Project Tech is led by our IT support team, Gareth and Gareth. Over the last couple of years, they have been working hard to advance the learning opportunities of the school through technology while making sustainable choices behind the scenes.  

We have access to 4 main computer rooms and several banks of laptops allowing students to apply their learning to the real world and enhance the delivery of lessons through independent learning and developing GIS and presentation skills. New desktops have been installed in two computer rooms which are 50% more energy efficient, with the other two IT rooms being updated in late Springtime. The old computers are recycled with r3 Recycling in Reading, reducing our reliance on new materials to be extracted.  

All computers in the IT rooms automatically shut down at 3:30pm, and energy efficient Smart Screens, now installed in classrooms, are set to auto turn off after 15 minutes of no movement. By reducing the amount of time our technology is turned on, we reduce our energy demand and therefore reduce demand for the national grid to produce more energy while at the same time, saving the school money.  

We have reduced the number of servers being used in the school and therefore reducing the need for air conditioning. Instead, using cloud-based storage alongside three new and efficient servers which do not require cooling.  

Notices and signage are done digitally using Teams and our screens situated around the school in areas such as reception, LRC and refectory. These allow students to be kept up to date with the latest news and opportunities at school. The screens are set to environmental mode, which results in less demand for energy.  

All departments have access to Teams and OneNote for lessons resources, worksheets and homework setting, reducing our reliance on paper-based activities throughout the school. While sometimes paper-based activities are unavoidable, this has been dramatically reduced, especially with electronic submission of homework. This area continues to develop across the school. When printing is required, we use Kyosera printers and copiers, priding themselves on their green credentials such as recyclable toners, long-life printing drums and Energy Star 2.0 efficiency accreditation.  

Staff tend to use laptops as they move around the school site to give flexibility in teaching spaces. Staff laptops are replaced every 5 years to the latest models which are more energy efficient. Laptops are becoming increasingly environmentally friendly and by doing this, we stay as green as possible. Old staff laptops are also recycled with r3 recycling in Reading.