Wandsworth globally recognised for digital education partnership with Apple

Apple's UK Headquarters

The partnership has been mentioned in Apple's Education Impact Report, as the scheme is set to increase from 11 to 20 schools.

Apple has shone the spotlight on its partnership with Wandsworth Council in its annual global report on its impact on education.

Apple moved its UK headquarters to Battersea in 2022 and last year
partnered with the council on The Battersea Project to improve the educational attainment of children in the area.

This initiative, also in partnership with local charity, Business and Education Succeeding Together (BEST), aims to empower learners with new skills for the future such as coding, digital literacy and creative skills among students and teachers.

The report, entitled "sparking creativity and innovation across Wandsworth", explains how the initiative helps students sharpen their digital abilities and get creative using Apple's free "Everyone Can Code" and "Everyone Can Create" resources. Students have learnt how to code websites and use new tech tools such as Apple
Pencil.

Teachers from the participant schools have also gained key skills and have been recognised with an Apple Teacher certificate. The focus on enhancing teaching skills is designed to help widen participation in classrooms across the borough.

In the last year, more than 600 children and 100 teachers from Wandsworth schools have visited the Apple offices and the store in Battersea Power Station. With support from Apple, Wandsworth has been able to expand their reach even further.

As well as engaging with students and teachers, 40 sessions have been delivered to over 300 parents and adult learners to deepen their engagement with their children's education.

The partnership, which was celebrated at an event at Battersea Arts Centre, shows the strong relationship between Apple and the local community, fostering future digital creators within Wandsworth.

Leader of Wandsworth Council, Simon Hogg, said:

"Our partnership with Apple offers fantastic opportunities to local schools and students. We're proud to be on the global stage with a tech leader right here in Wandsworth, which means we can give students and their teachers access to cutting-edge technology and skills that will set them up for the future. Children who wouldn't usually get access to high-end technology are now learning skills that could shape their future careers. This puts Wandsworth on the map as a forward-thinking borough that's investing in its youth."

In July, 200 students from participating schools were invited to the Battersea Arts Centre to share their achievements. The report says that feedback from the schools has been "overwhelmingly positive, with many students now aspiring to careers as digital creatives."

Elijah Richards, Year Five, said:

"The opportunity to share and publish work, including presenting about my school's digital journey and involvement in The Battersea Project, was rewarding and gave recognition to the advanced skills that I have learnt along the way. It was exciting to host a podcasting expo-stand."

Elijah at the Apple Showcase

The schools involved in the Battersea Project are:

• St Mary's, Battersea
• Sacred Heart, Battersea
• John Burns
• St George's
• Shaftesbury Park
• Penwortham
• Beatrix Potter
• Falconbrook
• Granard
• Heathmere

Wandsworth is committed to ensuring all learners have the tools and resources to do great things and is thrilled to collaborate with Apple to make that happen.

Read the full Education Impact Report.

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