One of Kent's most deprived schools has been recognised by computer giant Microsoft for having some of the best teaching and learning in the world.

Richmond Academy, in Sheerness, has been named as a Showcase School 2022-2023 due to its digital transformation.

Helen Evemy, head teacher at the primary school, said: "Being recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School shows that globally we are being acknowledged for what we are doing for our children's education.

"Yes, we are number eight out of over 400 schools in a deprivation factor but hopefully, when you walk around our school, you can see that all our children are treated to the same opportunities.

"We make sure that each child is taught the education that they need and deserve and we can personalise learning to so if there are outside factors that children come into our school with, that isn't a barrier to their learning."

A Microsoft Showcase School uses the company's Education Transformation Framework – and the technology that it entails – to drive a culture of learning, innovation and continuous improvement.

Children at Richmond are equipped with iPads that enable them to carry out their work electronically.

Helen, who has been at the school for almost six years, explained: "About 18 months ago, just as we were coming out of the first lockdown, we reviewed our approach to teaching and learning.

"Part of that vision involved working closely with Microsoft and the tools that are able to make our daily lives more efficient, but also allow the learning opportunities for the children to be better.

"Using the software makes a difference to a child's progress in a lesson.

"Rather than marking 30 books a night, teachers can use the OneNote tool to enable them to mark 30 pieces of work in a much quicker way."

Richmond Academy also caters for a high percentage of Special Educational Needs pupils.

Microsoft tools also enables the school to personalise learning for those children - this includes changing screen colours and fonts to help with reading clarity.

Helen said: "We haven't made this decision to work with Microsoft overnight.

"We utilised lockdown to do lots of research around where children are developmentally in their journey.

"When children are in early years classrooms we practice letter formation, traditional handwriting lessons and still make sure that they're holding the pen correctly and able to sit properly whilst they're doing their writing.

"Following this we introduce the digital tools once they have mastered that skill of presentation and handwriting."

Despite the modern approach to learning the school hasn't got rid of the old fashioned pen and paper.

Pupil's are also still expected to take part in subjects like PE, design & technology and art, with OneNote being used as digital books to record on.

Year 5 teacher Catherine Coleman has been at Richmond Academy for four years.

She said:"The Microsoft software doesn't get rid of old fashioned teaching, it facilitates it, it helps us enhance teaching and learning.

"It gives children more accessibility loads more and offers new ways for them to express themselves that perhaps they can't do on pen and paper.

"People who think we're just making the pupils lazy through technology should come and see what we do and how we do it because it will prove them wrong.

"We do everything we do to enhance the children's experiences to get them ready for the 21st century."

On Wednesday, November 9, Richmond Academy is inviting its community into the school to see them in action, for more information click here. https://richmond.kent.sch.uk/

Helen finished: "We're really proud to achieve this status and we want our families and businesses working in our community to come and see what we've been up to for the last 18 months.

"There will be a tour of the school so people can see how we're using Microsoft tools and how our vision is being implemented in practice here."