Abraham Guest High School, in partnership with Northgate Managed Services, transforms into a centre of excellence for e Learning
19 July 2010
Engaging today’s students with technology - Abraham Guest High School delivers its vision for personalised interactive learning
Opening brand new doors to over 900 students, Abraham Guest High School in Wigan is delivering its inspiring vision for personalised, anytime, anywhere learning as part of the One School Pathfinder programme. Keen to engage students through a truly interactive learning experience, staff at the new multi-million pound school are working in partnership with ICT specialist Northgate Managed Services to embed the latest technologies into teaching practice. From an interactive pod utilising the latest Immersive technology in the science lab and a biometric locker system for laptops, to Nintendo Wiis sunk into the gym walls, staff and students are immersed in a technology-rich environment the moment they step foot inside the school.
Appreciating the individuality of every school and the concept that one size does not fit all, Northgate has worked closely with Abraham Guest's leadership team from the outset to foster a flexible, dynamic partnership to support their vision and ultimately help to transform learning.
Entering the school's bright and airy atrium, a high-powered projector and large LCD screens adorn the walls, showcasing students' work and important announcements of the day. A large LED display is also to be installed to display the school's innovative 60-year clock which will broadcast key changes at the school, from student opinion on a range of topics and issues, to the dinner menu and uniform. Students are currently designing the clock's interface to be selected by a panel of judges and implemented by Northgate in the next academic year. Promoting student voice, implementation of biometric technology is also planned to capture students' opinions on a range of topics as they enter and leave the building.
Providing a learning environment which caters for every learning style and enables students to collaborate is imperative at Abraham Guest. One exceptional example of this is a new interactive pod situated in the large 1600sqm open-plan science area. Inspired by installations at Salford University's Innovation Unit, the pod has been developed and produced by Northgate. High-resolution projectors display content on to the specially commissioned screen which doubles as the pods external wall, this has been designed to capture students' attention and engage them in science topics. Designed to submerse students in multi-sensory learning, the interior combines the latest flight simulation technology and surround sound , enabling students to gain an immersive experience with the subject matter without outside distractions. For example, when studying the solar system students can immerse themselves in a journey through the planets .In chemistry they can watch molecules in 3D as they rotate to show their structure.Up to six students can enter the pod at one time, facilitating group work. The software for the pod will be continually developed by Northgate and the school's e-learning content developer to help facilitate different learning outcomes and experiences.
Helping students to understand how science can have major influence on their daily lives, the school is working with Project Faraday to incorporate science into the building and grounds. Currently, Northgate is integrating technology to take readings from the school's 60-year clock and Knowledge Garden which sees waste products from the science blocks filtered into a tank and pumped through reed beds to create recyclable water. All of this data will be available on the school's intranet for staff and students to interpret in class.
Helping students to become independent learners, the school is now fully wireless-enabled allowing students to access their work via a range of fixed, mobile and handheld devices wherever they are in the building. To complement this, Northgate has implemented its Virtual Desktop solution which allows students to log-on to any computer, anywhere and anytime to access the school's full range of applications. A biometric locker system for laptops has also been installed to provide access to laptops whenever a student requires one. This innovative solution releases to the student whichever laptop has the most charge and records who, when and for how long a student signs a laptop out for. In addition to enhancing the security of school equipment, the system helps teachers analyse the time students spend working independently.
Understanding that students are surrounded daily by the latest consumer technologies, staff at Abraham Guest now provide the interactive learning experience they have come to expect, in the classroom. For example, Nintendo Wiis have been installed in the gym and changing rooms to provide flexibility in how students exercise. This is proving particularly popular with female students who may not engage with traditional sports. Dartfish, video technology is used to record and analyse movement in a variety of sporting situations as students strive for success.
Roy Caslake, Headteacher, Abraham Guest High School, comments: "Our school's entire school improvement plan has been centred on the learning needs of our students. They use technology every day so have come to expect this as part of their learning. From the outset, Northgate Managed Services has been incredibly flexible and adaptable in its approach and as a result, the company has helped shape our school's vision. Technology moves fast so it has been crucial to work with a partner that can be flexible when interpreting our needs and is always ahead of the game."
David Hyland, Managing Director, Education at Northgate Managed Services, comments: "We are delighted to be working with such a forward-thinking school that is putting the learning needs of today's students at the heart of its vision. We are employed to challenge as well as support the school's ICT provision so it has been vital to have constant two-way dialogue. Both parties have been continuously engaged and have challenged each other every step of the way to improve ICT provision, resulting in an exceptional learning environment which will stand the test of time."
Pictured: Pupils of Abraham Guest using technology in a trampoline lesson
