South Wales based IT network specialist Capital Network Solutions (CNS) has installed new wireless networks into four Gwent schools using the latest technology to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness and functionality.
Both Brynmawr Comprehensive School and Glyncoed Comprehensive School had new IT networks installed to expand and update old systems that were no longer efficient.
CNS also provided a system to the new Welsh medium primary school Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Helyg, that has been built in Nantyglo and which was opened its doors to pupils for the very first time in September. And Abertillery Comprehensive School has had a new state-of-the-art wireless system introduced as well as parts of the old network upgraded.
At Glyncoed, where the school is also now totally wi-fied, head teacher Colin James said: “We made a massive investment in ICT and the network was a part of this. It puts us at the forefront of technology and the benefits of that are numerous and affect everyone associated with the school.
“All the admin and curriculum systems and all staff are now linked as part of the same network. We have a sports hall that is quite a way from the rest of the school but we conquered that and it is now part of the network too.
“We have around 800 pupils and 48 teaching staff and in terms of every day functions it means all our teaching and admin resources can be accessed from a computer in any part of the school, making it so much more efficient to do everything, from taking registration to accessing top quality online learning materials.”
Similar improvements at Brynmawr Comprehensive School have been just as enthusiatically welcomed by head teacher James Retallick.
“As a keen IT user I saw the need to be wireless across the whole school site, so I was delighted to see CNS install a new network with wireless functionality across the school.
“It means IT goes to the pupils, instead of the pupils going to IT. For example, on the sports field a PE Teacher can now use a lap-top to demonstrate to pupils a perfect technique or a tactics.
“It also means pupils can take lap-tops from lesson to lesson so they don’t have to have PCs in different classrooms. The same applies to staff – a supply teacher can take a lap-top from class to class.”
Sarah Edwards, Managing Director at CNS, which is based in the Vale of Glamorgan, said: “Having new, top quality secure networks like those we’ve installed at Brynmawr, Glyncoed and at the new Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Helyg, makes a huge difference to the efficiency of schools and frees both teachers and pupils to get on with their primary aim – education – using all the wonderful tools available to them.
“These networks will not only last for a long time but can also be built upon so that new developments can be integrated with ease and at a relatively low cost. And they are, of course, much more energy efficient than the older networks, which is important from both financial and environmental perspectives.”
CNS has also worked in other schools outside the county borough and has just completed the installation of a state-of-the art 200-user IP telephony system in a West Country school that not only links the entire school together but enables staff to manage phone calls from any PC and convert voice messages left by callers into emails that are automatically sent to the intended recipient.
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