What lies beneath

Released 22/05/2009

Matthew Jane visited a listed building and found that not everything was as you would expect

I found this week that appearances really can be deceptive. The Grade II listed building of Sacred Heart School in London underlies a notable history. The wide open courtyards are guarded by dark-bricked buildings with tall windows, while wide, winding staircases make each ascent a grandiose experience.

Yet despite this nostalgic setting, the Sacred Heart School is pioneering technology for its pupils and providing some innovative and cutting edge opportunities. The reason for my visit on this occasion was to hear about the latest ultra mobile PC from Dell, which is being trialled in the school.

A trip to the library gave the opportunity to observe a group of Year 8 girls using the computers to make films as part of a French project. Speaking with the headmistress, Dr Christine Carpenter, we were both amazed at how little instruction the girls needed to produce competent and coherent footage. It is a world away from the opportunities I received while at school, and yet with a fraction of the effort required to help the pupils understand.

This is primarily down to the fact that younger generations are increasingly comfortable with ICT. From texting each other on the way to school to switching on their Playstation when they get home, there is a demand and craving for technology. This underlines the importance for schools to be willing and able to facilitate this desire and enthusiasm during the school day. There is no reason why the technology they use between their morning texting and evening game of Tomb Raider can't be equally as engaging to them.

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