Education Leaders Program / Saiqa Liaqat

"Working at harnessing the best from technology to create super charged learners."

Saiqa Liaqat is an associate assistant headteacher and director of ICT at Royds Hall High School, an 11–16 secondary school in the United Kingdom. She works with staff and students to explore how digital tools can improve learning and teaching. She leads on devising strategy and implementation for new technologies and is recognised for her innovative use of eLearning tools. She leads on a Moodle federation exploring the potential of eLearning.

Liaqat is an enthusiastic user of Adobe products and has ensured that students and staff get the opportunity to explore their creativity by using Adobe® Creative Suite® Master Collection software. She has established technology champions utilizing Adobe products in their area of specialism or interest. This enthusiasm has resulted in some of the youngest students in the country achieving their ACA in Visual Communication. Liaqat is a lead practioner for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust in the United Kingdom. She has hosted a number of technology-related conferences and works as a consultant with secondary schools to improve learning and teaching using digital tools. Liaqat has worked on technology-related projects with the Training & Development Agency for schools, the Innovation Unit, the National Strategies, the Design Museum, and a number of secondary and primary schools.

Liaqat relies heavily on Adobe software in her day-to-day work. She launched a school-based TV station, where she has helped students and staff to develop their media skills using Adobe Photoshop®, Adobe Premiere® Pro, and Adobe Flash® software. For her eLearning role, she is reliant on Adobe Captivate® and Adobe Presenter software to help staff and students engage with the resources and activities on the Moodle learning environment and Mahara ePortfolio system. Liaqat is involved with the wider school community, working with parents and local businesses in using new technologies. She has established a network of parents who feel confident in advising the school in their use of technology. She is a driving force behind getting more parents online by codeveloping a "get your mum online" day.