In January, three of our Digital Leaders were invited to lead a panel discussion at BETT 2015. The organisers of BETT were so impressed by our Digital Leaders that they invited them to present at the School Leaders’ Summit at the NEC, Birmingham.

The School Leaders’ Summit, part of the Education Show, is a chance for School Leaders from schools across the country to learn, network and share educational best practice. A combination of case studies, panel debates and networking opportunities, the Summit covers a wide range of topics, which are obstacles facing school leaders today. Subjects include overcoming life with levels, using pupil premium effectively to raise student attainment, and using technology to enhance learning.

The Digital Leader led session entitled ‘Case Study: Creating a student digital leadership team and handing power to the students’, explored how transferring authority to the students by creating student Digital Leaders has transformed the way in which technology is used across Highfields School. The session also explored how to create a successful Digital Leader programme as well examined how to maintain momentum and how to hand over ownership of the programme to the students.

As always, the students were a credit to the school and had a wonderful, albeit exhausting, day. The students were also invited to take part in a ‘Meet the presenters’ session at the end of the day in which they explained what it means to be a Digital Leader.

Here are some the key points from their presentation:

Tips for creating a digital leadership team

• Build up suspense - Present the idea of Digital Leaders, put up posters – create a buzz to kick start campaign!
  
• Invite students to apply (Letter / Video – Be creative) Ask students to write an application or create short 1 min video on what makes them a Digital Leader.  
  
• Draw up shortlist – Interview candidates (even better if student led). Interview process makes students feel they have earned role.
  

The role of Digital Leaders

• Support staff and students with the use of technology.
  
• Promote e-safety.
  
• Report to school governors.
  
• Test out new equipment and resources.
  
• Improve their understanding of technology.
  
• Share their knowledge and skills with others.
  

How to maintain momentum

• Keeping students interested by providing different challenges / responsibilities
  
• Planning for each half term – different focus / project
  
• Using badges / levels – Students aim to become experts in chosen field (Encourages ownership)
  
• Ensuring weekly scheduled meetings / appointments
  
• Entering competitions / participating in digital initiatives (e.g. BBC School Report, BAFTA Young Game Designer)
  

How to reward / recognise achievements

• Badges (Physical & Digital)
  
• DL OpenBadges (18 Level 1 – 3 badges mapped out to a Digital Leader framework)
  
• Trips (e.g. Education Show, BETT, Big Bang Fair)
  

What's in it for students – Quotes from student Digital Leaders

“When I’m training my teachers, I feel like I’m giving something back!” – Caitlin (Year 10)

“I felt respected when I spoke to school governors.” – Ashwin (Year 9)

“Being a Digital Leader has helped build my confidence.” – Suha (Year 8)

“I was terrified when asked to produce a video for a local business however, looking back, it was a amazing experience and something I can put on my C.V!” – Aaron (Year 10)

Highfields students explain the different Digital Leader roles

Next up: Highfields Digital Leaders

The idea, which is the brain child of Andy Goff (Director for Education - Gazoob Ltd.), is that students create games in Scratch, either on the day or during the run up to Red Nose Day, and then charge their friends to play their games and compete to get the highest score.

This is the second year we will have taken part in Scratch Your Nose Day. The first time was in 2013 when our Digital Leaders helped raise £500 by producing games in Scratch and charging their peers to play at lunchtime and during morning break. This year 360+ schools have already signed up - to register your school simply visit the website and click on 'Get Involved' to find out more.

Don't know how to use Scratch? - not a problem! Scratch is free and easy to use plus there are lots of resources on the ScratchYourNose website to help you on the day. Don't want to use Scratch? - it's not compulsory to use Scratch to make your games - you can use any platform/tool you wish. This year we will be using Microsoft TouchDevelop to create our games. (Resources to follow soon).  

Digital Leaders raise money for Comic Relief by creating games in Scratch
Image courtesy of ScratchYourNose.com 
(For more images from the day, visit the official website)

This is the video our Digital Leaders' created to promote Scratch Your Nose 2013: