Resource Centre

The Resources Centre is the hub of the school’s overall strategy in developing supported-self-study for its students. There are opportunities for students to use all facilities and to research for assignments and projects. Access to the internet and e-mail facilities are available to all years in the school. In addition to its 30 networked computers, the centre has a substantial range of books for all ages and abilities. Students are asked to have a book to read with them during the school day.

From 8.15 to 8.45 we have a ‘breakfast’ club. There is also a photocopying service available throughout the day. The Resources Centre/Library is open each day from 8.15 to 4.00 and is available for individual, small group or whole class use.

The Centre is managed by Mrs Gannicliffe who is available to help and advise students as required. The school values its Resources Centre very highly and has developed the facilities with the addition of a wing, to accommodate a computer centre. The students enjoy using these facilities for study and research. As a Technology College, we are piloting a Virtual Teaching and Learning Environment, Kaleidos, in partnership with Liverpool Education Authority. This provides a personalised learning programme for our students and will become a whole school initiative.

The Technology Suite

The superb Design Technology Suite, built at a cost of some £600,000 has now been fully networked. As well as a dedicated ICT room containing 15 networked computers all with internet access, each of the department’s main workshops now has four networked computers also equipped with internet access. The department has a £4,000 A3 colour laser printer, enabling students to produce work of professional quality.

The main manufacturing workshops are fully equipped with the latest Boxford CAD, CAM equipment which all students use from years 7 to 13 and these are supported by a range of both 2D and 3D modelling software. The first floor of the building contains the new design modelling room where students can work in a clean area, developing their graphics and modelling skills. This floor also contains a third multimedia workshop and a fully equipped systems and control laboratory. The resources available in Design Technology enable all students from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 5 to fully develop their Design and Technology capabilities.

Information Rights

A request by parents for information will be covered by one, or all, of three information rights:

• Data Protection – (DP) enquiries (or subject access requests) are ones where the enquirer asks to see what personal information the school holds about the enquirer.
• Environmental Information Regulations – (EIR) enquiries are ones which relate to air, water, land, natural sites, built environment, flora and fauna, and health, and any decisions and activities affecting any of these. These could therefore include enquiries about recycling, phone masts, school playing fields, car parking etc. Freedom of Information – (FOI) enquiries are concerned with all other information including the reasoning behind decisions and policies. All requests for information that are not DP or EIR are requests under the FOI Act.

The St. Margaret’s Church of England High School Publication Scheme gives this information in four classes, the School Prospectus, Governors Documents, Pupils and Curriculum and School Policies. Details of the Publication Scheme are available from the school.