Ratoath College named as a Microsoft Mentor School

Ratoath College is one of just 80 schools worldwide that have been named by Microsoft as ‘Mentor Schools’ for the year ahead.
Following an extensive global search for the world's most innovative schools, Ratoath College was chosen as the only school from the Republic of Ireland to join the coveted list of top innovative schools.
Mentor Schools are recognised leaders who have achieved change within their own education systems. To be considered for Mentor status, schools must demonstrate a commitment to innovation and the ability to overcome obstacles in preparing students to be 21st century learners. They must also have developed programs that can serve as models for other schools.
The news has been greeted with delight at Ratoath College. School principal Oonagh Prendergast said: “We are delighted and thrilled we’ve been selected as one of 80 Microsoft Mentoring Schools around the world.”
She said the school’s IT co-ordinator David Walsh had instrumental in applying for and achieving this for the school.
“It gives us recognition as a global leader in education via social media and other channels,” said Ms Prendergast.
“We will receive coaching and mentoring services for a year led by former Microsoft Mentor Schools and we will have inside access to the Microsoft strategies and technologies as well as leadership and professional development opportunities.”
The school will also have access to invitation only special events for Microsoft and assigned resources will be available throughout the year.
“It means we are in the inner circle for the new technology and innovation that will be available,” said Ms Prendergast.
Ratoath College is also invited to attend the Microsoft in Education Global Forum which will be held in Barcelona next March.
The applicaton involved submitting an application form, video and various documentation which showed the school’s passion for, and implementation of, innovative teaching and learning strategies.
As part of the programme, Ratoath College will be mentoring other schools as they move towards integrating IT into their schools.