Pupils lead the way to hi-tech learning (From Bury Times)

Pupils lead the way to hi-tech learning

11:52am Monday 9th June 2008

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BROAD Oak High School is leading the field in providing its pupils with cheap laptops and internet connections.

It is the only secondary school in the North West chosen to pilot the Government's new Home Access scheme.

This allows the Hazel Avenue school to sell its Year 7 and 8 students a subsidised laptop, from as little as £186.41, paying in weekly instalments over two years. They can also buy a subsidised broadband landline or 3G mobile connection. Other students can enjoy savings of 17.5 per cent by leasing through the school and benefiting from its VAT-free status.

The computers, provided through a partnership with Bury-based Dixons Store Group International, are pre-loaded with Childnet protective software and internet safety settings. They are also backed by a three-year warranty and accidental damage and theft insurance, with students also able to purchase discounted Microsoft software.

Mr Neil O'Connor, headteacher, said: "It means our students are among the first to benefit from subsidised access to the latest technology, which dovetails perfectly with our own commitment to e-learning strategies. We particularly like the fact that Home Access takes into account provision, not just of hardware, but connectivity, which is clearly vital. The Internet is a hugely powerful learning resource and one which we want to ensure all our students enjoy ready access to."

The specialist sports college is also running a Computers for Pupils scheme, providing 68 laptops - free of charge - to Year 7 and Year 10 students in the next academic year.

Mr O'Connor said the school was looking at ways in which the whole local community could benefit from broadband access.

The school has been chosen by Bury Council to implement a Learning Platform which all schools nationwide will offer by 2010.

This provides pupils with a personalised online learning space where they may store course work, access a school forum, read news feeds, play games and email.

It also enables teachers to mark work and provide feedback while parents can check on their child's progress, attendance and homework tasks.

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