Life in the fast lane at The Southport School

The Southport School with Data#3 has implemented a next-generation wireless network, now having the ability to manage more than 3000 different devices for 1600 students, and provide internet access across its 100-acre campus. 

The technology is from Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, and Palo Alto Networks. IT staff can switch off Wi-Fi access in chosen locations, at select times, monitor students’ online activities, and restrict certain websites. Where necessary, they can alert teachers if the boys access dangerous content or engage in inappropriate behavior, helping to combat cyberbullying.

Karel Bos, Dean of the Students at The Southport School, said, “The new technology is helping educate the students and prepare them for the future, promoting and empowering the boys to take control of their cyberworld and how good behaviour should be seen online.” 

With turbo-charged Wi-Fi, students are hooked into the global technology movement. The Southport School is the first school in Australia to take part in the global Cyber Patriot Games, where the objective is to clean up corrupted software within six hours. 

“Teachers have been able to stay at the forefront of advances in teaching practice – be experimental and innovative and flip the classroom and get speakers in from across the world. It really is only limited by the imagination of the teachers and students,” said Jo Inglis – Deputy Headmaster, Head of Teaching and Learning at the school.