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 at the beginning of each school year.

1-1 Device Program and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Governing Council has endorsed a 3-year plan to transition to a 1-1 Device Program to ensure all young people at Wirreanda Secondary School have access to high quality devices to support learning. In 2024, we will commence rollout of this program for students in Year 7, 10 and Disability Unit/Special Class with the intent to continue to roll out to Year 7 and 10 cohorts over the next 3 years. This is a significant step forward for us as a school and I am really excited about what it means for our young people in a rapidly changing world. The program will have an annual fee of $350 with the device becoming the property of the student at the conclusion of the 3-year cycle. There is no annual fee for families eligible for school card.

‘Digital technologies are reshaping the world we live in. Research establishes that appropriately designed learning activities that make use of personal digital devices have a range of benefits for student learning. One-to-one access to personal digital devices has been shown to lift academic achievement, including improvements in literacy and numeracy.

Meaningful adoption and use of devices also enables:

• improved independence
• learning flexibility
• ability to research
• communication and collaboration.’

(Excerpt from DfE Secondary School Student Digital Device Policy)

Please read more about this program in the attached documents:

WSS 1-1 Device Program – Summary Information

1-1 Device Program – 2024 Handbook

DfE Secondary School Student Digital Device Policy

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 1-1 Device Program and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).

All communication regarding 1-1 Device Program or BYOD questions regarding use of IT/Digital Technologies in relation to the school, should be directed to Stacey Bartlett, Director of Teaching by phoning the school.