Runnymede College aims to ensure secure access to ICT for all pupils. It recognises that technology encourages a new collaborative way of thinking and opportunities for exploring information. It also recognises the challenges pupils face in accessing reliable, appropriate information and in avoiding content and behaviour that is biased, bullying or exploitative. Runnymede College wishes to educate and safeguard pupils, parents and staff on the best use of ICT and alert them to the risks.
This policy applies to the use of technology on School premises and also any use, whether on or off School premises, during term time or in holidays, which affects the welfare of other students or where the culture or reputation of the School are put at risk.
This policy outlines the acceptable use of Internet and email facilities, file-servers, messaging services, and any networks or hardware, including but not limited to that provided by the School. It applies to any personal devices and other equipment that can be used to access, store or record data or media files.
ACCEPTABLE USE:
Students are responsible for their actions, conduct and behaviour online, or when using school devices in the same way that they are responsible at all other times. They should also adhere to the following guidelines when using the school network.
The school networks and related devices such as the iPads are the property of Runnymede College. They have been made available to students to help enrich the learning process and to enable them to become skilled and responsible users of tools that have become part of our everyday lives. Students are expected to use the resources for the educational purposes for which they are provided.
SERVICE PROVISION:
We have excellent network provision, including Wi-Fi in all areas of the school. Any issues regarding access should be addressed to the IT Department.
REPORTING:
Technical issues should be reported to the IT Department which is located on the lower floor of the Train building. Teachers can use the IT ticketing system for maintenance and technical issues while other matters can be reported via email to itsupport@runnymede-college.com. A breach of the e safety policy should be reported to the appropriate member of staff, usually the Head of Year or line manager
MONITORING:
The school reserves the right to monitor communications and general network usage in order to:
- Protect pupils;.
- Establish facts;
- Prevent or detect crime or inappropriate behaviour;
- Investigate or detect unauthorised, suspicious or inappropriate use of school ICT systems;
- Ensure the effective and secure operation of the school network and its systems.
The following checks are in place to assist pupils:
- Teachers can use the Apple Classroom app to monitor student use of devices during lessons.
- If there is a suspicion that devices may be used inappropriately, the school reserves the right to perform random checks on any device brought into school by pupils.
- The software that allows Internet access through the network maintains a log of all sites visited by all users, including attempts to access sites prohibited by the firewall.
- The PSHEE programme is also used to help support the work of Internet awareness, use of social media and cyber-bullying;
EXPECTATIONS FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF ICT
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Sixth formers are permitted to bring laptops to school for learning and educational use only. The devices must be compatible with the school network and should only be used in class at the teachers’ discretion for purposes permitted by the teacher and not for messaging, playing games or other non-educational activities.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones are not allowed to be used in school. If they are brought to school, then they should be left in the office area at the beginning of the day and picked up at the end.
Pupils should not use their mobile phones on the school bus or at any time while on the school premises (even before or after school hours). They must, therefore, not be used in the waiting area either.
If pupils wish to contact their parents, they must do so from the school office.
SMART WATCHES
Smart watches should not be worn to school.
IPADS:
All pupils from Years 7-11 are issued with an iPad. Use of a Mobile Device Management system will enable the IT and Senior Leadership teams to remotely distribute updates, settings, and software to the devices. This has the benefit of students not having to source subject-specialist software for their own devices. It will also give parents and teaching staff the peace of mind that pupils are only able to access filtered content and applications and programs that have a clear academic focus.
As a student you understand that the iPad is the property of Runnymede College and that it has been issued for school-related work for the duration of the academic year. You understand that if any of the following conditions are broken, the iPad may be taken from you and returned only at the discretion of the Headmaster.
As a student of the senior school, you will:
- keep the iPad, cover and charger in good condition without marks or graffiti; report any loss or damage immediately.
- ensure you leave enough memory/space on iPad to allow for the use of educational apps and school work.
- not use the iPad to access inappropriate Internet sites, download, distribute, store or display material or messages that could upset others;
- return the iPad at any time when requested by the school. If a student is unable to do this, their parents are liable for the cost to replace missing items.
- not remove any identifying marks placed on the iPad by the school;
- not loan the iPad to others or allow them to use it;
- not change, or attempt to change, the Runnymede College profile on the iPad or the original operating system installed.
- Return the iPad to the school in good condition when required.
Damage/Loss
- In the event of the iPad and/or its accessories being irreparable,or if it is lost/stolen due to pupil negligence, then the replacement cost will be incurred by parents or carers.
- If the iPad can be repaired without the need to purchase physical items, such as buttons not working, then no cost will be incurred.
- If the iPad requires servicing outside the College and the damage is deemed non- warranty but can be repaired, the cost of the repairs will be incurred by the parents/carers.
Security:
- Use a ‘strong’ password for your accounts. Keep your password or security information a secret to others, except your parents/carers.
- Make sure your device is locked whenever you leave it and log off your accounts.
- Do not reveal any personal information (e.g. home address, telephone number) about yourself when using the Internet.
- Do not share your login details (including passwords) for online accounts with anyone else. Do not use other people’s usernames and passwords.
- Do not use drives or other portable devices on the school devices without having them checked for viruses by the IT Department.
- Do not download and/or install any unapproved software, system utilities, VPNs or resources from the Internet.
- If you discover a security problem, you should inform the IT Department immediately at itsupport@runnymede-college.com.
Communication:
- Use appropriate language in all communication.
- If you are under 18 and wish to use an e-mail address, you must obtain the permission of your parents/carers and should get them to carry out the signing up process for the account.
- Always copy in your parents to an e-mail when you are sending work to a teacher.
- Do not use social media sites, messaging or chat rooms during school hours.
Behaviour:
- Do not create, send or post any material that is likely to cause offence or needless anxiety to other people or bring the school into disrepute.
- Do not attempt to visit websites that might be considered inappropriate or illegal.
- Do not access other users’ files or folders.
- Students should never impersonate others or disrupt video lessons. They should only use the official school log-ons for these applications and they should identify themselves using their first and surnames rather than any nicknames.
- Remember that files held and actions carried out using the school network will be regularly checked by the Systems Administrator or other members of staff.
- Do not use the computers, iPads or any ICT devices to disrupt the work of others.
- Do not attempt to harm or destroy any equipment, or work of another user on the school network system or from another location.
- Do not receive, send or publish material that violates copyright law.
- Report any inappropriate use of the system and/or devices to itsupport@runnymede-college.com
Sanctions
Where a student breaches any of the school’s rules relating to acceptable use of electronic equipment, an appropriate and proportionate sanction may be given. These may range from a negative House Point, to confiscation of any personal or shared devices, to more serious sanctions, including exclusion. If the breach is of a criminal nature, the parents, police and local authorities may be involved. If the school discovers that a child or young person is at risk as a consequence of online activity, it may seek assistance from the parents, agentes tutores, police force or social services. The DSL handles all Child Protection situations.
EDUCATION / PSHEE / PARENT SUPPORT:
Pupils are educated about both the opportunities and risks associated with the use of technology and the internet. They have regular PSHEE sessions that cover topics such as online safety, social media, gaming addiction, online gambling, pornography and other matters. Talks by external specialists are regularly organised for pupils and parents to provide further information and guidance.
Policy Reviewed May 2022
User Agreement Form for the Student E Safety Policy
It is the personal responsibility of every student to take all reasonable steps to make sure they follow the conditions set out in this Policy.
I agree to follow the school guidelines on the use of the school IT resources and systems. I will use the resources in a responsible way and observe all the guidelines explained above.
I agree to report any misuse of the network to the Systems Administrator (sysadmin@runnymede-college.com).
I also agree to report any websites that are available on the school Internet that contain inappropriate material to the Systems Administrator (sysadmin@runnymede-college.com).
If I do not follow the rules, I understand that this may result in loss of access to these resources as well as other sanction. I realise that students under reasonable suspicion of misuse in terms of time or content may have their usage monitored or their past use investigated.
Student Name: ________________________________
Student Signature: ________________________________
Parent/Carer/Guardian Name: ________________________________
Parent/Carer/Guardian Signature: ________________________________
Date: ___/___ /______
Policy Reviewed May 2022