Hastings and St Leonards Excellence Cluster

Hastings and St Leonards Excellence Cluster

Title

Infomation and Communication Technology (ICT)

Technology in use in Cluster schools
Laptops and tablets are again in action in Cluster schools. Paired with curriculum support from Cluster staff, the schools have access to Data Logging and Control Technology equipment. The laptops which are provided to Reception pupils have appropriate curriculum associated software installed on them and are in use in 14 primary schools. Dudley Infant School has made best use of the Dana word processors for the second time, following some initial training for staff.
Video Conferencing with Japan!
Robsack Wood Community Primary School Year 6 students had to get up early recently, so that they could chat to fellow students in Japan. The students are currently working on an exchange project and were delighted to have the opportunity to swap information. Utilising a live video link up at the Hastings and St Leonard's Excellence Cluster offices, the morning started with the Headteacher of Ega Elementary School in Matsubara City and Robsack Wood Headteacher John Benwell having a brief conversation. This was followed by the students from both schools having a question and answer session about the diffences in school life. The Japanese students had prepared a song in English and Robsack Wood students had learned how to say hello and goodbye in Japanese. The project is being co-ordinated by Robsack Wood school in Partnership with Excellence Cluster ICT experts Simon Perryman and Sue Fergerson.
Laptops & tablets		Broadband at the PDC
The Laptops and tablets were placed in Sacred Heart, Little Ridge, Castledown and St Mary Star of the Sea last term.		The initial ICT infrastructure has been installed into the Pupil Development Centre allowing staff and students to connect to the internet via Broadband. An essential tool in the modern classroom, more work is currently being done to improve the connection speed.