31st January 2006
Improvements to the Primary Schools Infrastructure Underway
BITC has recently initiated Project Apollo which will update much of the ICT infrastructure used by the Primary School sector.

What is being updated?

• We are replacing the Administrative PC systems in all schools with new models and updating the Microsoft Office software.
• Providing a tranche of 500 new curriculum computers for distribution across all schools.
• Replacing the file servers currently located in Primary Sector schools with a new facility housed in the civic centre.

Why are we doing this?

• The administrative computers are out of warranty and are somewhat underspecified for the demands now being made on them.
• BITC support for Windows 95/98 curriculum systems will cease by April 2006. A tranche of new computers will enable removal of the old systems from the school network and will assist the achievement of Pupil:PC ratio targets.
• Up-to-date curriculum content requires up-to-date computers.
• The server systems in school are out of warranty and failing more regularly.
• Removing servers from schools and using a central location for their replacement will aid their effective support and maintenance and will release space in schools.

When is this happening?

• The installation of both the Administrative and Curriculum computers is to be completed by 31st March 2006.
• The migration of the Primary Schools data to the new centralised servers will be completed before the start of the Academic School Year 2006/07.

What happens next?

• A member of the project team will contact each school during February 2006 to arrange installation dates for the new computers.
• Later during the summer term, arrangements will be made to remove the server equipment from school premises.

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