Particular focus has been placed on the school's technology infrastructure, managed by Network Manager Nina Pollard. She has been part of the driving force behind over 70 audio visual installations, ranging from classroom SMART Board and projector combinations, through to specialist hall installations in both the main hall and 6th form block.
This approach means that the latest technology is intrinsic to learning right across the curriculum. The school's strategy has been implemented with the support of Smarter Interactive, the school's preferred technology provider and hall installation specialists.
More value through use of technology
Early into their technology programme, Deputy Head Peter Jenkins identified an opportunity to get more value from their hall by installing audio visual equipment, so increasing the ways in which it could be used. Ms Pollard turned to Smarter Interactive for advice. Three clear objectives for the school hall were identified - the ability to make assemblies more interactive, facilities to make whole school presentations, and support for the music and drama department in providing backdrops for theatre productions and allowing musicians to be clearly seen by the audience when performing.
The installation, comprising a projector and electric screen linked into a custom made lectern with a SMART Sympodium, was completed in 2006, however this year a fire devastated the stage area, meaning that the whole area had to be refitted. This disaster did, however, mean the school could take advantage of the very latest developments in school hall installations.
Bespoke solution
Smarter Interactive recommended a solution that included a ceiling mounted NP4000 NEC projector. This model has built in digital lens shift, cornerstone and keystone correction, which means it can be mounted very high above the screen and off centre if necessary. The facility to attach a short throw lens gives added flexibility in terms of positioning.
The projector was combined with a 4 metre electric screen that can be dropped down during use and raised into the lighting frame when not needed. These two basic components were integrated with a DVD and VHS player, mounted into a lockable cabinet for security. Finally, the installation included a wall mounted AMX 16 button room control panel, from which all the equipment is powered on and off, and which makes switching from PC to DVD or VHS a matter of simply pressing one button. The integration of the control panel means the use of the whole installation is incredibly simple for any user with minimal training.
Easy to use facilities
Mr Jenkins comments "Our main school hall is used for assemblies and meetings on a daily basis. Our staff and pupils expect to deliver and receive high quality presentations. However our hall use is many facetted and we needed a flexible system. Smarter Interactive planned and installed a screen and projector with easy access to our mobile presenter with interactive facilities. It is easy to use and highly in demand."
According to Ms Pollard, there is an immediate ‘wow' factor when walking into the hall due to the sheer size of the screen. "It's great to show material from a computer onto a screen that all pupils can see with ease"she said. "And with our Performing Arts status, drama is very important to the school - the facilities in our hall means there's a real level of professionalism in our theatre productions."
Asked to comment on the success of the school's technology programme, Mr Jenkins said "Here at Kennet we have used Smarter Interactive to install all our interactive facilities. They are able to find answers to all our problems. No project we have given them has been straightforward. Their attention to detail in ensuring the project is managed well is important to us. Although we have been clients for some years, they always make us feel that our work is important to them. We have used them as whole package providers - installation, training and development."
Tel: 0118 982 3960
Email : halls@smarterinteractive.co.uk
www.smarterinteractive.co.uk/solutions/e_hall_solution.php
Reader offer
Education Today readers can claim a free wireless microphone worth £499 if they place an order for a hall installation before 18th July 2008. Quote reference ET1 when enquiring.
