Bedford Girls’ School is welcoming over 100 visiting educators from Scandinavia and Poland into its classroom today and tomorrow to share best practice on how to integrate Apple iPad technology into the classroom.

The two-day visit of Danish, Finnish and Polish teachers comes after BGS was recently awarded Apple Distinguished School status, which recognises schools for their pioneering use of Apple technology in teaching and learning.

The designation from Apple is awarded to schools that meet the stringent criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence in the use of technology, and encourages schools to share their expertise with both local and international schools.

Miss MacKenzie, BGS Headmistress, said: “The School’s decision to roll out iPad Minis to all students across the whole school in September 2014 underlines our commitment to preparing girls for the future in a globalised world.  Technology does not replace great teaching but it can transform learning and enhance the educational experience.  

“By sharing this vision, and our expertise, with educators from overseas, we are hopefully playing a small part in technology coming to the forefront of education worldwide.”

During the visits BGS’ European colleagues will hear from Miss MacKenzie, Mr James Potter, Director of Digital Strategy, and Ms Kit Davies, Digital Design Creator. They will outline the School’s journey from the trialling of iPads to the full integration of them in to all aspects of the curriculum, highlighting how it is enhancing students’ learner attributes.

Following the presentations educators will go on learning walks, visiting a number of classes in the Junior and Senior schools, where they will examine how students are learning using the iPads, witnessing the plethora of ways that the devices can be integrated into the lessons.

To find out more about the Apple Distinguished School status award, visit www.apple.com/education/apple-distinguished-schools