Tag: schools

evoke on stage at the CNA awards evoke on stage at the CNA awards

Evoke Telecom Scoop Major Industry Award.

Written by matt on 14 October 2019. Posted in Blog, Schools.

ICT Channel Superstars Evoke Telecom win prestigious award at the 2019 Comms National Awards

There is elation in the Evoke Telecom offices today. This is because the team are celebrating winning the award for the Best Enterprise Vertical Market Solution at the 2019 CNA Comms National Awards.

And what an evening the awards night was! In true CNA style, this unforgettable eighties themed event was held at The Hilton on Park Lane, London. The host for the evening was the incredibly witty and entertaining BBC newsreader, Huw Edwards.

The evenings proceedings were opened by singer Tony Hadley. The former Spandau Ballet front man delighted the audience with some of his timeless classics. A truly ‘Gold’ evening all round!

Evoke director’s David and Susie Wardell were supported by Ashley Gavin from Avaya. Together they joined over 600 representatives and industry leaders who also attended from across the ICT channel.

Held in London each year, the CNA Awards are ‘the big one’ in the Telecoms and ICT industry. Now in their 18th year, they have become the Information and Communication Technologies industries most revered event. The purpose of these annual awards is to recognise and reward excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in the UK.

Evoke Telecom were recognised by an esteemed panel of 14 judges for providing the UK’s first ever Avaya Smart Campus solution. This solution has transformed security and safety for staff and over 2000 pupils at the Loughborough Schools Foundation.

This year the awards saw a record numbers of entries, from literally thousands of hopeful businesses. Evoke were delighted to be awarded finalist status and then go on to win their category award.

Evokes Managing Director David Wardell commented

“Evoke are honoured to receive this high level of recognition for providing a ‘UK first’ solution. What is more pleasing is that it helps to address one of the most important and relevant topics of current times, ‘School Safety’. “

If you would like to learn more about the solution that we provided to the Loughborough Schools Foundation, then please click here.

Strike at school as parents demand SAFETY for their children.

Written by matt on 12 July 2019. Posted in Blog, Schools.

A shocking piece of news caught our attention this month. The BBC reported that up to 30 teachers had gone on 2-day strike and parents had picketed the gates, at The Starbank Secondary School in Birmingham, following concerns over safety.

A member of the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), said there had been three incidents in the last three weeks, including one which saw a pupil bring a 12-inch knife into the school. On another occasion, a teacher was also threatened with a knife, and a pupil that had to be excluded for a number of days but later returned to the school.

Staff are also wrestling with the phenomena that is ‘Fight Thursdays’, which they say takes place on the school playing fields.

Very concerned teachers and parents are demanding:-

A ‘knife audit’ for pupils
Extra training for teachers
A new behaviour policy for pupils

All very concerning stuff as knife crime is on the rise in our society and safe-guarding becomes an increasing concern, not the least in our schools and colleges.

Evoke Telecom’s ‘Call to Action’

Here at Evoke Telecom we work very closely with nurseries, schools and colleges to provide market leading solutions to help them become safer places for our children. Our telecommunications platforms offer different in-built and integrated alternatives to help with the big 5 safety challenges facing the education sector today:-

Evacuation
Lock Down
Reverse Evacuation
Lock In and
Lock Out

One of the greatest challenges facing schools is effective and campus wide communication. How do you communicate across campus with a single message when there is an emergency or potential crisis? Our systems enable messages to be broadcast into classrooms, halls, none teaching areas and even playing fields ensuring everyone is kept updated. We can co-ordinate door and gate locks for lock downs, as well as lock in and lock out scenarios, and much much more.

Here is a recent Evoke Telecom case study. A first in the UK for a campus wide #safeschools solution, which has been published as a global example by Avaya.com.

If you work at a school, advise a school, are a governor or just a concerned parent, please do feel free to contact us so we can share how the team at Evoke Telecom might be able to help at your school, nursery or college. Our super helpful team can be contacted at schools@evoketelecom.local or why not smile and dial 01509 278278

Books 4 Schools Update: Wonderful messages from Langley Hall Primary Academy.

Written by matt on 30 April 2019. Posted in Blog, Schools.

Following our recent Books 4 Schools campaign, we were absolutely delighted to receive a wonderful card from Alex Steele, Literacy Co-ordinator, with enclosed letters from some of the wonderful Year 3 students at Langley Hall Primary Academy, Langley, Berkshire.

We were so touched that year 3 students aged 7 and 8 took the time to write letters of thank you to us ~ how thoughtful. And how impressive and neat the writing is too!

Here are a couple of lines that caught our eye:-

“I think that we will really find them useful and will be entertaining. So, thank you for those magnificent loads of books.”
Jasmin – year 3

“Thank you for all of the donated books from your lovely Evoke company. All the books looks amazing, shiny and makes people want to read it!”
Dylan – year 3

“The Danny Dingles books look cool”
Anon – year 3

As we say – small gestures bring big smiles!

If you would like to add your school to next years list, or know of a school that could benefit, then please do not hesitate to let us know by contacting our team at schools@evoketelecom.local or why not smile as you dial 01509 278278.

Loughborough Schools Foundation case study Loughborough Schools Foundation case study

Loughborough Schools Foundation: Avaya Global Safe-Schools Case Study

Written by matt on 30 April 2019. Posted in Blog, Schools.

Eduction Case Study

Loughborough Schools Foundation

Setting New Standards in School Safety with Avaya Solutions

Client

Loughborough Schools Foundation

Our Services

Unified telecommunications platform installation
Campus safety feature implementation
Collaboration with global Avaya safety experts
Enhanced operational support and IT integration
Long-term Communication Solution

About Loughborough Schools Foundation

Loughborough Schools Foundation is a prestigious educational institution comprising four schools located on a sprawling, multi-building campus. With over 2,000 students and a strong commitment to providing a safe, efficient, and enriching learning environment, the Foundation consistently seeks innovative solutions to enhance its operations. Recognizing the critical role of communication in ensuring student safety and effective management, the Foundation embarked on a transformative journey to upgrade its telecommunication systems. Guided by a forward-thinking IT team, the Foundation aimed to replace its outdated dual-system setup with a modern, unified platform capable of meeting current demands and supporting future growth.

The Challenge

Replace two outdated phone systems with a single, unified platform capable of enhancing student safety through advanced features like lockdown capabilities, campus-wide messaging, and seamless communication.

The Solution

Evoke Telecom implemented an Avaya IP Office platform within the Foundation’s virtualized environment, equipping 600 handsets across classrooms and offices. The system delivers robust communication, safety enhancements, and operational efficiency while laying the groundwork for future advancements with Avaya Smart Campus.

The Benefits

Vicky Barwell, Principal

“The Evoke team have been great to work with; they are completely transparent and reliable, and they really know the solutions in detail. They contact us proactively, not just for sales but to help us make the most of every feature in the Avaya platform.”

IT Director
Richard Smeeton

Books4Schools piles of books Books4Schools piles of books

Books 4 Schools on World Book Day 2019

Written by matt on 4 April 2019. Posted in Blog, Schools.

It has become a regular event in the Evoke Telecom calendar each year as we donate a box of free books to Nurseries and Primary Schools up and down the country, as a part of our Books 4 Schools campaign.

Leading up to World Book Day on Thursday 7th of March, it was all systems go at our offices, as floors, tables, meeting spaces and at times even the office ‘chill out’ sofa were stacked and loaded with a wide range of books.

It was Julia Donaldson here and Michael Morpurgo there as we unpacked, shared out and re-packed 100s upon 100s of books into rather fetching ‘Hungry Caterpillar’ delivery boxes.

During Books 4 Schools month at Evoke, our aim is to provide 5 books from 5 different authors as a 25 book school library pack, which we then donate to schools and nurseries to boost and refresh their library stocks.

Why do we do it? Well, we all can’t help but notice the tight squeeze that is being increasingly applied to school budgets as funding fails to keep pace with increased class numbers. It’s a real problem for Governors and Heads as they wrestle to make ends meet.

So, we decided last year that we would see if we could make a difference in some small way. Our Books 4 Schools idea was born as a result, on the premise that “Small gestures bring big smiles”. This year we have been able to grow the campaign a little and donate ‘Hungry Caterpillar’ boxes to more than 25 schools and nurseries up and down the land.

Next year we would like to at least double that and are already taking requests from schools to be added to our wonderfully growing list.

Here are some pictures and kind comments from some of the recipients this year:

“Very many thanks for your visit and kind donation of books for Fairfield Library. The range of books are excellent and will be greatly enjoyed by our pupils. As you may have noticed we have all been immersing ourselves in the love of books and reading today as celebration of World Book Day, so the timing of the addition of some lovely new books was perfect.”

~ Ms. Buchanan ~ Librarian Fairfield School

“…we are so grateful for the donation of books, we will look forward to receiving them. The children benefitted so much from these last year. Thank you so much for your generosity, particularly since school budgets are being cut to the bone”.

~ Sally Eaton ~ Executive Head for Langley Hall Primary Academy

And here is a clip from the school newsletter at St Peter & St Paul CE Primary Academy in Syston ~

We simply cannot wait for next year. If you would like to add your school, or perhaps your children’s, friends, or even other relatives schools to next year’s list then why not drop us a line at schools@evoketelecom.local or give us a call on 01509 278278.

Evoke gets ready for World Book Day

Written by matt on 28 February 2019. Posted in Blog.

World Book Day – what does that have to do with a Telecommunications Company we hear you ask?

Well, first of all, here at Evoke Telecom, we believe that every child should have the right to an education. And not just any education, but the very best education that can be made available. Every year we see an ever increasing squeeze on schools budgets, which alongside rising costs means that invariably learning resources and ultimately student outcomes come under pressure. One area that always seems to bounce down the priority list when schools draw up their budgets sadly are library books. It’s wonderful that schools have libraries of course, but the books take quite a bashing and of course regularly need refreshing with new and exciting titles.

So, in response to this, every year, on or around World Book Day, Evoke Telecom delivers its Books 4 Schools campaign. What we aim to do is provide a nice little selection of 25 new books each to both Primary Schools and Nursery Schools up and down the country.

This year’s books started to come in last week with titles from exciting authors including:-

Michael Morpurgo
Ali Sparkes
Jeremy Strong
Michelle Bates

And this year every schools will be getting a selection of the ever popular ‘100 facts’ books from Miles Kelly.

We love this event every year – but I must say the offices are absolutely full of books and we cant wait to get them where they belong, into children’s hands, as soon as possible.

If you would like to know more about Evoke Telecom in schools or add your schools (or children’s schools) to next year’s list then why not drop us a line at schools@evoketelecom.local or give us a call on 01509 278278.

Books for Schools

Written by matt on 31 January 2018. Posted in Blog, Schools.

School Budget Time.

February looms and with it comes dreaded ‘Budget Time’ for schools and education establishments across the length and breadth of the UK.

Over the last few years schools have found it tougher and tougher to stretch their budgets. Simple things like buying new books have become a real challenge. Heads and Governors alike are increasingly wrestling to deliver against each line.

Unfortunately, it is often the school library that misses out on funding. Books are simply expected to last longer and longer.

To offer a little help along the way, Evoke Telecom will launch our ‘Books for Schools’ initiative this February.

We have selected a series of popular children’s authors and topics to create a helpful library boosting parcel. Theses mixed packs of 25 books have been offered to a selection of Primary Schools and Primary Academies.

Michael Morpurgo and Sophie McKenzie

The team at Evoke Telecom are very excited about this program. We simply can’t wait to see the smile on children’s faces as they find these new books in their library.

Included will be books from the likes of; – Michael Morpurgo, Anthony Horowitz, Sophie McKenzie and Lauren Brooke. As parents will know, all of these are great favourites with Primary age students.

‘Small gestures that bring big smiles’

Respite for Heads and Governors. Welcome news for the school Librarian. But most importantly of all, new books that we hope will bring a big smile to the faces of many Primary School pupils for years to come.

Now there’s a thought for February ~ ‘small gestures that bring big smiles’

A Tablet Device for Every Pupil?

Written by matt on 19 January 2015. Posted in Blog.

Almost 70% of primary and secondary schools in the UK now use tablet computers, according to research.

What is more, giving a tablet computer to every school child can have a big impact on improving pupils’ motivation to learn and encourage independent study, research has found.

The effect is impressive as long as teachers are well trained before using tablets in class and schools invest in extra broadband and wi-fi capacity, the study also noted.

Despite the increase in the numbers of computers in schools, the study shows that hands on access for pupils remains limited. However, allowing pupils to play with and explore new tools could enhance their motivation to think, understand, learn and conceptualise in new and more creative ways.

The study, commissioned by education technology charity Tablets for Schools, looked at a representative sample of 671 state and independent schools. It found that tablets are now being used, at least to some extent, in 68% of primary and 69% of secondary schools, according to the study headed by Dr. Barbie Clarke of the Family, Kids and Youth research group.

What is more, researchers found examples of much more intensive use. For example , in 9% of schools, there was an individual tablet device for every pupil.

Interesting when you make the comparison that approximately 70% of young people have access to a tablet computer at home

The highest use of tablet computers was within academy schools – much greater than in independent schools or other types of state schools.

The underlying trend is for an increasing number of tablet computers in schools – among those not using them at present, 45% reported that they would soon be likely to introduce them.

Between 2014 and 2016, the number of tablet computers in schools is expected to at least double from approximately 430,000 to estimates of somewhere in the region of 900,000 devices!

However, Dr. Clarke, formerly of the University of Cambridge’s education department, says it is not possible to make a definitive connection between tablet computers and improved results. This is because currently researchers cannot definitively isolate the impact of technology as the specific cause of a rise in attainment. Nonetheless, according to Dr. Clarke head teachers are reporting a positive impact from the use of tablets in the educational environment.

What is more, there is growing evidence that tablets may help to motivate pupilswho might otherwise be disengaged – and furthermore when pupils take home tablet computers it increases the involvement of families.

Dr. Clarke says that the role of technology is going to grow in schools. “The type of device might change, but it’s not going to go away. It will almost seem ridiculous if some of them are not using technology,” she said.

An early pioneer and adopter of ‘a tablet for every pupil’ is Loughborough High School (part of the Loughborough Endowed Schools). In the 2013/14 academic year they completed an impressive 1:1 iPad rollout for every pupil.

They are running an interactive one-day event on 10^th February 09:30-4:30pm to share some of the issues involved in 1:1 iPad deployment for School Leaders, Network Managers, Bursars and Governors with a Keynote speaker from Apple UK Education. During this one-day event, school leaders and staff will share their vision and their journey so far:

More information can be found in the Conference Brochure

http://www.leshigh.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Loughborough-High-School-Tablet-Conf-leaflet.pdf

Reserve your place at ‘A tablet for every pupil conference’ by completing the online form

http://endowedschools.com/ocd.aspx?action=showReunion&reunionName=TabletforEveryPupilConference

Hear from the Headmistress, Bursar and Director of Studies about governance and finance issues, and the school’s decision making process
Receive technical insights from their IT Director and Network Services team, with learning points for each stage of the deployment
Learn how iPads are used by staff and pupils, with an opportunity to hear more about the later roll out at the prep school
Meet organisations they have collaborated with to deliver their vision
Find out what steps they have taken since the deployment to further enhance teaching, learning and organisation

At Evoke Telecom we work with schools and colleges in the local community to help them achieve their visionary goals and technological improvements with the underlying mission to improve student outcomes and ensure technology is used as an effective enabler. Whilst the adoption of a tablet for every pupil is a growing and almost inevitable trend, so are the companies in the marketplace that offer expensive and not always best advice and solutions on how to upgrade and improve network infrastructure to accommodate this technology. The experienced team at Evoke, specialise in working with schools looking to deploy tablets, other network dependent solutions and the necessary supportive technologies. We offer good, sound, honest, no obligation advice as to how best achieve the desired outcome in the most cost effective and robust way.

Speak to one of the Evoke team today on 0800 8403688 or 01509 278278 for more information.