Wednesday, 12 April 2023

Higher-Order Thinking Afternoon (HOTA): “Bring Your Own Device”

Dear Parent/carer,

As a creative, forward thinking school we are continually looking for ways to trial ‘cutting edge’ innovations in education. Having invested heavily in a high speed wireless network at Chad Vale we are keen to find new ways to exploit this facility and although we have purchased a bank of laptops that use our wireless network, there is great capacity for further use.

Many pupils at home now own a ‘device’ that allows them to access learning resources on the internet; an iPod touch, iPad, Nintendo DS, laptop or mobile phone. We believe that these resources could help improve and enhance learning in school.

We have been trialling a new system, where pupils are allowed to bring their own device into school and use it to support their learning in Day a Week School. It’s been a great success and we’d now like to offer this facility for pupils in Y5 and 6 on Wednesdays. Internet enabled devices will be set to join our school wireless network which would enable safe, filtered web access in school. We would also use the additional functionality of the devices; email, camera for photos/videos, sound recorders, ‘apps’ etc to enhance the exciting learning during Higher Order Thinking Afternoon (more information on newsletter this Friday!)

If your child brings their own device into school we will do our utmost to keep them safe- devices will be stored in a locked cabinet within the classroom and will not be allowed out at playtime or dinnertime. Unfortunately, any devices brought into school will be ‘at your own risk’, the school’s current financial position is not able to fund the replacement of any device lost, broken or stolen- sorry! We would strongly recommend that you arrange insurance cover for any device through your home and contents insurance- you may already have this.

If you would like your child to be able to bring their own device on Wednesdays, could you please carefully read the Acceptable Use Policy attached and share it with your child, and then sign and return the agreement form.

Kind regards,

Deputy Head Teacher

Bring Your Own Device Agreement Form

Name of child:……………………………….. Class:……….

Please tick the boxes below to confirm you have read and accept the terms of

this agreement.

1. I give my child permission to bring in the device(s) listed below for use in school.

Device 1: ………………………………………………….

Device 2: …………………………………………………. (optional)

2. I understand that the school cannot refund or pay for repair or replacement of the devices listed above, should they be lost, stolen, damaged or broken whilst in school.

3. I have arranged suitable insurance to cover any device brought into school under this ‘BYOD’ agreement. (recommended!)

4. The device and any case or peripherals will be marked with my child’s name.

5. I will ensure that the device is fully charged before bringing it into school.

6. I give permission for the school to join the device(s) to the school network in order to provide access to the internet. I understand that, although this is filtered access, the school cannot be held responsible for any material that the child may access in school.

7. I have discussed the ‘BYOD’ Acceptable Use Policy (on reverse) with my child and they have signed this agreement.

8. My child will ensure that their device is not taken outside during playtimes and dinnertimes and that they are placed in the secure storage area before leaving their classroom.

Signed:………………………………………. (parent/carer)

Signed: ……………………………………… (pupil)

Date: ………………………..

Bring Your Own Device Acceptable Use Policy

I will only access my own email or sites to which I belong using my own username and password.

I will only use the devices to support my learning.

During ‘No Device’ tasks, I will make sure my device is turned off and stored safely and securely in the classroom.

I will only e-mail or send messages to people I know, or my teacher has approved.

Any messages or posts that I send will be polite, responsible and respectful.

I will not give my home address, telephone number, real name, age, email address or any other personal information or arrange to meet anyone who I’ve met online, unless my parent or teacher has given me permission.

I will report any inappropriate material or unpleasant messages sent to me to a trusted adult (teacher or parent) straight away.

I understand that the school may check my device and will monitor my internet use whilst my device(s) are in school.

I understand that the school may have to make some changes to network settings on my device to allow it access the internet at school. I will be shown how to change these back so that my device can operate at home.

I will not take my device outside during playtimes or dinnertimes unless my teachers have given me permission.

I will take care of my device(s) when I have it/them in school, particularly when moving around the classroom or learning area. I will ensure that my device(s) are left in the secure storage area in the classroom when I leave.