Software for learning on a computer
The following help desk article refers to downloading and installing software to use on a computer. For help and advice with downloading and installing applications for mobile devices please click here.
Introduction
Alongside Microsoft Office (click here for details on how to obtain a free copy for your child), our school uses other software applications to teach students, many of which can be downloaded for free although some do require purchasing. Please see below for more details.
Free Software
The following applications can be downloaded for free. Unless stated (by providing direct links to software downloads) we advise that for full compatibility with computers in school you download the below mentioned software using the links provided on this webpage which are the same as what is currently installed on the school computers.
Adobe Reader
Your child’s teachers may occasionally provide some work or resources either on Satchel One or on Microsoft Teams that are in PDF format. PDF is a document type that will open on most computers without the need for additional software, but if you need to download a reader follow this link.
Trimble SketchUp
Formally known as Google SketchUp, this software application is used by the Design Technology faculty to teach students 3D Design using a computer. It is used for a wide range of drawing applications such as civil and mechanical engineering, architectural and interior design.
Although SketchUp has in recent years shifted from a downloadable program to an online service through a web browser (you can make a free account to use with some limitations) the school still teach using the “offline” application.
You can download and install a copy of SketchUp for your computer from the following links below:
Microsoft Windows
Apple MacOS
Microsoft Small Basic
Microsoft Small Basic is a introductory programming language which is used by the ICT faculty to teach students computer programming. You can download a copy of Microsoft Small Basic for your computer for free from the following:
Microsoft Windows
Apple MacOS
Microsoft Small Basic is not available as a program to install on Apple MacOS computers but you can access the online web based version by clicking here.
Python
Python is an advanced computer programming language that is used by the ICT faculty to teach students computer programming. You can download a copy of Python for your computer for free from the following:
Microsoft Windows
Apple MacOS
Audacity
AppShed is an online website resource which is used by the ICT faculty to help teach students app development. No installation is necessary and works on all computers through a web browser.
You can visit AppShed by clicking here.
AppShed
Audacity is a free open source audio recording and editing application which is used by the Music and ICT faculties. You can download a copy of Audacity for your computer for free from the following:
WordPress
WordPress is a online platform that is used by the ICT faculty to help teach students website development. No installation is necessary and works on all platforms through a web browser.
You can learn more about WordPress by clicking here.
MuseScore
MuseScore is an application that is used by the Music faculty to aid with the creation and notation of musical composition. You can download a copy of MuseScore for your computer for free from the following:
Microsoft Windows
Apple MacOS
Shotcut
Shotcut is a free open source video editing application that is used in school by various facilities when creating video projects. You can download a copy of Shotcut for your computer for free (Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOSX) from the following:
GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free open source image editor which is an alternative program to Adobe Photoshop. You can download a copy of GIMP for your computer for free (Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOSX) from the following:
Paid for Software
Some programs that are used in the school to teach require either a one-off fee or subscription to use (some of which may be purchased at a reduced cost as a student). Listed below is some of the software you could buy and links providing further information.
Ableton
Ableton is a digital audio workstation application program which the Music faculty use to teach students how to make music using a computer. It is available for both Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS. You can learn more about Ableton by clicking here.
Cubase
Cubase is a digital audio workstation application program which the Music faculty use to teach students how to make music and MIDI recording, arranging and editing. It is available for both Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS. You can learn more about Cubase by clicking here.
Serato
Serato is a vinyl emulation application program that is used by DJ’s to play and record music. It is used by the Music faculty and is available for both Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS. You can learn more about Serato by clicking here.
Sibelius
Sibelius is an application that is used by the Music faculty to aid with the creation and notation of musical composition. It is available for both Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS. You can learn more about Sibelius by clicking here.