Is anyone else as disgusted with this as I am???? Do our kids need to provide blackboards and desks next?? We need a petition............
Dear Parents
Over recent years there has been, as you will be aware, an increasing emphasis on the use of IT in classrooms and for learning in general. Three or four years ago, many schools required all students, above a certain age, to bring a laptop or tablet to school for use in lessons. My view then was that the software and systems available at the time, were not up to the task. I also wanted to wait until the purposes and benefits of such an initiative were clear.
Since then, we have run pilot programmes with a selection of teachers and students and in a range of year groups and subjects. We have built expertise and capability and, in addition, it is now clear to us – and the education world in general – that the proper use if IT can and will enhance the learning of students. In addition, our wireless infrastructure at Saar and Isa Town has reached the point where it can handle multiple, simultaneous student use.
Accordingly, we have made the decision that, from September 2015, the essential equipment for all pupils, from Year 2 to Year 6, will include an iPad. In the Senior School; the essential equipment for all students will include a laptop.
For Parents who have already provided their children with such devices, please ensure these meet the minimum specifications as stated below.
For Parents who will need to purchase new, or wish to take this opportunity to upgrade, the School is in negotiation with local suppliers to provide a discounted price for a standardised "St Chris Package". Thus making this easy to obtain the required specification (further details of this will be communicated in due course).
Years 2 - 6
iPad: Minimum specification – iPad Mini Wi-Fi (or iPad 2, 16GB Wi-Fi, running iOS 8)
iPad: Recommended specification – iPad Mini 2 or Mini 3, 32 GB (or above) running iOS 8
Year 7-13 (Minimum specification)
Windows 7 (SP2) 32 or 64 bit, with Wi-Fi and a battery life of 6 hours or more.
Or
Laptop: Apple Mac OSx 10.9.x, with Wi-Fi and a battery life of 6 hours or more.
Please note: As with all devices the laptop should be adequately protected with Antivirus Software. The School recommends Trend Micro (around £19.99 GBP) or AVG (free).
In addition, an Office Application Suite will be essential. The School has a negotiated that all of our students are entitled to receive Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus for both Windows, Mac & tablet devices for free!
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions about the required specification.
With the equipment specified, your children will be able to engage in exciting new approaches to learning. In the the Senior School students will have access to the School's cloud storage so they can easily access their work from anywhere connected to the Internet.
The School has already reviewed policies and procedures to safeguard and accommodate the safe use of devices within school.
Kind regards
Ed Goodwin OBE
(Principal)