jcollings

If you mark them as a no show though I think you get the exam fee refunded.

1. PO3/4 on the old scales - currently £32k ish (after pro rata for Term time only +2) 2. 4 in dept - me, 1 senior tech, 2 junior tech 3. 600 PC's + staff laptops + 8 servers 4. SIMS (both technically + data management), VLE, CCTV, phones, website, performing arts inc sound, lighting and recording studio, projectors, IWBs, PA kit, pretty much any other items that plug in 5. We support about 10 primary schools. This ranges from 2 hrs per week to full days per week for them, redesiging and rebuilding networks, teaching KS2 modules such as data logging and control technology - the usual stuff. All of us are term time only +2 or +4 weeks so we have 1 bod in most hols. Hope that helps.

Yes - I guess when I'm stressed and having a down day I need to remember it could be so much worse.

I have to say whenever I read threads like this it makes me realise how lucky I am in my school. As IT Manager I get £32k, 11 weeks holiday, total support of the head and SLT, on the whole lovely staff both in my department and amongst the teachers and lots of opportunities for training and getting involved in the wider school community, directing plays, going on outdoor pursuits weekends etc. I also get to live in the Lake District which is pretty cool too. Surely others on here must be in similar positions?

I agree with you. Too much stuff is chucked away that still has a use. I freecycle lots of stuff (both IT and not) and think it's a terrific scheme. The other thing we're currently working on is a green computing project where we get people in for the day and basically let them build a system from old bits then install Ubuntu or the like, firefox, open office etc. They can go away with a PC that meets their needs for very little money and learn Microsoft isn't the only way.

Cumbria Grid for Learning site has info on a company who will pick most old ICT kit for free. The only charges made are for monitors which they charge £5 each for. Curriculum : Curriculum ICT : Diposal of Electrical and Computer related goods

I've got it on my new work desktop pc and it's growing on me. Still finding my way around a bit but don't dislike it as much as when I had the beta. On the whole I'm not sure I see huge advantages to it but if it were me I'd probably just leave it on the laptop. I got my son an HP laptop at Xmas and it was real pain to find XP drivers for everything. Given your usage it's probably not worth the faffing.

In what way does SIMS not work for you on Vista? It works fine here.

The bikes do take a little work but they are so lovely. The old tracks are great too although I hate Rainbow Road now as much as I did on the N64

I quite like that - I hate the inane rubbish you get in Xbox 360 games.

I use one of these here: Zero 88 Lighting. Lighting Control Systems for Entertainment, Stage, Film, Television, Theatre, Schools and Drama A good basic desk - very solid and reliable.

Can they just not stick a proxy server in and send all internet traffic via that. Censornet or such like should do the trick.

We tend to do this on a termly basis. It's a good way to give folks a clean start.

About 20 out - some NUT members are working as is everyone else. We're open for selected year groups so not much difference for us.

I think the online play is superb. I can usually hold my own without too many problems (unlike when I play Pro Evo Soccer where I just get my ass kicked!)

You don't *have* to know another number - that's only to allow you to play friends. You can play on line against any other random players.

Governors do have a say but if it's anything like here they pretty much go with the Heads recommendations.

I think you probably are underpaid even as a 1st line techie. I would have thought for a network of that size £18900 to £22845 would seem about right (that's scale 5/6 on the old NJC scales). Best bet is to write down all you do and arrange to talk to your line manager.

Well, as someone said earlier - it's just an opinion. Too much bad language in them for my liking. Mario Kart is where it's at!

I have a console but I don't think I'll be bothering - not really my kind of thing.

Agreed - it is an opinion - that's rather the point I was making! And yes - Extras did win awards.

So that'll be why it won so many awards.

Karl Pilkington is fantastic although I get the sense the stupidity is somewhat of an act. The Office and Extras are both fantastic shows though with some inspired ideas in them.

Our LEA has provided Moodle as their VLE solution. We aren't using it though as a group of schools have gone for a Sharepoint solution provided via Shirelands Learning and LP+

I got a free one to try. Personally I found it pretty uncomfortable to use. If you have the keyboard attached it's tricky to get the Q1 and keyboard in a comfy place. If you don't use the keyboard it's slow to enter text etc.