Northern Grid for Learning - School Broadband, eSafety, Learning Resources and More

This case study by St Aidan's Primary School, Hartlepool, describes how they attained the NAACE mark for ICT. This is a comprehensive resource with many useful documents and advice on how ICT is used and integrated across the school.

ICT @ St. Aidan's

St. Aidan's Church of England Memorial Primary School was opened in 1926 as a memorial to the 100 former pupils and one teacher of the original school who lost their lives during the First World War.

Despite the age of our school the pupils still benefit from the latest technology. If you enter our classrooms today you will find interactive whiteboards, data projectors, laptops, computer microscopes, wireless keyboards and a host of electronic gadgets. Due to our excellent use of ICT (Information Communication Technology) we were awarded the Naacemark in February 2004. This prestigious award which has only been given to a small number of schools recognises our school's success in developing and implementing a strategic approach to ICT.  It also illustrates how we use ICT to enhance teaching and learning and provide opportunities for the school community to develop ICT capability.

This success in ICT follows on from our Ofsted report of last year where it was stated that by the age of 11 pupils attainment in ICT is above the level expected . The report went on to say ICT is valued as an essential part of the curriculum .

Since we were awarded the Naacemark we have not rested on our laurels instead we have tried to help other schools within the town achieve the award by hosting meetings and e-mailing guidance. Our next challenge is to ensure our pupils benefit from the installation of a expensive broadband connection. We want to use video conferencing to communicate and share ideas with other schools in different parts of the world!

We strongly believe that ICT enhances pupils learning and prepares them for life in the 21st Century.

If you want to find out more about our school click onto: www.staidans.info. Our website is updated weekly in order that our online visitors have access to all the latest news and events within our school.

Mark Atkinson (ICT Co-ordinator)

How ICT is Used in Our School

(please refer to the main resource examples that have been annotated with Naacemark references)

ICT and SEN


Use of specific hardware and software for example Wordshark , Numbershark and IEPWriter . We also use selected software for our GAT pupils for example Macromedia Flash MX . ICT enables the school to provide equal opportunities for all.

ICT and Planning


Use of the Internet (broadband connection) to download plans that can be adapted and modified. Use of specific software for example Curriculum Complete . All planning is saved on the school server and can be easily accessed. All curriculum co-ordinators ensure that their action plan includes ICT whilst teaching staff need to search for opportunities to use ICT in each lesson.

ICT and Communication


Use of ICT to create weekly newsletters for parents and weekly bulletins for staff. All staff have an e-mail account as do selected children. The school also has a website which is updated on a weekly basis (www.staidans.info). All timetables/diary entries are produced using ICT. Networking between schools is achieved via ICT for example online communities. All school productions are recorded via digital camcorders/cameras.

ICT and Assessment


Use of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access alongside Assessment Manager from Capita and QCA downloadable software. We also use other software as directed by our LEA. In parenthesis pupil and staff assessments in ICT are conducted using materials from Northern Grid. All performance data is now transferred electronically.

ICT and Reporting


We are now using Report~Assist 2004 for our annual reports.

ICT and Community Use


This is achieved via the use of our ICT suite by parents (events are advertised through our school website).

ICT and Cross-Curricular Use


By September 2004 each classroom including the Nursery will have an Interactive Whiteboard that is networked and has access to a broadband connection. All pupils save their work in specific electronic folders.

Our Top 10 Tips on achieving the Naacemark

1) Formulate a vision for ICT in your school.

2) Ensure your staff understand why you are going for the award and what the application process entails. You need their support and commitment!

3) Begin with an audit of where you are in ICT and record what needs to be achieved (this will be your Naccemark action plan).

4) Have a detailed strategic plan; scheme of work and ICT policy. The ICT policy should have an Internet/E-mail policy attached that stresses the importance of pupil safety.

5) Network with other schools to obtain ideas and view good practice.

6) Collate as much ICT evidence as possible as soon as possible (in particular focus on the use of ICT across the curriculum).

7) Obtain the help of a technician to ensure you reduce every day problems.

8) Start assessing all pupil progress via ICT.

9) Develop a school website and ensure all communication is done electronically.

10) Use ICT at every opportunity (but only if it helps which in our opinion does).

To access this case study please click here.