15/6/2009

Ref: FR014

The Abbey School in Faversham, Kent, is one of the first schools in the area to install a new online learning environment called Frog (www.frogtrade.com) to allow teaching and learning to continue outside the school classroom. The technology has significantly enhanced flexible learning as it allows students and teachers to access all school information, including homework, diaries, email, resource booking and timetables, from one online location.

According to recent research, only 67 per cent of secondary schools are using a learning platform, with a further 29 per cent planning to implement one in late 2009.* The Government has set schools the target of offering parents real-time access to their child’s learning on a timely and frequent basis – at least once per term by 2010.  Having implemented Frog, The Abbey School - a secondary school with 950 students - is already set to meet this target.

Kevin Dickens, Deputy Headteacher, comments: “Frog is changing the way we work and creating fresh opportunities to engage students in the learning process. The forums have really helped our students and teachers to network with each other, for example they can post ideas about how to make the school more eco-friendly and then vote for the best idea to implement. This technology is encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning both inside and beyond the school classroom”

A key area for development for the school has been the implementation of the Secure Gateway. Trials have already taken place and from September every student will be able to access not only their work from outside of school but also most of the school’s software. This will allow all students to work where ever and when ever they want to.

The school is implementing a transition portal for Year 6 children. This will enable prospective students to communicate with existing ones. Plans to start phasing in a parental portal are on track for October; this will enable parents to access their child’s attendance, attainment, behaviour, timetables and lesson resources. The school will also implement a parents’ forum which will allow parents to post ideas and vote on the most important ones to them.

Gareth Davies, Managing Director, Frog, adds: “The Abbey School is a shining example of a school which has implemented an effective online learning environment that engages the whole school community.”

For further information about Frog please call 01422 250 800, email: hello@frogtrade.com or visit www.frogtrade.com.

*According to 2009 research from BESA (British Educational Suppliers Agency) – a trade association with over 300 members which include manufacturers and distributors of equipment, materials, books, consumables, furniture, technology, ICT hardware and digital content – all to the education market.  

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