Case Study – Bradford Academy
“Sun Rays allow excellent system and physical security”
KEY BENEFITS
- Lower provisioning, management and maintenance costs
- Familiar standard Windows desktop
- Faster to use, more efficient and flexible
- Remote access and working
- Attractive, contemporary appearance
The School
Bradford Academy is a new flagship secondary school that has a specialism in Citizenship with Enterprise. Replacing Bradford Cathedral Community College, the academy opened in September 2007 at the cost of £25m to cater for students from year 7 to sixth form in inspiring, spacious buildings with state-of the-art facilities.
The Scenario
Recognising the pivotal role of technology in increasing the attainment of students of all academic levels, Principal Gareth Dawkins was determined to provide the most up to date and accessible IT infrastructure.
The Process
Dawkins’ brief to two suppliers was for a mixed estate with a significant thin client element, based on accessibility, flexibility, manageability, security and economy. The final choice rested on the supplier’s ability to include as well as recommend installing Sun’s Desktop
Architecture solution, which ticked every box at significantly lower cost.
The Solution
As well as ‘traditional’ classrooms, the Academy features open access areas where students can undertake course work, homework or access the Internet (filtered both locally and for the whole of Bradford). Initially, it was here and in the Cyber Café where 100 Sun Ray 270 thin
clients were installed, now supplemented by further stations in corridor breakout areas, the library and staff room.
“Students are actively encouraged to use the equipment before and after classes and during breaks” says IS Director Mark Berry. “Some even come in as early as 7.30… they can buy breakfast, log in and get on with their day. The standard Windows desktop means they don’t even realise that it’s not a standard PC.” He adds “Traditionally it’s difficult to put IT in school open access areas, but the Sun Rays allow excellent system and physical security.”
Working from home outside school hours is a massive benefit for both students and teaching staff. All software, documents and folders can be accessed by remote log in. It is also planned to introduce smart cards which will allow log in as well as providing access control, use of the library and cashless vending.