Digital Device Policy

This policy includes all manner of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, iPods and other MP3 players, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, gaming systems (such as PSP and Nintendo) and laptops and notebook computers where appropriate.

Rationale for the Policy
It is understood that cell phones are increasingly being used for security reasons and for general convenience when collecting pupils from school. Electronic devices of all kinds are being used for purposes of learning and entertainment. As a consequence more and more pupils are bringing mobile phones and other electronic devices to school. However, this does create a number of problems for the pupils and their peers.


 * 1) These devices are often and easily stolen.
 * 2) They tend to ring or otherwise cause distractions for other pupils during lessons.
 * 3) Pupils play games during lessons on these devices.
 * 4) They can be used to communicate with other pupils at inappropriate times, such as in tests or other controlled environments.
 * 5) The possession of such devices makes them a target for criminals, especially to pupils who walk and ride to school.

Policy
Unless otherwise stated in the departmental subject policy pertaining to classroom management of digital devices, the following general policy described below will apply.

The policy of the school for these devices is as follows:
 * 1) Electronic devices may be brought to the school. They must be turned off, and mobile phones must be silent at all times. They may not be used for any form of communication during class, including the receiving and making of telephone calls, sending or receiving SMS messages, sending and receiving of e-mails or any other form of electronic communication.
 * 2) If necessary, messages can be checked between lessons and during breaks. A pupil who is late for a class because they were making or receiving a telephone call will be punished with a Councillor’s detention on a Friday afternoon. Parents are asked to rather send text messages which can be read when the pupil has a chance to do so and should not expect a telephone call to be answered during school hours.
 * 3) If there is a concern that the phone or electronic device could be stolen, it can be handed in at the front office. The school will take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of the device, but it cannot be held responsible for its loss.
 * 4) If a phone rings during lesson time the pupil will be placed in a Councillors detention on a Friday afternoon.
 * 5) Repeated offences (say three) will receive a Headmasters Detention
 * 6) Pupils who use their electronic device for organisational purposes may use the device in class, but only with the permission of that teacher who may refuse this at his or her discretion.
 * 7) Electronic devices may NOT be used while in a controlled test or examination venue by any member of the class.

Waiver of Liability
The school does not take responsibility for the theft of any electronic devices that are taken from within school bags or lockers. It is the pupil’s responsibility to ensure that their devices are kept secure at all times. For the safety and security of these devices and for that of the pupils, it is the suggestion of the management of the school that these devices are not brought to school. The pupils can use the public phones in the event of an emergency. There are also teachers who can assist if the pupils have a problem. Parents should make clear and accurate arrangements with their children as to when and where they must be collected.