The Ladies’ College has introduced a new and innovative Digital Enterprise programme, which Year 10 students can elect to undertake alongside their GCSE options.
The course was created to help students to meet the requirements of professional industries and to support them as they prepare for their post 16 options. In addition to gaining Microsoft Office Specialist certification, students can attain Adobe professional qualifications to demonstrate skills and enhance their CVs.
Students can also work on projects linked to private sector partners who support the students with their knowledge. The school aims to support aspiring web developers, digital animators, future coders, video producers, graphic designers, and digital artists and the development of their portfolios to showcase their achievements.
In addition to this course, all Year 9 now sit Microsoft Office Specialist qualifications to support their digital skills using Word. Lower 6 (Year 12) students are also given the opportunity to sit either a Microsoft Course or an Adobe Associate course.
Many schools have had a focus on STEM subjects, the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and math. As a girl’s school The Ladies’ College is particularly keen on ensuring that women are represented fully in these subjects and have a high takeup of students going on to higher-level studies. Its digital courses support the College’s ‘STEAM’-whole school curriculum approach which also includes the Arts, incorporating humanities, language, arts, drama, music, visual arts and design.
All these offerings are supported through the school’s extensive Microsoft and Adobe software, e-learning portal, an e-learning coordinator and its commitment to continuous learning. A campus-wide wireless network enables students to use their own portable devices in lessons and enables remote, uninterrupted learning, where necessary.
Head of IT at The Ladies’ College, Paul Beasley, said: ‘We always speak to our students on a one-to-one basis about the subjects they choose at GCSE and A-level and we discuss any additional knowledge or skills that would benefit them. For example, a student who is taking Art and photography could support her A-level’s with sitting an Adobe Photoshop course and gaining Adobe Associate professional accreditation which would be beneficial to her chosen pathway. We consistently strive to tailor our approach to learning so that each student is equipped for whichever educational or professional direction they choose.’
Director of Studies at The Ladies’ College, Howard Barnes, said: ‘The Ladies’ College has always been at the forefront of the evolving educational system, which has been recognised through the award of our Microsoft Showcase School status. Our advanced IT opportunities allow our students to excel in any field to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce.’
