Leading the way with ICT

Access to ICT is an important feature throughout the school. Pennthorpe is leading the way with its integrated approach to ICT teaching, with all the skills being taught through topic work in the wider curriculum. ICT is no longer a discrete, stand-alone subject, but an integral part of learning right across the curriculum. Whether it takes place in one of the two computer centres, or via our two class sets of laptops, or through creative use of the interactive whiteboards in every classroom, ICT is a tool for learning in every subject.  A copy of the latest newsletter can be viewed here.

ICT in Action

ICT is ubiquitous at Pennthorpe. While Pre-Prep children are being introduced to laptops and Smartboards, Middle School pupils can be found practising their touch typing and Senior pupils are using sophisticated Data Logging in the labs. No two days are the same at Pennthorpe, but the children follow a carefully planned syllabus that allows them to comfortably exceed national curriculum targets without straying from their academic curriculum.
And at Pennthorpe we always keep one eye on the future. Industry standard software (such as Adobe Photoshop) is taught alongside educational software and skills are developed that will help prepare our pupils for an ever changing world beyond school. 

New Technology

Pennthorpe is committed to ICT and has invested wisely in new technology. All classrooms have online Interactive whiteboards and access to a secure Intranet. Two mobile sets of laptops allow technology to be an integral part of any lesson bringing technology into the classroom and often beyond. Advanced photo and video editing are new aspects of our teaching and have been used for activities as diverse as developing linguistics in French and for analysing technique on the sports field.  

Being eSafe

Internet safety is a fundamental part of our PSHE curriculum and pupils receive guidance from staff and through regular contact with our Community Police Officer. Pennthorpe does all it can to keep its pupils safe on line and encourages them to adopt a responsible approach to their on-line activities, both at school and at home, .

Free Time

ICT facilites are made available to pupils whenever possible and it is not at all unusual to find pupils busily researching topics, practising skills or completing assignments in their free time. A Computer Club also operates as part of the school Flexiday Programme, where children can plan their own projects utilising all the schools resources including new stop-motion video cameras.

Future Steps

Pennthorpe can be rightly proud of the number of ICT scholarships our pupils have been awarded and it is no surprise that numerous Pennthorpe pupils have gone onto study ICT, pursue careers in technology and even set up their own businesses. ICT has never been more important and at Pennthorpe its high profile means our pupils see technology as an indispensable part of their daily lives.