The school's computer facilities are impressive. Our extensive
network enables pupils to access their files from the Library,
Sixth Form Common Room, subject rooms and the suite of three
computer rooms which contain 74 IBM compatible personal computers.
Interactive white boards in the Computer Suite enable teaching
staff to demonstrate software and make subject presentations
effectively. Pupils are also encouraged to use the boards when
making Powerpoint presentations. The computer rooms are popular at
lunchtime and a member of our Support Staff is on hand to deal with
any ICT problems that pupils may have.
The ICT Department deliver a number of courses including GCSE
Business and Communications Systems, GCSE ICT and AS/A2 ICT
certification with AQA. We teach general software packages using
the most up-to-date Microsoft Office Professional software, the
system which pupils are most likely to come across outside school.
We also use Adobe software such as Flash, Dreamweaver and
Illustrator to design animations, web pages and line drawings.
Various extra-curricular ICT sessions are available including
Computer Clubs where students develop and extend a further range of
ICT skills including the creation of movies and more complex
animations.
Subject staff book the computer rooms regularly for lessons. We
use a wide range of subject-specific software and each pupil can
access the Internet via a filtered site. Older pupils have their
own e-mail address. Pupils also have access to a Virtual Learning
Environment which enables them to access resources both within
school and externally.
A rolling programme of hardware and software replacement ensures
that we remain up to date with the rapid advances in technology,
enabling us to provide excellent opportunities for pupils to
develop a variety of skills essential for today's society and the
demanding world of work.