The College
St Francis of Assisi RC School became St Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College in September 2003. The aim of Technology Colleges is:
Raising standards in design and technology, science, mathematics and ICT, promoting a culture that is scientific, technological, enterprising and vocational.
We embrace this as fully as possible together with our mission as a Catholic School. Our initial capital grant was spent on developing our e-Learning Centre which opened its doors in June 2004. Together with grants from Thomas Telford School, the Wolfson Foundation and contributions from friends, family and the Parish, we were able to develop 4 e-Learning Suites, 2 offices and a Conference Suite. These are fully utilised by our students to enhance their learning across the curriculum.
We regularly host training courses for Serco Learning (Facility CMIS), Varndean e-Learning and other organisations. Other aspects of our community outreach include hosting cross-curricular technology events for Year 5 pupils from our local feeder schools, ICT training courses for the local community in the evening, Gifted and Talented events for Year 6 pupils and our membership of the National ICT Register amongst other things.
Technology status has enabled us to equip the Science Department with 20 laptop computers for use within the laboratory, including data logging. The D&T department will soon be benefitting from upgraded rooms including 3 rooms with ICT facilities. We now have a school-wide wireless network with connectivity in most existing classrooms (the rest will be completed along with the £4m development - due August 2006. 19 classrooms now have Interactive Whiteboards and together with a carefully planned procurement of interactive software we are engaging students more within lessons.