Children And Teachers and Parents Using Laptops Together

All Key Stage 1 & 2 children in Ballymena Primary School are assigned their own personal laptop computer. Each classroom is also equiped with it's own wireless network, a colour laser printer, a teacher laptop and an interactive whiteboard.

We call this programme CATAPULT - Children And Parents And Teachers Using Laptops Together. As the name suggests this initiative is designed, not only to improve children's opportunities in class, but also to engage parents in learning through ICT.

To help bridge the digital divide pupils take their laptops/netbooks home to complete special projects as a homework.

We have recently purchased netbook computers to further enhance the CATAPULT concept. These small computers are more portable and are used to target specific learning needs.