised by digital technology giants Apple.

Bolton School boys’ division has been celebrated as an Apple Distinguished School (ADS) for 2016-2018 for its application of technology in developing the boys’ learning and that of local teachers.

iPad use at the school has been an integral part of learning for more than 2,000 pupils across the campus for several years, as the technology is used in the classroom, on the move and at home.

Pupils are trained as iPad ambassadors to help classmates use technology to complement their learning.

The school also seeks to develop other teachers’ use of technology and last year hosted a well-attended Learning with iPads Conference.

The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for schools that meet criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.

Headmaster Philip Britton said: “Our selection of the boys’ division as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success blending innovative learning techniques with traditional teaching methods, producing a very successful learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment.

“School is all about preparing young people for life and for work and technology now plays a huge part in both. The critical point is to focus on what actually works and profits children in the classroom.

“Technology gives you the opportunity to not just augment learning but to redefine it by designing tasks that engage students in rich new learning experiences. The focus should not be on the device itself but what it gives access to.”

He added: “Technology is replacing the physical elements of school – Notability is the new jotter and file, iTunes U is the new textbook and hand-out, Showbie is the new pigeonhole and One Drive is the new locker.

“We make extensive use of Socrative and Educreations/Explain Everything and each department also employs subject specific apps. As technology evolves we are in a strong position to offer more opportunities to our pupils; a recent example being our Virtual Reality/360 Club using iPads to build their own virtual tours of the School.”

Bolton School boys’ division, joins only a handful of other HMC schools, including Millfield to have received this award. The award makes Bolton a strong centre of expertise for e-learning with two ADS schools in the town – ESSA Academy being the other one.