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1:1 Technology

Mobile device information

Smart Device Acceptable Use Policy

Students may bring a mobile smart device into school should they wish, but it is not something the school requires for students to access their learning.

In response to our consultation, we have placed some restrictions on the use of smartphones/devices to help students maintain a healthy balance between digital communication and face to face communication.

Sixth Form students and staff

Sixth form students and staff are trusted to make appropriate decisions with regards to smartphone/device use, but we do have certain expectations.  Phones should be switched to silent and kept out of sight during lessons unless they are being used for the learning process. We insist that sixth form students do not use their phones/devices whilst walking around the school site for health and safety reasons. Staff are expected to set an example and follow the same principles as those which apply to sixth form students.

Outside of school use

PHSG endorses and supports the Chief Medical Officer’s guidance on screen use.  In particular, we encourage parents to ensure smart devices are placed outside their children's bedrooms at night. Having a period of time at home where smart devices are put away is a good strategy for inhibiting the semi-dependence that some young people have on their smart devices.

Parents should continue to be mindful about the amount of time their children spend accessing social media and keep communicating with them about the need to maintain a healthy balance of offline as well as online activity.

1:1 Technology Trial

Plymouth High School for Girls is committed to providing students with the most up to date ways of learning and part of this is to make use of 1:1 technology.  

Students who have been issued with a device will be expected to look after it and bring it to school each day, fully charged. Many teachers will make extensive use of the devices in class and it is very likely that students will need to use their devices to complete homework. 

The devices are supplied to support school work and remain the property of Plymouth High unless they are purchased by parents.  Whether the device is purchased or not, we reserve the right to periodically check the devices to establish what has been stored on them and the search history.  We do this to protect our students.

Students may decide they wish to access the Internet to answer questions they have about themselves and growing up.  This is perfectly normal and to be encouraged.  However, we ask that everyone remain mindful about the potential dangers associated with material on the Internet, just as we would around the use of personal mobile phones.

Although the devices are supplied for school work, students are welcome to use their devices for personal use at home, providing all accessed material is appropriate. We ask that parents are vigilant about how their children are using the devices and have regular conversations with them about healthy use of the Internet.

When we issue a device to a student, we will ask the student and parent to sign a contract of acceptable use. This contract covers organisation, care and use of the device.