Information and Communications Technology

Oswestry School entered the ‘Microchip Age’ in 1980, with the acquisition of a Research Machine 380Z Microcomputer. Since then we have successfully surfed the crest of the electronic wave, seeking to enable our students to become fluent in their computer literacy, while regarding ICT as an aid to study rather than an end in itself.

All teaching and curriculum bases are connected to the school network with access to the internet. There are interactive whiteboards in the majority of teaching rooms. Pupils are encouraged to use the internet responsibly in the research and presentation of their work. All pupils are given information about safe use of the internet and the school network has a secure filter system which prevents access to unsuitable websites.

All pupils have their own logon and have access to the networked computers in the Business Studies Department equipped with broadband internet, before school, at break, during the lunchtime and after school. Pupils may also make use of the computers in the school library.

Books and resources in the library are linked to the school network so that pupils are encouraged to use books as learning and leisure resources as well as the apparent ease of the internet.

We have a fully computerised language laboratory, enabling pupils to have individual access to our excellent language software and learning programmes.

All study-bedrooms in the boarding houses are linked to the school network with internet access and older students are encouraged to use their personal laptops for work and private study.

The school is an examination centre for City and Guilds and offers all students the chance to gain internationally recognised qualifications in practical ICT subjects.