Information Technology

At Highfield we have over 450 computers and eight servers running over two domains, over the last 18 months almost all of these computers have been upgraded to new Dell SX280 and GX620 computers. Our computer systems run over a Cisco network, containing over 2000 Network points.

We operate Windows, as the common operating system throughout the School, with Microsoft Office 2003, Macromedia Studio (for website creation), and Adobe Schools Collection (for digital media manipulation) installed as standard. These applications have been chosen as they are what we would expect our pupils to find in the workplace, therefore providing them with the essential IT skills that they may require when they move on after their time at Highfield.

We have four dedicated ICT suites each is equipped with a Black and White and a colour laser printer and  a digital scanner. We also have two additional mobile ICT suites each Lapsafe laptop trolley contains 30 wireless Acer laptops; these can be used in any classroom in the school and in some instances outside, these are again connected to a colour laser printer. Each department has its own black and white laser printer and most also have a colour laser printer. We are the only school in the local area to have Promethean Interactive whiteboards in every classroom, we also have surround sound audio with teacher microphones installed in eight classrooms.

IT Support in the school is managed by Mr Taylor (Systems Manager), Mr Dyson and Mr Bamber (IT Technicians).

We also have 10 Sony DVD Video Cameras and 10 Sony CD Stills Cameras, which students can use for various projects. We also have a top of the range video camera and stills camera, which are used for recording exam pieces and capturing various productions and sporting occasions. We are looking forward to developing links with other schools around the world using our new Digital Video Conferencing software.