ICT Fun for Free

Headteacher John Row uses free software for use across a range of subjects to challenge and develop the ICT skills of pupils at St Mary's CE Primary School, Shropshire.

John believes that unless pupils are stretched at school there is a good chance that computer literate children will 'power down'. He uses the free software to keep children engaged and stimulated.

One programme enables pupils to create their own stop frame animation projects, and by downloading the software at home, the children can continue to work out of school hours. They can then post their finished products on the school's blogsite for their peers to see.

Other programmes John uses include a digital audio programme that allows the children to record performances of the school choir and create mp3 files which their parents can download from the school's website.