The Welsh Government has launched a project to provide schools in rural areas with video links that enable them to join each other’s classes.
Named E-sgol, it is based on the E-Sgoil initiative that the Scottish Government introduced to schools in the Hebrides. It helps schools in remote areas obtain access to teaching in a wider range of subjects.
The move is based on the Rural Education Action Plan for Wales and is funded by the 21st Century Schools capital investment programme.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams, who attended one of the first lessons through the video links, said: “Today’s E-sgol lesson has been great fun and has demonstrated how technology can provide solutions to some of the issues rural schools face. I am delighted to launch the project and am grateful to the Scottish Government for their help in getting the technology to Wales.
“This project will connect pupils in Welsh schools with other schools across the country, and ensure they’re given the best learning experience even in the most rural parts of the UK.”
“If we ensure that pupils and schools in rural Wales have the right support to succeed, then we can ensure that our rural communities and economy will go from strength to strength.”
Another element of the action plan is that the Welsh Government will work with BT improve connectivity for ‘difficult to reach’ schools.
Image from Welsh Government, Open Government Licence
