Bishop Challoner School, Kings Heath

 Andy Baker, Head of ICT at Bishop Challoner, demonstrates unparalleled enthusiasm for technology supporting teaching and learning at the school.

'These days we have to be clever with our money,' comments Andy. 'We've been able to buy one hundred and eighty RM Asus miniBooks for all Year 9 students, thanks to the funding we received from the Computer for Pupils scheme, along with the support we received from the e-learning foundation.

Every Monday after school, Andy and his colleagues run a 'new technologies group' covering ICT trouble shooting and VLE training for members of staff. This helps those who may have encountered ICT issues in the classroom, and encourages teachers who want to implement the use of ICT across the curriculum but aren't really sure how to.

The school's reputation for excellence is widespread, and other schools in the area often approach Andy and his team for advice.

Bishop Challoner put their VLE to the test when potential new teachers came to the school and gave lessons as part of their application process. Students, armed with RM Asus miniBooks, fed back ratings and comments on the quality of the applicant's teaching, in real time via the VLE. By the time the head, Mrs Maire Symons, called the applicant in for their interview, she was able to see whether the students felt they had been taught well and if they had learned anything during the 'trial' lesson. The teacher chosen for the job had given an excellent lesson according to the students, so their role in the interview process really was important.

Students have also contributed to an ICT questionnaire on their views of the learning platform. When asked what type of ICT equipment they valued most at the school, popular answers included voting systems, miniBooks, Lego Mindstorms and sound and vision.

Bishop Challoner is making the daunting business of moving up to 'big' school much easier for Year 6. Year 8 students act as mentors, using RM hardware to connect to the learning platform and communicate with the young ones, getting them up to speed on what they need to know about the school, and getting them used to using the school's technology.

Andy is interested in implementing an e-portfolio module to share work on the school's VLE, as well as an application called Web Quest which give students year long challenges to complete. PSPs and 8" and 9" miniBooks are also on Andy's wishlist.

Says Andy, 'From my perspective, the delivery of ICT as a discreet subject across the curriculum has provided improved access to resources, increased flexibility, improved motivation and attainment and more dynamic, independent learning.'

Bishop Challoner school is a prime example of an establishment way ahead of the ICT game. Andy and his team have achieved what many others can only aspire to achieve in the challenging climate we find ourselves in today.

If you would like more information on Bishop Challoner school click here. For more information on the RM Asus miniBook click here. For voting systems from RM, click here and for information on Lego Mindstorms click here!