Learning Resources

Library

The school has a library of approximately 21,000 items which includes fiction, non-fiction, reference, DVDs, CDs, journals and newspapers. Both the Senior and Junior libraries provide pupil workstations with access to the school network and internet.

Set in the centre of the school the library is staffed full time and open from 8.15am to 5.45pm which ensures that there are good independent learning facilities for day pupils wishing to stay on late.

During their first term all new pupils have an introductory visit to the library during induction. Younger pupils enjoy regular visits to the library during their English lessons.

ICT

All school members have access to the school computer network. In total there are 350 computers on site. There are three main teaching ICT rooms, two purpose-built computer suites in Modern Languages and there will be a brand new computer facility in the Design and Technology department. Other departments, the Upper Sixth centre and the library possess clusters of computers and many rooms are equipped with computers, digital projectors and whiteboards to enhance teaching and learning opportunities.

Pupils may use the ICT facilities at break times, lunch times and after school. Priority is given in particular to the Third Form students, who are all studying for a short course GCSE in ICT in a very compressed period of time. All students may use the excellent laser printer in the main ICT suite to print coursework and project work.

Pupils have two opportunities to attain a Level 2 ICT qualification; in the Third Form through the WJEC GCSE ICT Short Course and in the Sixth Form through the European Computer Driving Licence in General Studies lessons. It is expected that all pupils should achieve proof of computer literacy at some stage of their education at Truro School.

The school network currently operates using Windows XP and Office 2003. All pupils with broadband may access the School Intranet, their My Documents folder, their email and the Shared Documents area from home.