The Requirement
Situated in the heart of Tower Hamlets, Stebon Primary School is a 2 form primary school that caters for children aged 3-11. Both new headteachers want an ICT system that improves learning by giving staff and learners easy access to online and local resources using modern technology.
For years Stebon was using the Local Authority RM Community Connect 3 based upon Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP. Over time this system had become outdated and when Microsoft announced that Windows XP will no longer be supported after April 2014. Stebon Senior Management Team took the opportunity to investigate what system would best fit the current and future needs of the school. Any new system also had to take into consideration the future increase in school size as Stebon would be moving from a 2 form entry to a 3 form entry school in late 2014.
Levett Consultancy a technology partner with Stebon Primary school undertook a full site technical and staff survey. From the survey, Levett Consultancy was able to identify that our Microsoft solution would be a perfect platform for Stebon to use and build upon as demand increases.
From the survey, the assigned consultant also discovered that many desktops did not meet the current requirement of modern hardware. There was no Microsoft license upgrade path from Windows XP or Office 2003. With this in mind the Microsoft solution was to be based on Windows 7 and Office 2016 along with Impero Classroom Management tools.
The Solution
In late August 2013, Levett Consultancy working with its partner Fujitsu implemented state of the art rack-mounted Primergy servers. Primergy servers were chosen as they are flexible and scalable providing best-in-class performance with energy efficiency that is up to 20%. To ensure all school multi-media and data growth was accounted for, Levett Consultancy a D-Link Gold Partner implemented a D-Link Storage Area Network.
Once the Microsoft system was implemented, Levett Consultancy deployed new Fujitsu Q510 desktops running Windows 7 Pro and Office 2016 Pro Plus. Licensing for the new hardware was covered using Microsoft Enrolment for Education Solutions Licence (EES). An EES license ensured that Stebon can add more devices be that Windows or Apple Mac to their network without the need for buying additional licenses.
To ensure the learning environment was managed Impero Management tools were deployed to all devices. Using Impero Management tools teacher can instruct with efficiency and increase engagement with pupils. On top of the teaching tools, Impero also has allowed Stebon to create an energy efficiency schedule turning off machines when not needed.
The final part of the implementation was Levett Consultancy delivering training to end users on how the system works and how to get the best out of the tools provided. Levett Consultancy also realises that end user participation is critical in the success of adopting new systems so arranged a number of 1:1 sessions with staff to ensure maximum impact.
The Outcome
Our Microsoft solution was implemented within 2 weeks and I was informed all time what was happening ensuring excellent quality of service and provision. Stebon Primary School now have a brand new network that actually works seamlessly! The teachers now have consistent tools andKaty Darby (Assistant Head Teacher)