PCs help maximise creative potential in performing arts

Beatles bassist Paul McCartney's old school, now known as the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (Lipa), has recently rolled out more than 100 PCs for its IT department.

The school,which runs hi-tech courses in music, acting, dance and community arts,will use the PCs, from AST Computers, to teach multimedia skills and facilitate study and distance learning.

Graham Hopper, general manager at AST for UK and Ireland, said: 'IT is embedded in the national curriculum - it is an integral part of education today, with an element of IT in every subject that is taught. With Lipa, we are witnessing IT used to its full creative potential by the stars of tomorrow's arts industry.'

Lipa's PCs are used on a network that stretches across every room in the building. Each student can log onto the nearest PC, which immediately sets up personal screen settings and email mailboxes. Staff and pupils will have the ability to access the PC remotely, according to Mike Barker, IT systems manager at Lipa.

'We're looking to install Campus TV, a multimedia TV noticeboard, as well as distance learning via the Net,' he said.