B4: Personal computers and home access 

4a. Personal computers for staff and pupils  
KEY ENABLERS
ICT RESOURCES LEARNING TECHNICAL SUPPORT
ICT RESOURCES
All staff have laptop computers and home access to the Internet
There is a scheme that helps all pupils to acquire a laptop computer, subsidised in the case of the disadvantaged
Smart handheld devices are widely used which allow messaging, organisational capabilities and multimedia facilities for capture, download and playback
WIFI Tablets and PDAs are in common use with charging points in study areas and connections to the student's personal workspace and school resources
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
 Technical support is readily available when problems with hardware or software arise
There is training and support available to enable students and teachers to make the best use of personal laptops
There are opportunities for pupils to improve their keyboard skills
LEARNING
 Students are able to use their laptop computer in every learning situation, with all learning areas having connections to the school Learning Platform and laptop charging points

4b. Community-wide networking and home access
KEY ENABLERS
ACCESS COMMUNICATION

ACCESS
There is a scheme to help pupils and their families gain access to ICT whilst at home
 Wi-fi nodes are extended to allow access any where on site and within the local community
 There is a sponsored partnership with local community ISP to promote access to broadband from home by learners and their families

COMMUNICATION
 The school web site is used to showcase pupils' work to parents and to keep them informed about programmes of study, assignments and homework
The school web site is used to make parents aware of activities, clubs and interest groups that they can join; the school facilitates some of these activities itself

a Naace development