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Stalyhill Junior School – Tameside "We began
using the Skills Factory Software as part of a pilot scheme in Tameside. We have been so impressed with the support and quality of the software we are now using Curriculum Complete for all our planning in school.
We have been attracted by the monitoring capabilities that the software offers us, for both the classroom teacher and the curriculum
coordinator. This allows us to ensure effective curriculum coverage and progression. The software has been enthusiastically received with all teaching staff now choosing to use it for their planning. They
have found it quick and easy to use. From a leadership viewpoint the software allows our subject coordinators access to each year groups planning in one place. This again allows for detailed scrutiny and
examination for progression, content and coverage. Again the software is a powerful tool for curriculum monitoring. Another reason I have no hesitation in recommending the Skills Factory software to
colleagues is the quality of the support that I have received. I have never had any difficulty getting through to the help line and they are always positive and responsive. They have a 'no blame approach'! Our
difficulties have been caused by teachers saving incorrectly (or forgetting to save) or issues with our network set up, and yet the support team have always worked with us to help us back on track. This safety net
has been both effective and welcome. I have also contacted the Help Line to suggest new features I would like to see - again these ideas are welcomed and responded to. We receive regular newsletters
and upgrades from the Skills Factory. I have recommended the software to a number of colleagues and I feel it is a piece of software that continues to improve on already high standards."
St Mary Star of the Sea, Sussex "It was in January 2000 that I first learned of the Skills Factory at the BETT trade show in London. I eagerly set out to trial the
software anticipating that it would revolutionise my life and indeed this is what it has done.
In the early days, there were instances where I was in need of technical support from the team and each time, I was expertly advised on how to proceed with the application. Much to my amazement, I
even found you at the end of a telephone line on a Sunday afternoon when all had gone badly wrong with my pc and I was in need of restoring
my planning files. The support team has always been available either by phone or by e-mail, in those less urgent times (which have not been
many, I hasten to add). I was heartened at the end of the pilot trial for Curriculum Complete to find that the Skills Factory had incorporated all
the suggestions made to them by the pilot team and the resultant program was that much more user friendly. Congratulations on a job well done!
As for the practical advantages of using the software, having the QCA objectives and NC orders at the touch of a finger and suggested plans online has been a true blessing and saved hundreds of hours of lesson
preparation time. Incorporating wizard facilities was a priceless addition to an already superb piece of software. The integral assessment feature
is absolutely brilliant and whole school use of it forms part of our current ICT development plan. It has to be said, I cannot say enough about Curriculum Complete and
Skills Factory. I carry around promotional flyers with me to pass out to friends and colleagues because I am personally sold on it as the way
forward in planning and assessment. Thank you for the pure genius behind the package."
Durdan's Park School, Middlesex "I have found CC to be the only software on the market that is
addressing the problem of paperwork overload. Other software that is approaching the problem for the record keeping aspect (ie software that started life as pupil record keeping in the school
office), does not address the teachers problem of planning. The thing I especially like is it gives me more flexibility by allowing me to
track my curriculum coverage. That way I don't need to stick as rigidly to the confines of the recommended timing but can be sure I have covered every aspect required. Record keeping is quick and effective as
it can be used in a formative way, yet it builds up into a summative picture of the pupils' progress. It also helps you monitor the effectiveness of your teaching at class, group and individual level.
As a co-ordinator it allows you to monitor planning, track progress in your subject and target training. You can also PROVE to OFSTED, your head or anyone else who cares to know, that you are being effective as
a co-ordinator (what a boost to your CV). Finally I have found the team very responsive to suggestions and turn around enquiries extremely quickly - with a personal response. I know
they will continue to improve their software by listening to their customers; they are certainly dedicated giving us back the time to do what we do best - TEACH!" More case studies are available on request. << Home |
