Building Schools for the Future project goes live in Sheffield

IT is crucial to new learning schemes

The first phase of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) IT programme has finished in Sheffield.

A new £10m IT learning platform, or Managed Learning Environment (MLE), has been installed by supplier Civica and will serve 1,000 pupils in nine secondary schools in the area.

"The benefits of the new MLE and managed service are enormous," said Angela Armytage, head teacher at Yewlands School & Technology College, the first to go live on the platform.

"It is changing the way we communicate and develop teaching and learning, and saving leadership time to focus more effectively on our core purpose of raising standards."

The LearnSheffield MLE integrates a number of applications, and uses Microsoft Learning Gateway and SharePoint 2007 technologies, Vista Plus and Office 2007.

The system links a central database with school management, electronic registration, CCTV and access control systems.

It also incorporates a number of Civica's own products, such as Icon and Spydus Library Management System which automates school library services to provide a unique learning experience across Sheffield.

Essex County Council has also completed its pre-BSF schools infrastructure, also provided by Civica.

The Essex Schools Collaboration Infrastructure allows pupils and staff at 70 secondary schools and 450 primary schools throughout the county to share information, personalise learning packages and collaborate on specific projects.