IT/Digital Technologies
According to the PISA report: Students, Computers and Learning: Making the Connection (2015):
“The foundation skills required in a digital environment can and should be taught”
“Information and communication technology (ICT) has revolutionised virtually every aspect of our life and work. Students unable to navigate through a complex digital landscape will no longer be able to participate fully in the economic, social and cultural life around them.”
Educating our students in a technology-rich environment is essential to our school’s focus on high expectations, innovation and improvement.
At Wirreanda Secondary School, we pride ourselves in educating our students on Digital Citizenship and Digital Literacies. Whilst embracing the power of digital technologies, we recognise the need to raise awareness of the risks that students can face online. However, this area can be difficult to navigate for all concerned.
Given that, our Tips for Parenting Online document provides information and research to assist parents of Wirreanda Secondary School students.
Acceptable Use of ICT
Use of IT and Digital Technologies facilities at Wirreanda Secondary School are in accordance with Department for Education guidelines and policies. Students and parents/caregivers are obliged to read the policy in advance of signing the agreement to use digital facilities at the school. Both the policy and the agreement form are provided via the links below:
ICT and Cyber-Safety Use Agreement
Access to the school ICT facilities, network and internet are subject to the parent and student reading and agreeing to sign these forms.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
A compulsory system for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) at Wirreanda Secondary School has been in place for a number of years now and all students are expected, every day, to have a fully charged device to learn with, in every lesson.
Learning with technology is an essential component of education at Wirreanda Secondary School. The school provides:
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- High speed online access for any laptop that meets our minimum specification (details on minimum specification are provided below).
- Long Term Loans system available for up to a year at a cost of $100 (nonrefundable), based on eligible criteria. Forms to apply for these are available on request.
- Daily Loans have a limit of 15 school days for each student. These will be monitored and recorded by the loans system. After 15 days, any student who does not have a working device will be expected to work on paper (exceptions to this must be negotiated)
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Why BYOD?
Having a BYOD programme at Wirreanda Secondary School is vital to the development of young people and the school. The full reasoning behind BYOD can be explored in this document: Why BYOD?
FAQs
Many of the frequently asked questions are answered in this comprehensive document: BYOD FAQs
Need to buy a device?
We know that to many people, choosing a device for their children can be confusing, so here is some advice and details of the minimum specification for a device.
No additional software is needed such as Anti-virus (Windows Defender can be used for free) or the Microsoft Office software, as we work on Google Suite.
VIEW THE 2022 BYOD SPECIFICATION GUIDE
Already have a device?
If you already have a device that you intend your child to bring to school, then come in and try it out on our network.
Please note: We DO NOT recommend tablet devices such as Apple iPads, and Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo Tab etc.
Mobile Phones are NOT a suitable BYOD.
Need further help/advice?
We recognise that this can be a confusing issue to deal with for some parents and caregivers. Hence, we urge you to contact us if you are unsure of anything in relation to BYOD. We also realise that some families may struggle financially to equip their son/daughter with a device. Again, early communication with the school is key to solving this issue.
All communication regarding BYOD or questions regarding use of IT/Digital Technologies in relation to the school, should be directed to Stacey Bartlett, Senior Leader, by phoning the school.
