Resources And Facilities > ICT Provision and School Laptop Scheme > ICT Services
The ICT Services department supports digital technology throughout the school.
Almost every classroom is equipped with a computer and data projector, and many departments have dedicated software which enhances teaching and learning. Much of this software is directly available to boys. (Boys must sign an "acceptable use policy" before being allowed access to the network). The library also maintains electronic versions of standard reference works.
In some areas of the school there are computer clusters. The main cluster is in the IT teaching department where there are some 65 computers in three laboratories. Significant clusters are also maintained in the DT department, the languages department and the library, as well as some smaller clusters in areas such as the science laboratories and careers library.
All day houses have a few computers, and every boarder has a "thin client" (essentially a network terminal) wired from his desk. However, many boys are now bringing laptops to school and - as long as they are bought through the school scheme, they can be connected to the network. Thin clients will continue to be provided for those who require them, but it is envisaged that they will gradually become redundant. A number of wireless access points around the school will extend this facility.
All users store their work on the network file servers and these are backed up daily, thus providing a secure resource.
Network printers are available at a number of sites.
All users have a school email address, and email is a key communication medium within the school. Boys are encouraged to read their emails at least twice a day, and staff increasingly use email to disseminate information about school work. Boys access email via a web browser (the address is https://mail.tonbridge-school.org) and hence from outside the school as well as in.
Internet access is filtered using Bloxx software. We use our PSHE program to educate boys in the safe use of the internet.
Every classroom has a computer and data projector (or plasma screen) so intranet and internet resources are available to all classes, as well as normal application software. In addition, an increasing number of classrooms are being equipped with interactive whiteboards, or devices which make ordinary whiteboards interactive, and this increases the range of possibilities open to teachers. Use is developed on a departmental basis, and the ICT Services department supports with advice and training.
Staff and boys can access the school system via a dedicated VPN (Virtual Private Network), and this gives full access to all network resources, files, intranet and so on from home (or any broadband enabled computer). At some stage we hope to be able to introduce parental access as well.
We are able to offer wide-ranging Audio-Visual (AV) services from the basic recording of TV programmes the full-scale recording of concerts and plays. Video conferencing is available to staff. The building of the new media centre (opening 2008) will greatly extend the range of possibilities, with facilities for boys to record and edit material which can then be broadcast over the computer network.
An extensive intranet site (based on Microsoft Sharepoint) allows boys and staff to manage their own areas. Thus departments, houses, sports, activities, societies can all organise their own sites, and communal information (such as the daily bulletin and the calendar) is available to all. Many departments use the intranet to disseminate teaching resources; masters i/c sports team can manage their teams and fixtures; staff can add content to the plasma information screens at Reception and in the Orchard centre; surveys and questionnaires are regular features.
ICT Services supports all the administrative functions of the school, including the Headmaster's and Admissions Office, the Bursary, OTs, Foundation and Facilities. As well as providing computing facilities, secure database provision is a priority.
With new network infrastructure (allowing greater bandwidth and managed switches) we have been able to develop new services;