Barking Abbey School

WHO IS INVOLVED?
Only three education authorities in the whole country are involved, Durham, Sandwell and the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. Barking Abbey is one of three secondary schools involved along with six primary & infant feeders. Barking College also has a collaborative role in the project.

HOW WILL IT AFFECT THE STUDENTS?
Students will find that all classrooms will be equipped with the latest interactive teaching hardware enabling staff to use a wider range of teaching methods and also enabling students to take a more interactive role in their learning.

Students will also find improved facilities in many areas including the current libraries, which will become Independent Learning Resource Centres, equipped with the latest technology with access outside normal school hours.

Students will be able to access their work at home (if an Internet connection exists) and they will also be able to use a wide range of independent learning resources which will become available on the school’s Intranet over the coming year.

The ‘Learning Resources’ area of the school’s system will enable students to access files, worksheets, homework etc. on a 24/7 basis. Staff will also be able to collect in ‘electronic’ homework.

Students who do not have access to a PC/Internet connection at home will be able to use the new Independent Learning Resource Centres.

HOW WILL IT AFFECT PARENTS?
The management information system being installed at present will take over many of the tasks currently undertaken by teaching and secretarial staff. All reports will be completed on computer and these can be viewed on-line by parents (securely!). Lesson registration currently carried out manually, will be computerised, allowing parents instant access to their child’s attendance record lesson by lesson!

Communication, at parents’ request, could be by e-mail in future along with electronic versions of all letters, newsletters etc.