IT Systems
This page gives you some idea of how our IT systems work. WPS IT Blog
School Network
The school has over 400 networked computers spread across the site. These run Windows 7 (all 64 bit) and Office 2010. The school also has some Apple computers for Photography and Media Studies.
The client computers are served by a VMware based virtual server infrastucture that runs a blend of Windows Server 2008R2 and Linux virtual machines. We will shortly be introducing the use of ultra thin clients as a robust and energy efficient alternative to regular PC's.
Cloud Computing
Most of the schools data is held offsite in the 'cloud'. We have three main cloud based systems. Google Apps for Education for email and document sharing, the Learning Platform for online learning and SIMs for student data.
Website
This website has been constucted using the Joomla opensource content management system entirely inhouse. Joomla is a very powerful and free way of constucting complex multiuser websites with little more than a browser and a text editor. The school website is best viewed in a modern web browser e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Safari. If you are still using Internet Explorer, I would recommend switching to Chrome or Firefox.
If you would like to know more please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Google Apps for Education
This service provides the following features to all members of wheatleypark.org (all staff and students). Tips on using the service can be found on the IT Blog.
- Email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Instant Messaging
- Online Google Documents
- Calendar
- Google Sites
- Google Groups
These are the core services which allow usrs to share ideas and work colaboratively with ease on any internet connected device. Have a look at the brief video below to get a feel for what you can do. Any student that does not have their user details can pop in to IT Support or see Mr Nixon.
Some user Guides or visit the Learning Centre
Microsoft Academy
What is it?
A series of Microsoft acredited qualifications that are internationally recognised. They cover the full range of Office 2010 applications.
How do you get qualified?
Enrole on one or more of the courses and follow the online programme in your own time. When you feel ready for an exam, request an exam slot. You can get qualified at Specialist, Expert and Master Level. All certificated are highly valued by employers.
Requirements
Access to the internet and Office 2010 and a Windows Live account. To take part, contact Mr Nixon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Learning Platform
The schools Learning Platform provides a wide range of resouces for students and allows them to access online courses.
Students can also find their timetable, progress data and store their own files on the Learning Platform.
Student can obtain user details if they have lost them from IT Support of Mr Nixon.
Student Homepage
Key Stage 3 ICT
In Key Stage 3, ICT is taught by Mr Bateman, Mr Pearson, Mr Butler and the Year 7 Form Tutors (Miss Gardner, Miss Newborough, Mr Higgs, Ms Stickland and Ms Swarbrick). Year 7 have 1 lesson per fortnight, Year 8 and Year 9 have 2 lessons per fortnight.
An Outline of the Key Stage 3 Curriculum is shown here:
Year 7: ICT Skills & Competencies
Pupils in Year 7 complete a series of 20 lessons throughout the year and will learn skills in Desktop Publishing, Communication, Spreadsheets, Scratch Game Making, Websites, Databases, Graphic Design and more!
Year 8
1. New & Future Technologies (with Interactive Multimedia Presentations)
2. E-Safety and Graphic Design
3. Lizard's Lair Spreadsheets
4. Superheroes Databases
5. Python Programming
6. School Newsletter and Desktop Publishing
7. Cross Curricular Podcast (working with the English Department)
Year 9
1. Enterprising ICT
2. Scratch Game Making
3. Top Trumps Databases
4. X Fest Websites
5. Cross Curricular Video Project (working with either Design Technology, Drama or Humanities)
Key Stage 4 ICT - OCR Nationals
At Key Stage 4, pupils are taught by Mr Bateman and Mr Pearson. Each group has 5 lessons per week to complete work. The course is 100% coursework. All work is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction (essentially C, B or A) and is marked internally by your teacher before being submitted for checks by OCR. We will submit work this year at Christmas and at Easter.
Year 10: OCR Nationals - National Award (2 GCSE Equivilance)
Pupils in year 10 will complete 6 units to achieve a qualification equivalent to 2 GCSEs, graded A* - C. The units we will complete are:
Unit 1- ICT Skills for Business (Aim to complete before Christmas)
Unit 4 - Multimedia Presentations
Unit 6 - Spreadsheets
Unit 8 - Technological Innovations and E-Commerce (Year 10 Homework)
Unit 21 - Creating Computer Graphics
Unit 22 - Creating Sound Using ICT
Year 11: OCR Nationals - National First Award (1 GCSE Equivilance)
The current year 11 pupils are completing 3 units to achieve the 1 GCSE equivalent qualification. Most pupils have already completed Unit 1 and Unit 21 and only have Unit 2 to complete, with the aim to complete that before Christmas.
