IN today's digital age, one school in Bolton is harnessing the power of technology in the classroom to raise standards.

Olive Tree Primary School has been named as a launch school for Edtech 50 Schools, a nationwide search to find the 50 schools which are using education technology to make a difference to pupils, staff and parents.

Zainab Patel, assistant headteacher, at Olive Tree Primary said: "We are delighted to receive this recognition for our use of educational technology to support Edtech 50 Schools.

"We believe in equality of access for all. We serve a community that is very diverse ethnically and from a socio-economic perspective.

"Technology is allowing us to enhance approaches to teaching and learning by closing the gap between advantage and disadvantage.

"We are so proud of our teachers here they have embraced the vision of ‘Believe You Can’ and are doing some amazing work.”

Zainab added: "We have defined key operational efficiencies that allow us to save time and money and justify spending budgets on Edtech.

"Children’s learning has been accelerated with our use of technology. Sixty-eight per cent of children were two years below age related expectations and in 12 months the children are at least age expected or beyond in attainment."

Ty Goddard, Founder and CEO, Education Foundation said: "At a time when schools face many challenges, using educational technology to work smartly can make a difference. With key subjects like English, Maths and Science, education technology can support teachers and help to inspire learners with classroom quizzes which help to personalise learning for pupils, augmented reality and enabling pupils to study and prepare out of hours. It can help teachers to save time in lesson planning, and it can help schools to operate smoothly, for instance staying in touch with parents on snow days.

"Olive Tree Primary is a brilliant example of good Edtech use. We want to find other pioneering schools that are showing outstanding digital leadership. There is great potential for Edtech to help make a difference but it needs to be the right technology, implemented effectively, and with the right support for staff."

Award-winning Edtech expert and former teacher, Mark Anderson, will join Mr Goddard on a tour to visit Edtech50 launch schools across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Mr Anderson said: "I work with schools daily to help them get the very best they can from the Edtech they have access to. The Edtech 50 Schools tour is about shining a spotlight on the schools in the UK that are doing amazing things every day to support, enhance and transform teaching and learning with technology to help children get the very best out of our education system.”

To nominate a school for Edtech 50 Schools visit http://bit.ly/Edtech50

The final list of the 50 UK schools using Edtech in pioneering ways will be announced in the spring term. Successful schools will be featured in the Edtech 50 Schools publication and be invited to a House of Lords reception celebrating Edtech in schools.