The Brewery in the City of London hosted the Independent Schools Council 2007 Annual Conference on the 20th and 21st March. The stand, in the main King George III hall, was kept busy throughout the exhibition.

Their renowned Engage MIS software as well as their acclaimed Double First suite and Payroll, were all on demonstration.

 

In addition, Double First’s IT and telecoms partner, du Pré, was represented, being available to discuss any ICT, Telephony and Calls and Lines requirements schools may have.

Over 350 delegates attended the conference, including Heads, Bursars and Governors, from UK and Overseas schools.

Digital Beginnings & the Internet – Measurable Results

Double First sponsored a breakout session entitled ‘Digital Beginnings and the Internet’, which included e-Learning and the educational gain recorded amongst Prep and Senior school pupils.

‘What was really interesting,’ said Edina Champion, Customer Liaison Manager, ‘was hearing how schools who have embraced e-Learning technology are realising a measurable increase in their pupils educational success.’

It came as a surprise to some delegates to hear the Government’s plans to have e-Learning available in some schools by September 2008.

‘The Government realises e-Learning is becoming critical to increase educational success,’ said Jeff Elliott, Group MD, ‘which is why they have set dates by which some State schools must have embraced the relevant technology.

‘It won’t be far beyond this that Independent schools will need to follow suit if only to keep their schools attractive to prospective pupils and their parents, let alone realising the educational benefits.’

Engage and e-Learning

Continuing, Jeff added, ‘Engage was designed and conceived with e-Learning in mind, and as we speak, the Engage Portal is in beta testing with some of our Development Partners.’

Final Thoughts

The final thoughts on the event go to Richard Jones, Group Sales Director. ‘This was an excellent conference and exhibition for Double First

‘It is always encouraging to have prospective customers come to the stand asking about Engage and its capabilities, having heard about the product from other schools. The word is certainly on the street!

‘And the fact that Double First is committed to continuous development of a Portal has made this conference particularly interesting for many potential customers.’