Background
To ensure devices could be used effectively in any classroom, at any time, Insight reviewed the school’s existing WiFi provision to ensure it could meet future demands.
Having upgraded the network infrastructure, Insight sourced new Microsoft Surface devices to ensure all staff and students had the same user experience, improve the learning experience and minimise printing.
Challenge
During the pandemic, the right technology became vital to schools. As students and staff returned to the classroom, West Buckland School recognised that supporting the high volume of bring-your-own devices, was inefficient and would create long-term challenges.
Historically, lessons often required support from the IT department to resolve connectivity issues. This rendered technology a hindrance and a relatively isolated tool, rather than a fluid component of the learning process.
The reliance on printed materials also posed both logistical and environmental concerns. The school desired a shift towards a more sustainable, student-centred approach where technology enhanced the learning experience, rather than hindering it.
“Planning our IT upgrades strategically was essential. It wasn’t just about sourcing devices, Insight led a consultation process, understanding our goals for improving student learning, IT efficiency, and environmental impact. The ongoing support has also been instrumental in maintaining engagement and improving the students’ learning experience.”
James Hart Prieto, Head of Digital, West Buckland School
“This initiative reflects our commitment to preparing students for a worldwhere technology plays a central role. Thanks to Insight, our technologyoffering now allows for a more personalised learning experience, adaptablefor each student’s needs.”
Phillip Stapleton, Headmaster, West Buckland School
Solution and Outcome
The school required a solution that untangled IT complexities, created a seamless teaching experience and a cost-effective procurement method.
Pivotal to this was ubiquitous connectivity across the school. Insight installed 171 Meraki MR44 Cloud Managed WiFi 6 accesspoints (including Dual-Band Omni Antennas) and 12 Meraki MR-86 External WiFi 6 Access Points (including External Dual-Band Omni Antennas), which ensured devices worked flawlessly in remote areas of the school, old buildings with thick walls, and new buildings with their own connectivity challenges.
Recognising West Buckland’s existing Microsoft environment, Insight deployed 360 Surface Pro 8s and 205 Surface Go 3s across the school. This helped streamline IT support and created a more personalised and adaptable learning experience - made possible by the devices’ versatility and pen input.
Digital-first learning, achievable thanks to the deployment of unified devices working on a modern wireless network, led to a major reduction in printing. In one year, the school achieved a reduction in paper usage equating to preserving 146 trees.
Insight also connected the school with CHG-Meridian to facilitate a leasing programme, enabling the school to obtain the devices in a financially secure manner. Despite potential supply chain challenges, Insight’s procurement expertise proved crucial, ensuring the timely delivery of devices.
Why Insight?
West Buckland worked with Insight due to its history of successful engagements, as well as being able to show a deep understanding of the education sector and expertise within the Microsoft ecosystem.
As a leading Solutions Integrator, Insight connected the school with CHG-Meridian, facilitating a leasing programme that meant the school could obtain the devices in a financially secure manner. And despite potential supply chain challenges, Insight’s procurement expertise ensured the timely delivery of devices.
Insight’s commitment to ongoing support and collaboration solidified the partnership, ensuring West Buckland could confidently maximise the potential of their technology investment.
