With Christmas around the corner, many parents might be thinking of treating their children to laptops and computers to help with school work.
But what many may not know is that they don't need to purchase Microsoft Office as all learners at Welsh state schools are entitled to it for free.
Teachers and schoolchildren are able to download and install the latest versions of the software applications which usually cost £79.99 on up to five devices at no extra cost as part of an investment from the Welsh Government .
The £1.2 million investment is part of the Welsh Government's aim to help learners improve their skills in the digital world. The Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, are available through the Welsh Government's Hwb digital learning platform which is used in 85% of schools.
The desktop and online versions also include the option for a Welsh language interface and proofing tools, along with additional security features.
Learners can also benefit from experimenting with coding on the Minecraft Education Edition with Code Builder extension that is also available for free.
Minister for Education Kirsty Williams said: "I’m proud to say we’re one of the first countries in the world to take this progressive approach to providing schools with this software.
"Through our curriculum reforms we want all learners to have relevant high-level digital, literacy and numeracy skills, and access to these applications is an important step towards achieving that.
“This will reduce the burden on schools to pay for their own licensing fees and also ensure all our schools have the same level of access to the digital tools they need to progress these skills in our learners. This is vital as we aim to reduce the attainment gap and increase standards in our schools."
Online versions of the applications are available through Hwb for use anywhere with an online connection.
How learners can download Microsoft Office:
- Visit the Hwb learning portal
- Log into your Hwb account (schools will have provided this)
- Launch Office 365
- Install Office
A guide and more information is available here
How learners can download Minecraft:
- Visit education.minecraft.net
- Choose 'support' and 'download'
- Once installed, sign in with your-username@hwbcymru.net
