Digital technology is advancing rapidly – at a rate that threatens to leave behind millions of people in the UK.

According to a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, around 12% of the population will lack basic digital literacy within a decade.

And this doesn’t only apply to the ‘older’ generation. Research also suggests that even the most digitally confident young people are being taken by surprise at the evolving skill-set required in an increasingly digital world.

In short, more needs to be done to equip the next generation with the digital knowledge and know-how they need to succeed.

At Weston College, providing learners with the most up-to-date digital skills and resources is among our highest priorities.

That’s why it was such a huge achievement and honour that we recently became one of 14 providers in the UK to be awarded ‘Microsoft Showcase College’ status.

As a Showcase College, we’ll benefit from billions of pounds of research and knowledge, as well as Microsoft’s support in the personalising student education. This includes the use of one-to-one devices, Office 365 Education, Office Mix, OneNote, Skype, Minecraft and more.

Microsoft will share ideas to enhance staff development, student employability and innovation, and provide the College with opportunities to host Microsoft-branded educational events.

Every PC user in the world has Microsoft tools, and every job that young people apply for will require them to use Word, PowerPoint and Excel. That’s why embedding these systems – as well as digital skills and capabilities – into our teaching is so vital.

We also get the opportunity to share ideas with other Showcase Colleges around the world – all striving to improve teaching and learning, raise the engagement and attainment of students, and to boost regional economies.

This places us within an exclusive global community, recognised for educational transformation, creativity and collaboration, and a willingness to promote a growth mind-set among staff and students.

It’s a deeply held belief of mine that everyone should have an equal opportunity to learn, regardless of background or ability. And, by providing students with the latest technology, we’re able to reduce barriers to learning – for example, dyslexia, hearing and impairments, physical disabilities, and financial and geographical barriers.

The accreditation also enables the College to run a range of courses to equip students and staff with the latest Microsoft certification and provide access to online resources that target skill and knowledge gaps. These courses are:

• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification
• Microsoft Office Specialist Expert Certification
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certification
• Microsoft Certified Educator – specifically for teachers.

As a College, we’re constantly striving to push the boundaries in terms of what our students can achieve. This puts the onus on us to provide the very best resources and technology, and gaining Microsoft accreditation is another example of how we’re achieving this.

As Anthony Salcito, Vice-President of Worldwide Education at Microsoft, said: “Microsoft Showcase Schools and Colleges are shining examples of those applying purpose-driven innovation in a variety of ways to build connection, motivate students and to create community in and out of college.

“They are truly transforming learning and providing more personalised education to students, empowering them to achieve more.”

Dr Paul Phillips CBE