THERE’S more than one reason why they are so h-app-y at Stratford Girls’ Grammar School.
Simon Reid, Head of Computing and E-learning, has been named Apps for Good Teacher of the Year, while a team of students at the Shottery school are finalists in the charity’s national awards for developing an app.
The four strong Team Checkmate’s app I’m Okay – designed to provide support and information for young gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people – has been shortlisted in the Information category, one of six categories for the awards which will be given out at the Barbican in London on Monday (June 23).
Last year, the school produced a national category winner with the Pitch Pals app, designed to help young people tune their musical instruments. The app was developed and launched into the app market in January.
Apps for Good is an education movement aiming to transform the way digital technology is taught in schools – encouraging a new generation to create, launch and market new products that could go on to change the world.
Mr Reid, a teacher at the school for the past four years, said: “I am truly honoured to receive this award and to say I’m surprised is an understatement.
“This is totally down to our girls and their app ideas over the last two years – they are truly remarkable and inspiring young people to work with.
Fingers crossed for this year’s finalists, Team Checkmate and their ‘I’m Okay’ app, to win their Information category award. That really would make this a special year.”
The team is also up for the People’s Choice Award, which is selected by an online vote held until Monday (June 23) on the Apps for Good website. Visit www.appsforgood.org to vote for Team Checkmate.
