We specialise in designing Websites for schools and colleges. In the past schools have often finished up with a web presence that they have been unable to update, or add to. We use 'Content Management Systems', which enable schools to get the most out of Internet Technologies, and which can even change the way schools themselves function. These 'database-driven' sites enable users to take control of input and administration functions, rather than relying on a single school-based editor, or external Web Design company. The Website, and the Elearning package, then become a vital part of Curriculum Delivery and School Improvement, and act as effective Marketing and Communication Tools. They are nevertheless easy to manage, via user-friendly input mechanisms. You can try this for yourself on our fully functioning Demonstration Site, but it may be helpful to firstly read more about how our systems work, and how they may benefit your school.
In the private sector many companies use Content Management Systems, in various forms, to deliver their message. Schools are lagging behind in this area, partly because of the lack of dedicated school web designers, and partly because schools have often relied on their own overworked IT staff to develop their sites. Often schools have approached web design companies who have created a product which, whilst impressive to look at, has been 'static' in terms of content, and which the school itself has been unable to add to, or has not had the time, or expertise, to update. The result is that the sites have quickly become out of date, and of little use to the target audience.

A Content Management System uses a 'permissions' system, to enable administrators to grant access to the editorial functions of the website, so that anyone with the required clearance can add to, and edit, it. This enables the site to be frequently updated, and reduces the editorial burden on the administrator. It also enhances the appearance of the site, as users (teachers, governors, students, parents, etc.,) can add relevant images and other content in their articles. The sites are 'News Based', and the News, Diary and Information sections can be as up to date as you want. The site administrators do, however, retain overall editorial control, and mechanisms such as a censorship module, and styling systems, ensure that security standards, and uniformity of appearance, are maintained. Schools have a vast potential audience, but also a very large pool of potential writers and editors. The following are some examples of how they may benefit from a more proactive use of the Internet:

• The headteacher and, perhaps, a small group of others, can have control over the administration of the site and can input material in any areas. Access can be denied to any group to specific areas – for instance a category of 'Staff News' can, for obvious reasons, be hidden from anyone, except those logged in under a 'Staff' username and password.
• Certain student 'editors' can have access to add news about their own class or newsgroup.
• Students who, for some reason, cannot attend school can access curriculum material from anywhere where there is an Internet connection.
• Important dates (such as holidays, parents evenings etc.) can be added to the Diary section well in advance and remain easily accessible to users, but also can easily be amended should they change.
• News items, Diary events etc. can be automatically collated to produce a Newsletter, which can be emailed, or sent, to registered users, such as parents.
• Schools can store Application Forms for vacancies, and at the same time advertise interview dates in the Diary.
  
• All this information can be added, edited, or accessed, at any time, and anywhere where there is an Internet connection.
  

We use 'Open Source' software to run our sites, and can advise on the most suitable system for a given situation. As the software is essentially free, installation costs are reduced, and we can concentrate on designing the appearance of the site, to suit the school's requirements. The software has the ability to control 'permissions' – which means access can be granted or restricted to all areas of the site to individuals or groups. Additional 'modules' can also be added if required such as a 'forum', a multimedia player or even an 'online shopping' module! The software itself is produced by large forward thinking online communities, and developments and updates are frequently available. We have ourselves subjected the software to rigourous testing and are also able to offer our own support once you are online. It is our firm belief that this sort of technology is the future, and that schools should be ready to embrace it now!