A SCHOOL has been promoting its global approach to learning at the world’s biggest education technology show.

Microsoft UK invited Jon Tait, assistant headteacher at Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe, to give a series of presentations at the Bett Show at London’s Excel Centre last month.

Formerly known as the British Educational Training and Technology Show, the event attracts thousands of teachers from all over the world.

Mr Tait spoke of the school’s innovative Global Classrooms project, which sees pupils connect with classrooms and guest speaks across the world using Skype, an online web-chat that allows people to communicate face-to-face.

Over the last few months, pupils have taken part in live fitness and dance lessons with a school in America, careers advice sessions with human resources executives from Skype’s London office, foreign language lessons with schools in France, and question and answer sessions with ex-pupils working for top countries all over the world.

There have even been talks delivered by high profile sports stars.

“In today’s digital world we all have a duty to develop our students into global citizens that can communicate effectively with people from across the globe,” said Mr Tait.

“By using Skype in the classroom we have provided amazing learning experiences and opportunities for students to communicate and collaborate on a global scale.

“By connecting with guest speakers, international experts and education partners here at Woodham, we really can create world class education opportunities for our students without having to leave the classroom.”