Information and Communication Department at Glenalmond College

The ICT department is situated in The Christopher Smith Building (named after the Warden, 1938-48). The IT centre comprises a large computer suite with 24 up-to-date computers, and the IT department offices. In the centre of this building is a large open space used for CAD computing applications. There is also the Learning Resources Centre in the main building, which has 25 computers. Both computer suites are used for ICT teaching and extensively by other departments. Many other departments have smaller suites, with computers installed with specialist applications.

ICT skills at Glenalmond are developed predominantly through teaching and learning. As the use of ICT grows in each subject, so we move towards a seamless interface between subjects and ICT tools.

Every classroom is equipped with at least one computer, data projector and many have interactive whiteboards.

Information Technology Department Staff

Mrs I C M Cox
Isabelle is the ICT Network Manager and teaches ICT throughout the school. She presides over the ever-extending network to all parts of the school and boarding houses.

Mr W A S MacAulay
Walter teaches ICT throughout the school, and is also the iSAMS (Internet-based Schools Management System) Database administrator and Parent and Pupil Portal manager.

Mr I Hems
Ian teaches ICT in the Second and Third Forms, and is also a first-line support analyst and laptop repair technician.

Mr G Collins
Gavin is an IT Technician and database specialist.

Mr R E Haylock
Richard is our Webmaster and web photo processing specialist.

Information Technology Curriculum

In the Second Form, pupils are introduced to a wide range of software. They are able to develop their basic IT skills on packages such as Microsoft Office Professional®. Pupils will learn how computers are used in everyday life, how general purpose packages and computer systems work, and how to use and understand the school's network and the Internet.

Here they undertake a number of interesting and exciting projects, while developing their problem-solving skills. This is using a syllabus that is changing and developing to take into account new ideas, equipment and software as they become available or on-line. All pupils maintain and develop their IT skills through continued lessons in Third, Fourth and Fifth Forms. They work towards an established qualification (European Computer Driving Licence) at the end of the Fifth Form. This qualification consists of 7 modules: IT Security, Using the Computer and Managing Files, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentation and Information and Communication.

The Glenalmond College network allows wired connection to the school network from every classroom at Glenalmond and from all of the Boarding Houses. In addition, many classrooms and Houses have wireless access to the school network. Every pupil who has his or her own laptop can connect to the network. Most mobile devices will also be able to connect.

The network resources are growing steadily. We have broadband internet access to teaching materials and information. This access is changing the way that we teach and learn because we can all access up to the minute materials about a host of topics. Although the content and quality of web sites can be variable, pupils are increasingly directed towards useful sites by their teachers and we now have a growing web of intranet resources. Access to undesirable sites is made difficult by our web filters.

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) contains many learning resources and is available for pupils to access over the internet. The Pupil Portal allows pupils to access assessment and examination results, as well as their timetable and the school calendar.

The Parent Portal enables parents and guardians to download pupils' assessment and examination results, view their timetable and classes, the school calendar and access many documents and guides.

Pupil Computers

Glenalmond allows pupils to bring their own computers to school, which they have to register over the network with the College system. They must have current anti-virus software which we can provide at no extra cost. We can also provide an educational version of Microsoft Office™ at a small annual cost to parents.

Pupils' computers can join the network, either using WiFi or by Ethernet cable. Microsoft Windows ™ operating systems will be able to access on-line resources, and most other operating systems can be configured for the network.

It is not compulsory for pupils to bring a computer to school as there are many computers available for pupils to use. The guideline for pupils bringing in their own computers is:

Second and Third Forms: not necessary
Fourth and Fifth Forms: recommended
Sixth Form: strongly recommended