Broadband

What is Broadband

Broadband is an always-on connection that gives high speed access and downloads to access valuable content from anywhere around the globe. Broadband is the common term for a high bandwidth internet connection - one that can transmit or download information up to 40 times as fast as a standard telephone and modem. You can do everything you need to do online more quickly and more easily with broadband.

Internet at JBS&C

Internet is available to both students and staff. There are 10 dedicated computer rooms with internet connection and 5 resource areas with internet access including:

• the library
• learning support
• sixth form * 2
• graphics multi media
  

ICT Suites

Interactive Boards

At The John Bramston School every Modern Language room has an Interactive whiteboard for teaching and learning purposes. These boards, which link to a laptop computer, allow pupils to become more involved in their own learning by accessing Powerpoint presentations as well as specialist software enabling teachers to develop more interesting and effective lessons.

The feedback from pupils has been very positive. They enjoy being able to use the new technology and are impressed by its capabilities. The technology allows pupils, using a specialist ‘pen’ to write, erase, click and drag words as well as produce diagrams. There is also access to predetermined backgrounds for use within different subject areas including times tables grids for Mathematics, world maps for geography and the full periodic table for Science. The multi screen option allows us to save any work produce on the board and return to it at a later date.

NWERC

The purpose of the consortium is to plan collaboratively for 14-19 provision across the schools. At present, Andrew Mugford (assistant principal and Head of Upper School) is our schools representative on the liaison group.

Over the last 3 years the consortium has:

• run two career days for year 11
• organized a year 12 conference for students looking at management apprenticeships.
• set up two cohorts of students across keystage 4 who are on an extended work experience programme.
• established a “Virtual Learning Environment” for keystage 4 and 5 students to access at school and at home. Staff at the consortium member schools have shared their teaching resources for the schools.
  

Teaching Strategies

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

The John Bramston School has for many years now, welcomed trainee graduates from several universities. Postgraduates come from Cambridge University, APU in Chelmsford, Brighton University and Middlesex University among others.

Each trainee is expected to successfully complete one or two of a total of three placements during the course of the academic year at the school.

For each placement, after an initial induction period, each trainee carries out lesson observations, attends weekly seminars in a range of core skills overseen by a Professional Tutor and ultimately teaches a limited timetable. The trainees' work is supervised at all times by a trained mentor in their subject area, usually the head of department or an experienced member of staff. Mentors monitor the work of each trainee giving help and guidance. Towards the end of each placement a report is submitted to the university.

The process is beneficial for all concerned. Mentors gain valuable experience for their own professional development. Trainees, with guidance and close monitoring develop skills and expertise. Students gain the experience of working with committed and enthusiastic young professionals who bring fresh insights to their work, and the school plays a vital role in ensuring the next generation of well qualified teachers.

Mr D Spiller
Professional Tutor (PGCE)