Salmon farmer's gift keeps island pupils up to date with digital learning

School pupils on the Orkney island of Papa Westray will all have equal access to new technology thanks to a donation of iPads from salmon farmer Cooke Scotland. Papa Westray Community School received four new devices to allow the children to access a wide range of digital education resources and enhance their learning experiences.

Stewart Rendall, Orkney North Isles area manager at Cooke Scotland, visited the school to hand over the devices. 

He said: “It gives us immense pleasure to provide this technology to ensure every child at the school will have access to high quality learning opportunities through digital platforms. 

“Digital literacy is embedded in the school curriculum, and we understand the importance of connecting young people on the Northern isles with the wider world as well as developing their digital skills with up-to-date technology. 

Shared prosperity

“As a family company with Atlantic salmon operations off the coast of Westray and Papa Westray, we work hard to generate shared prosperity in the communities where we live and work, and our local investment helps keep rural communities viable.” 

The school's head teacher, Timothy Ross, said: “We appreciate the kind donation from Cooke Scotland. It can be a challenge to replace technology resources and this donation has allowed us to upgrade in one go, allowing all pupils equal access to up-to-date technology. 

“The iPads provide an important learning resource, supporting digital learning and also offering a way to record and capture our learning. We’re working on recording a short film for Christmas and that project is ensuring that the iPads are immediately being put to work.”

Cooke's  Community Benefit Fund has donated more than £700,000 to coastal and rural communities since 2018.