ICT for a 21ST Century Education

Background

School 21 is a new state-funded, non-selective 4-18 school in Stratford, East London. It is an innovative school, committed to doing things differently for the twenty-first century.

The building is on the former site of Rokeby School and retains some of the old structure. However, the site has been completely redeveloped, newly connected up with the latest ICT and had new indoor courtyards created by roofing over sections of open space. These spaces are large enough for a whole year group to congregate or for several classes to disperse themselves, offering new opportunities for different kinds of learning.

School21 are leading the way in creating a truly innovative curriculum. They needed an IT partner that could support them in the use of ICT as a tool to enhance learning and not as an add-on or a gimmick, providing strategic and tactical advice as the school grows and develops.

The Solution

The IT solution, developed by Atmos Technology team, has been completely designed around the schools individual needs and includes:

• Complete school ICT solution for age 4 to 18 learners and all staff
• Blended IT solution includes PC, Laptop, Tablet, Microsoft, Google, Apple
• Fully resilient Cisco ICT infrastructure including IP Telephony, Ruckus Site Wide Wireless (BYOD)
• Outsourced Managed Service with ITiL service management and tools
• Service Level Agreement with delivery levels and KPI reporting
• Ongoing strategic and tactical advice and support

Classrooms are fully equipped with ICT and have large interactive screens and projectors, document cameras, Apple TV and docking stations. Display screens also support learning in break out areas and meeting rooms and there are large hall AV systems for assemblies and events.

Local and cloud based technology is used to enhance learning. Students have developed skills and expertise in:

• making cartoons and videos to demonstrate their knowledge of Languages using iPads to critique each other's work
• blogging to record their reflections on learning
• creating e-portfolios to showcase beautiful work
• using specific apps to annotate English essays
• learning how to use the internet effectively to research historical information and question sources
• apps, websites and computer games designed by students to deepen project based learning e.g. for WW1 project