‘Scots App’ first of its kind for a NZ school

For immediate release:

‘Scots App’ first of its kind for a NZ school

On Friday 15 March Scots College students, parents, staff and Old Boys will for the first time be able to download the College’s own customized smartphone app – believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand.

“Scots prides itself in being a sector leader when it comes to student e-learning, and we’re entrepreneurial in our approach to education. This app is a tool that will enable us to communicate regularly and efficiently with our community, especially students and their parents. Communication is central to our success as a College,” says Headmaster Graeme Yule.

The app has been developed by Queensland company Digistorm in consultation with Scots students and staff. It can be downloaded for free for both iPhone and Android from the Apple iTunes App Store and Google Play by searching ‘Scots College App’. It will enable users to access up-to-the-minute school notices and announcements, event and exam calendars, sports draws, reminders, direct dial the absentee line and contains key contact information.

Assistant Principal Curriculum and ICT Manager, Alistair West believes the app is the next step in enhanced communication between the school and parent community. “Our parents already have secure access to the College portal to view their son’s test results, notes from teachers, school reports and can book parent-teacher interviews online. The Scots App however is designed to make day-to-day information and updates more accessible, and has been developed over the past 6 months in line with recommendations and requests from a panel of senior students and feedback from our parent community.”

“As a busy working parent I think this is a great initiative,” comments Scots parent Andrew Hazelton. “When you’re pressed for time, this app means you can receive real-time updates from the College in a convenient push-format, as and when you need them. And best of all its filtered, so if I need to know about any delays to the Karori school bus, changes to the soccer schedule for Year 9, and upcoming music exams, I can get it, without having to wade through the latest tuck shop menu and volleyball results. I’ve had the opportunity to test-drive the app for the College and while it’s not yet perfect, I know with time it will become a real asset for parents, teachers and students alike.”

“Like all digital tools, this app will continue to grow and evolve with use, as we’ve only just scratched the surface of what it can provide. Much of its future functionality will be developed as a result of student-led ideas and parent requests, and that’s just the way we want it to develop“ says Yule.

“It could be that we introduce a homework diary with reminders and alerts, video and image content and live sports reporting” states Yule. “I love the idea of a student standing on the side of the rugby field posting results to our community via the Scots App and including a video of the latest try – our team could be at playing at Kilbirnie Park or on exchange in Argentina, but our Scots App could mean they take the whole College community with them.”

The Scots App:
https://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/scots-college/id608182795?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.digistormeducation.schoolapp.scots&hl=en

ENDS

Background Info:
Scots College is an Independent Presbyterian Day and Boarding Boys’ School; Years 1-13. It is an IB (International Baccalaureate) World School, offering both the NCEA and the IB qualifications. Scots offers a vibrant learning environment for boys, encouraging excellence in every facet of their education, creating global citizens - boys who are equipped for life as balanced, compassionate, motivated and socially aware young men.

www.scotscollege.school.nz

© Scoop Media