Independent pre-prep school Milbourne Lodge Junior School, based in Surrey, has installed an innovative new Learning Resource Centre based around thin client technology. The school's 160 children and 30 staff will now benefit from the use of the brand new centre.
The thin client approach, as opposed to standard network computing, means there are no individual PCs in the new centre, rather the entire network runs from a central server. For Milbourne Lodge Junior School the benefits are clear - no yearly PC upgrades, no mid-lesson PC crashes, excellent security as well as a lower total cost of ownership.
As a school of academic excellence, Milbourne Lodge Junior School realised the need to equip itself with a state-of-the-art network, data projector and interactive whiteboard that would allow children and staff to use ICT to enhance learning as well as improve internal administrative communications. All teachers were also supplied with laptops through Leverstock Ltd.
Sarah Counter, Head of Milbourne Lodge Junior School explains,
"Once we had made the commitment to the project, it was vital that we chose the right supplier. Initially we received quotes from six companies. Leverstock's thin client solution stood out for reasons that were not simply technology related. Their proposal showed us exactly how they could help us achieve our objectives, as well as reduce the total cost of ownership. Their solution embraced all of the required elements: project management, curriculum software, advice and training, plus furniture designed to suit our children.
Additionally, having networked the entire school, we have been able to convert the old PC systems into thin client terminals and relocate them into classrooms providing valuable 'breakout areas' allowing children to access centralised resources, or complete work in class as they need to. Wireless access points also enable staff to deliver lessons using their laptops with a data projector to augment effective learning.
From the initial presentation to the final stages of staff training Leverstock delivered what had been promised with supreme efficiency and professionalism.
Six months ago we networked our school and invested in thin client technology, which has provided a sound infrastructure through which our children can learn, by using contemporary, reliable, and easy-to-manage facilities. These new facilities have already enabled us to make a huge leap forward in the provision of ICT and its inclusion throughout the curriculum and school management, creating confidence in both staff and children"
says Sarah.
Our new Learning Resource Centre based around thin client technology, has enabled us to use ICT right across the board in our day-to-day school life.
Children’s skillsets and social development have flourished since the installation of the LRC. At first they were very excited about the new system, but now the novelty has worn off they simply see the LRC as part of their everyday life.
“We have had an excellent relationship with Leverstock, through out our partnership. They have really taken the ethos of the school onboard and have adapted their approach as our skillset has grown”
said Sarah Counter the Headteacher.
The school has never incurred ‘educational downtime’ since the system went live which is quite an achievement.