Class Computing Lessons
Every class, from Kindergarten to Year 6, attends Computing lessons conducted in the Computing Lab.  Kindergarten to Year 5 have a half hour lesson each week and Year 6 have a one and a quarter hour lesson each week, which is shared with the Library.  The Computer Programme is set on a skills basis and wherever possible integrates with the various subject areas of the School curriculum.  Skills are chosen according to the subject area, knowledge, experiences, interests and needs of the students.

The access to computer technology caters for a range of teaching and learning styles and involves working as individuals, in pairs, small groups and whole class situations.   Students are provided with effective supervision and direction at all times, whilst using a variety of software including drill and practice, problem solving, simulation, graphics, publishing, multi-media and information retrieval.  The intranet is also used as an effective means of access to research topics and information, which adds more value to the students’ learning experiences.

Individual student needs are catered for by different uses of software and related materials. Classes are taught to various skill levels and any projects set provide opportunities for students to extend themselves.  Skills such as programming are specialist in nature and are not necessarily applicable to all students, so this is mainly used with the Computer Club.
 
Computer literacy is a necessary third literacy to reading and writing as these two skills are more than ever needed, hence computing technology is used to foster reading and writing skills.  Competences in the technology are gained by using them as tools in a range of learning experiences.  In other words students learn by doing in the field of computing, as the skills needed are a mixture of theory and practice.

Ultimately students at the Preparatory School participate in activities that assist in the development of their ability to:

1. use computer-based technologies to locate, access, evaluate, manipulate, create, store and retrieve information.
2. express ideas and communicate with others, using computer-based technologies.
3. develop an awareness of the range of applications of computer-based technologies in society.
4. discriminate in the choice and use of computer-based technologies for a given purpose.
5. develop the confidence to explore, adapt and shape technological understandings and skills in response to challenges now and in the future.

Computing Facilities
Every class, from Year 1 to Year 6, has two networked computers in their room with access to the internet and a colour laser printer, whereas Kindergarten classes have access to a mini-bank of computers with access to the internet and a colour laser printer.  All teachers allow students adequate time on, and regular access to this technology in their classroom.  Every classroom throughout the School also has a SMART Board™ (interactive whiteboard) for the delivery and enhancement of lessons and a digital camera. 

The library has 4 inquiry computers, a scanner, 6 desktop computers and a bank of wireless laptops, all of which have access to the internet and a colour laser printer, which are available to students during class time and at lunchtime.  There is also another bank of wireless laptops which can be booked for class or group use.

Finally the Computing Lab has 28 computers, 5 scanners, a SMART Board™ (interactive whiteboard) and access to the internet and a colour laser printer.  The Computing Lab is also open at lunchtime every Tuesday and Thursday.  Additionally, teachers can make a booking for the Computing Lab with their class whenever there is not a scheduled Computing lesson.

Activities
The ICT Programme encompasses not only the formal content covered in class work, but also some additional elective activities. These are conducted during and after school, and complement the Programme for the many boys who are involved in them.

Computer Club:
Computer Club is an after school activity for the boys from Years 3 through to Year 6 every Wednesday afternoon.  Students from each grade can attend for one term.

In Term 1, Year 6 students undertake robotic explorations with LEGO ROBOLAB, where they build, programme, download and then activate their robotic constructions.  They race each other but also have to programme their car to stop when it senses different amounts of light, change direction when a sensor is pressed and even make a sound when reversing. Their progress is recorded on the intranet for all to see.

During Term 2, Year 5 students create a multimedia presentation about “Activities conducted during the year at the Prep School”.  This involves taking numerous digital photos of the School, as well as using scanners to scan numerous photos, which are then cropped and inserted, along with other graphics, sound and animations, into an exciting multimedia presentation.  It is then burnt to DVDs for all students to take home and share with their family and friends. 

Term 3 involves Year 4 students creating their own magazine, which includes writing stories, poems and conducting interviews, as well as drawing pictures, making puzzles and find-a-words.  They learn how to use numerous types of software to produce their articles, which are then combined together, and a wonderful magazine is published.  This magazine is given to all Year 4 students at the beginning of Term 4.

During Term 4, Year 3 students learn a lot about combining information with graphics and using a scanner to create magnets, a keyring and a personalised calendar.

Computer Monitors:
These students are chosen by the Computer Co-ordinator from Year 6 to assist with the operation of the Computing Lab.  Their job includes keeping the Computing Lab neat and tidy, setting up the computers, logging on and sometimes even loading certain programmes for the infants classes.  They occasionally solve small problems, as well as helping the Computing Lab run smoothly at lunch times with the assistance of the Computer Co-ordinator.  Their duties are performed during recess and lunch times every day.