Date May 2019 |
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Site Name: Grange Park Primary School
Site Address: Grange Ave, Stirchley, Telford
Located in Stirchley, Telford, Grange Park Primary School has a capacity of around 460 pupils aged from 3 to 11. The school, which came about after Three Oaks Primary and Stirchley Primary merged in 2010, moved to its new site in 2019 after a multi-million pound investment in a purpose-built facility. Features of the site include state-of-the-art classrooms, more welcoming communal and reception areas, along with outside areas including a field, forest and allotment.
Project brief
The entire planning, design and build project took around 10 years, with construction lasting around 18 months.
The intention was to move students out of the old Calcott site, which was in a state of disrepair, and into a new space that featured larger classrooms, more outside space and new teaching equipment.
This included an AV upgrade which was funded through the Building Schools for the Future programme at Telford & Wrekin Council, which saw interactive screens installed in all 17 classrooms.
Project highlights
As this was a new build the school wanted to invest in futureproofed technology that would be embraced by both pupils and teachers. After considering multiple options and manufacturers, the decision was made to invest in interactive screens from SMART Technologies along with SMART Learning Suite software.
As Richard Thorpe, head teacher at the school, explains: “SMART was the only option that we felt met all of our requirements; aesthetically the SMART design stands out, but also from a user point of view. Our staff are familiar and trained in the use of the software. From a personal point of view, SMART Notebook is the best software out there for interactive smartboards and this is why we chose them.”
Iain Landby, Year 4 teacher at the school, adds: “SMART Notebook is really intuitive because it is really easy to use, it is very clear on where the tools are and it’s easy to follow. We have had really positive feedback from the staff that are using it.”
Students have also embraced the technology in the short time they have been using it. The iPad interface is familiar to many of them and the interactive screens have proved a popular addition to lessons.
Project challenges
When it came to mounting the screens, StriveAV advised on an alternative to fixed height wall mounts, and the school eventually opted for balance boxes in 16 of the rooms, with one screen on a trolley. The height adjustable function ensures that all students and teachers are able to access the screens. Adjusting the height of the screen is quick and easy.
StriveAV also advised the school how to effectively integrate iPads into the classroom. This was a key consideration when choosing the technology and championed throughout the school by IT Technician Lee James.
The children now connect to the SMART screens via their tablet and can share information with the entire classroom ensuring effective collaboration and learning.
Costs
c. £58k
“The installation largely ran smoothly and this is testament to the professionalism of the StriveAV installation team. They were fantastic and you can see the results in the excellent finish in the classrooms. The AV install has most definitely fulfilled the original requirements. We are thrilled with the final outcome and we would have no hesitation in recommending StriveAV to other schools in the area.”
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