Discovery Education works in partnership with Flakefleet Primary School to deliver new professional development initiative

Innovative Lancashire primary school embarks on new professional development effort empowering educators to use digital content to improve achievement, and prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.

London, United Kingdom (27 October 2015) – Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content for primary schools, announced that it has partnered with Flakefleet Primary School in Fleetwood, Lancashire on a new professional development effort that will support teachers as they prepare today’s students to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

As part of this new partnership, Discovery Education will provide a one-year, customised programme of professional development that will support the teaching and non-teaching staff in developing consistent and effective instructional practices using digital content and technology. Flakefleet is a dynamic and pioneering school, so this one-year plan will allow staff to further develop and hone their skills in using technology, digital resources and proven pedagogical strategies to enhance student learning. Created around specific school needs, the programme is focused on bringing long term change throughout the school.

Some of the areas that teachers and management will be developing with Discovery Education include curriculum leadership and digital literacy, developing coding expertise through computational thinking, and effectively introducing tablet devices in to the classroom.

“In recent years we have been at the forefront of introducing technology within teaching and management at the school. We were impressed that Discovery Education, through extensive consultation with us, responded to our unique needs with a clear, engaging professional development programme to support the whole staff. Covering virtually the entire primary curriculum, this exciting training will help us raise attainment even higher,” said Mike Barnes, out-going Head teacher at Flakefleet who developed the partnership.

Flakefeet Primary School staff, like Key Stage 1 leader, Lucy Beardow, further explained, “The programme has merged seamlessly with our school ethos. All the resources and activities are ideal for the developmental needs of our 21st Century learners and have created a sense of excitement for the continuing partnership between Discovery Education and Flakefleet.”

By working in partnership with Discovery Education, all teachers at Flakefleet will be supported by the Discovery Education Community. A network of education professionals who are passionate about transforming the learning experience with digital media, the Community connects members around the world through social media, virtual conferences and in-person events.

“We’re so proud to be working with the fantastic team at Flakefleet, helping to empower all staff and students to become digital leaders,” said Sam Legroun, Partnerships Manager at Discovery Education. “Through this partnership Flakefleet will be building on their forward-thinking approach and will also benefit from being members of the Discovery Education Community.”