Electronic

Computers
Computers are used to send e-mails across to other people via the internet and most commonly mobile phones. Another way in which computers are used at Oldbury Academy is via the gateway. This is almost comparable to a portal between teachers and students. It allows for pupils to access work in the case of a teacher being absent, teachers may also display messages about extra curriculums on the gateway and any other relevant information. Oldbury Academy also uses a system called SIMS (School Information Management System) which allows teachers to track the whereabouts of any given student via giving them a present mark and electronically noting down their timetabled lessons.

Here is an example of Student Announcements which are placed onto the gateway by teachers, to communicate information to students.
Here is an example of Student Announcements which are placed onto the gateway by teachers, to communicate information to students.

E-mail
Oldbury Academy uses e-mails to send messages across to staff in regards to information such as assemblies or student’s absences. Teachers may also use e-mails to inform pupils of any homework, and students may e-mail back teachers for help and guidance. Oldbury Academy may also e-mail parents who have opted for this and send them things such as the School Newsletter, or any other important information a parent may need to know about their child’s education.

Here is an example of a teacher e-mailing a student some homework.
Here is an example of a teacher e-mailing a student some homework.

Fax
Facsimile or Fax is the transmission of scanned printed material to a telephone number connected to a printer or other device. The original document is scanned with a fax machine, turned into a bitmap image and a copy is sent to the receiver. Oldbury Academy may use Fax’s to send important documents internally (within the school) or they may send documents externally (to organisations outside the school).

WWW (Worldwide web)
Oldbury Academy uses the worldwide web through their school website, the gateway and pupils school email. All of these components involve using the worldwide web. The school website is targeted to all staff, students, parents and those interested in joining Oldbury Academy. The gateway and pupils emails can only be accessed by those who have been given an account and access.
This is Oldbury Academy’s School website, with different tabs, one of them being ‘Curriculum’ which can be clicked to access more information.
This is Oldbury Academy’s School website, with different tabs, one of them being ‘Curriculum’ which can be clicked to access more information.

Telephone call
Oldbury Academy regularly makes phone calls to student’s parents, and even students themselves (those in sixth form). Phone calls are made to; * Find whereabouts of pupils * Allow parents and/or carers to contact the school in a case of an emergency * Report an absence * Speak to a specific teacher * Contact external agencies such as social services Oldbury Academy may also ring a student’s parent to report their child’s progress, to make a meeting or even just to praise the student for their hard work and great progress.

Non-electronic

Memorandum
Memorandums also known as Memos are commonly used at Oldbury Academy. They are shortened notes written as reminders, which are frequently written on memo pads and can be handed to any teacher or pupil to pass on any relevant information. An example, in which Oldbury Academy may use a Memo, would be in the case of a classroom change. A short note stating where the lesson has been moved would be written on a memo pad or a scrap piece of paper and placed against the door to inform all relevant pupils.

Letter
Letters are written messages from one person to another which can be formal or informal containing useful information. Oldbury Academy uses letters in a range of different formats targeted to a variety of audiences. Formal letters may be written and distributed to parents in regards to any changes which could be happening within the school. An example of this would be a letter expressing the move of our school building and moving the entire school into one site. Letters are also used between teachers and students to communicate information back and forth these may be formal or informal.

Here is an example of a letter from Oldbury Academy going to a parent or carer, in regards to the Key Stage 4 Achievements evening.
Here is an example of a letter from Oldbury Academy going to a parent or carer, in regards to the Key Stage 4 Achievements evening.

Invoice
An invoice is a document used to keep a record of any payments coming in or going out of the business. These are commonly hand written at Oldbury Academy, and are the equivalent of a receipt. When students or parents come into Oldbury Academy and are looking to make any payments e.g. for a school trip, they will be shown to the Student finance office where they can securely make their payment and keep a record of any payments made. So therefore if there are any enquiries made in regards to their payment they may contact the school and recite the reference number on their invoice to get their problem resolved.

Flow charts
A flowchart is a diagram that follows a particular route. Flowcharts are frequently used at Oldbury Academy within the school displays and in lessons. This is primarily targeted at students to give them a visual aid on the process of how certain things work. An example of this would be in the science department, where they may have a flowchart displaying the process of photosynthesis. This could be great support for any student struggling to understand the concept.