The importance of Information Technology in the processing of data and the communication and presentation of ideas has become increasingly apparent to everyone. There is now overwhelming evidence that a pupil’s level of confidence and ability in using ICT and the quality of work that they can produce, across the curriculum, increases dramatically when they have permanent access to their own computer.

It is school policy that all Year 7 pupils entering the school purchase a laptop through a school scheme. At present 95% of the current pupils own their own laptops. These laptops are stored in trolleys for the purposes of security and charging for the junior girls.

The school boasts an extensive network (wired and wireless). This means that access to the network is available in all classrooms and bedrooms. There is an ICT suite, MFL lab, class set of laptops, library laptops and desktops, networked printers (colour and black/white), scanners, tablets and cameras. All machines are loaded with the latest versions of Microsoft Office and a variety of other applications that allow pupils to draw, create web pages, edit photographs, make movies, mind map and much more.

Many of the classrooms are equipped with electronic boards and projectors and all staff have access to desktops and laptops. The pupils and staff have access to the internet and e-mail across a 10MB (broadband) connection. The internet and e-mail are all filtered and virus protected. Access to the internet is restricted at bedtimes.

 Technical Support

The school employs 3 full time members of technical staff that are available to the pupils to help solve any technical difficulties, deal with repairs and maintain the laptops.