Strength

The College has operated since 2001 an eLearning Foundation which is a registered charity has been setup to provide students with laptops. 

The scheme itself is more than the laptop.  Students gain enhanced skills in ICT, and have access to a more personalised and independent way of learning.  Students are given opportunities to use a wide variety of technology in their lessons, this in itself, motivates and engages students in their own learning and builds confidence, increases team working skills and communication.  The project focuses on the learning outcomes of students rather than just providing them with technology.

The scheme runs for 3 years between Years 8 and 10.  From the start of Year 8 to the end of Year 9, students in the scheme stay together in one mixed ability group.

When students move into Year 10 they choose their options (the subject they wish to study at GCSE) and then use their laptops to support their studies in lessons and at home while working towards their GCSE examinations. 

The College provides technical support for 3 years and is responsible for co-ordinating all the repairs for the laptop, including processing of insurance claims, dealing with the manufacturer if the laptop needs to be returned and correcting any software faults.

The laptop comes with a comprehensive three year warranty and insurance package which covers the laptop against accidental damage and theft.  The laptop is also covered for the three years under the College’s software licensing scheme so your child’s laptop will always have the latest software installed. 

As standard it will be installed with Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Office Professional 2003.  Also provided is Corel Draw 12, Photoshop Elements 2, Macromedia Dreamweaver and a wealth of curriculum-based software, including revision packages. The latest version of Microsoft Encarta encyclopaedia is also installed.

Service

We are able to provide advice and assistance to schools who are looking to setup something similar in their own school.

Delivery

We can provide visits to the school where you can see the scheme in operation or happy to discuss our experiences over the telephone or email.