Bring Your Own Device

Thomas Hardye School has launched a Bring Your Own Device initiative. This means that students will be able to bring laptops, netbooks, tablets, or smartphones into school to use for educational purposes. Having ongoing access to technology will help your son/daughter develop greater independence, increase engagement, and develop the skills required to thrive in the 21st Century.

This does not mean that you need to go out and buy your child a new iPad to use at school! Rather, that if your child already possesses a smart phone or other mobile device, they are now able to make use of this for learning purposes in school. Should your child not have a device to bring into school they will be in no way disadvantaged in lesson where mobile devices are being use as, if necessary, they will be able to use the school’s ICT equipment.

Advice for purchasing electronic devices suitable for use in school

For help connecting your device to the school network see our help article

Educational Activities

Student devices will be used to access resources and complete assignments. Educational activities may include researching information, producing documents, analysing data, producing films, reading e-books, creating blogs, taking notes, or scheduling events. The use of the device is at the sole discretion of the teacher.

Digital Citizenship

A focus of this initiative is digital citizenship, including the responsible use of technology. Your son/daughter will learn digital skills, ethics and online safety. These are clearly important aspects of participating in today’s world.

Safe and Secure

To maintain a safe and secure learning environment, a filtered Internet connection is provided for students. Additionally, students will only be able to use their device under the direct supervision of their teacher. Any unauthorized use may result in the device being confiscated, searched, and privileges being revoked.

Responsibility

Students are solely responsible for their device. They must bring it fully charged to school. As with other personally owned items, Thomas Hardye School is not liable for loss, damage, misuse, or theft.

Getting Screen Time Right

BYOD does not change the school’s policy on student use of mobile devices. These devices are to be used in lessons with the permission of a teacher. At all other times they should be kept secure and out of sight. As a school our aim is to promote an active, healthy lifestyle and achieving the correct balance between ‘screen time’ and other activities is very important to us.

Technical Support

Resources will be provided to help students connect their device to the school network. Your child must be familiar with how to use their device. Teachers will incorporate the use of your child’s device into learning where appropriate. However, they will not provide technical support.

---

We look forward to the educational opportunities that BYOD will bring. Participation in this initiative is entirely voluntary. Your child will not be disadvantaged if they do not have a device. The school will continue to provide access to school-owned technology.

Learn More

BYOD Frequently Asked Questions

ICT

---

Further Information

Should you have any questions or wish to find out more about Bring Your Own Device at Thomas Hardye School, please phone the school on 01305 266064