Building Schools for the Future and Academies

Building Schools for the Future and Academy programmes provide educators with an opportunity to transform learning in both new physical and virtual spaces. It is accepted that change is required; not only in terms of replacing aging school buildings, but also to the way new technologies are used to support learning.

BECTA’s recent “The Importance of ICT” report (March 09) highlighted how the typical school ICT experience is hindered by a single platform approach and reliance on “office” based applications. Continuing to use the same tools and technologies is not preparing learners for the future. Following BECTA’s report, it makes sense to spend some time exposing staff and students to Apple, in order for them to explore the possibilities.

GBM have supplied and supported Apple Technology in education for over 20 years. We have an extensive and loyal education customer base. The company has helped Mac based schools push the creative boundaries, initially through desktop publishing and the use of Adobe based products. When Apple introduced Firewire technology, we supported schools in their adoption of digital video and music technology. More recently we have supplied and supported the tools for Podcasting and Digital Animation to help the primary schools deliver the new Primary Framework.

As new schools are being rebuilt, so too is the curriculum, with innovative approaches to managing transition from primary to secondary and a more project-based approach to delivery. Apple’s iLife suite of software provides an intuitive cross-curricular, student centred approach to managing digital images, audio and video. The iLife creative suite is pre-installed on all Apple computers and enables learners to get their ideas across quickly and repurpose content for web, DVD and mobile devices. This technology supports traditional literacy and numeracy and because it simply works, it is unobtrusive.

We have supported the Creative Industries in the North West and this expertise in now being drawn upon by schools and colleges eager to mirror industry practices. As students engage in the new 14-19 curriculum offerings, they need access to a broader range of ICT. Our experience in the diverse creative industries enables a more bespoke approach to ICT installations meeting the needs of a varied curriculum. Our close links not only with Apple, but also with Adobe, Wacom and Xerox help provide total solutions for a work related experience for learners.

New buildings and new technologies alone cannot make the difference. Teachers are at the centre of these changes. Ensuring staff are confident and ICT literate enables lessons to flow and young people to remain engaged. Through our Apple Regional Training Centre network we can support teachers develop these skills. Many courses through the RTC network are free of charge. We also offer Apple Accredited technical training for School based technical staff, responsible for planning, maintaining, and integrating Apple Technology into self-contained or existing network structures. This includes training in the integration of Apple computers with Windows based servers.

We are more than simply an Apple supplier. We have been bringing innovative ICT to the classrooms in the North West for many years. We look forward to hearing from you!