TEACHERS are learning how to take advantage of digital technologies in the classroom through inspiring training sessions.

The Cumbria Regional Training Centre for Apple held a leadership summit this term for headteachers and computing subject leaders from 17 south Cumbria schools.

The training centre is run by Hannah Croskery, the deputy head of Dalton St Mary's CE Primary School.

The training event, staged at Abbey House Hotel, started with an iMovie showcasing the ways that Dalton St Mary's has been transformed through using iPads and Apple technology across the curriculum.

The iPads are used for teaching, learning, subject leadership and monitoring, governor meetings and also parent voice meetings.

Lynda Woodburn, the headteacher at Dalton St Mary's, explained how investing in technology at her school has been a priority and the benefits of running a digital school.

Mrs Croskery demonstrated examples of using Showbie in lessons. Delegates saw how using Showbie increases the pace of lessons, streamlines workflow and saves on paper costs.

Mrs Croskery is a "Showbie champion" and a "Book Creator ambassador" for the two main apps used in school.

Groups of teachers had a go at using two free Apple apps called iMovie and Clips.

Mrs Croskery and Ricky Brown from GBM Digital Technologies led these workshops, showing the delegates how to use the apps in imaginative ways to support teaching and learning.

They demonstrated how to create letter formation videos and calculation strategy examples which could be used to support children in the classroom or help parents learn at home how to help their children.

Scott Bordoni, from GBM Digital Technologies, talked about the new features of iOS11 and how they can be used in education. There was then a practical workshop led by Lego Education UK which was both fun and informative and gave everyone ideas of how to use Lego in the classroom.

Mrs Croskery said: "It was a brilliant day and every person who was there commented on how positive the day was.

"The day was intended to deliver some practical training and ideas and also to remind schools who we are and what we can offer.

"As the Cumbria Regional Training Centre for Apple, we offer training courses and support for any school wishing to take advantage of either of those things."

Comments on the training included those from teacher Liam Reid of St James’ CE Junior School, who said: "Excellent once again. I have been attending these events from day one and it is great to see the variety each time. Very inspiring."

Miss Luke, of Barrow Island Primary School, said: "Great day. A perfect mix of practical activities and informative sessions."

The Cumbria RTC also recently ran an iMovie course with 12 delegates from four schools and it was a very positive workshop. There are now two Apple teachers to lead the workshops.

There are programmes of events registered with Eventbrite here or by calling Dalton St Mary's CE Primary School.

Support for schools can be delivered at any school for any number of staff.

Mrs Croskery said: "Learning about new technologies and having training as a whole school is the best way to get the whole school transformation that we have experienced at DSM.

"Getting every member of staff involved and supporting them as their confidence grows is key to revolutionising teaching and learning on a large scale.

"At DSM, our iPad estate has grown from a set of 16 iPads to a 1:1 ratio from Year Two to Year Six over the past few years."