Computers - Use of Computers/Internet Permission
As part of the school’s ICT programme we offer pupils access to school computers and to the Internet. Before being allowed to use these resources, all pupils must obtain parental permission and both they and you are requested to sign the Confidential Personal Information Sheet as evidence of your approval and their acceptance of the school rules on this matter.
Access to the Internet enables pupils to explore thousands of libraries, databases and forums while exchanging messages with other Internet users throughout the world. Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. Lawrence Sheriff School does not condone the use of such materials and will use its best endeavours to prevent access to all such inappropriate materials.
Whilst our aim for computer use and Internet use is to further educational goals and objectives, pupils may find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits to pupils from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and carers of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the school supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.
During school, teachers will endeavour to guide pupils towards appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media.
We should be grateful if you would read the following guidance notes and then complete the relevant section on the personal information form and return it with your acceptance papers - if permission is not given, boys will be barred from using the computer network and the Internet. If you do not wish your son to have access to the Internet, please would you confirm this in writing.
Pupils will be provided with a personal Gmail account which will be used by them to communicate with teachers and fellow pupils. This account should not be used by parents to communicate with the school.
SCHOOL RULES ON THE USE OF COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET
Pupils are responsible for good behaviour on the school computers and the Internet just as they are in a classroom or a school corridor. General school rules apply.
The Internet is provided for pupils to research classroom projects and communicate with others (E-mail). Parents’ permission is required. Remember that access is a privilege, not a right and that access requires responsibility.
Individual users of computers and the Internet are responsible for their behaviour and communications over the network. It is presumed that users will comply with school standards and will honour the agreements they have signed.
Computer storage areas and personal storage areas will be treated like school lockers. Staff may review files and communications to ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on servers or disks would always be private.
Pupils are expected to make best endeavours to ensure malicious code is not introduced onto the computers in the school.
Pupils should logon using their own personal logon information (do not use logon information belonging to someone else) and should not divulge personal logon details to others.
Pupils should not use computers in any way that is deemed by the school now or in the future, to be detrimental to others or to the smooth running of the school’s computer infrastructure.
The following are not permitted:
Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures.
Using obscene language.
Harassing, insulting or attacking others.
Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks.
Violating copyright laws or copying/pasting others’ work without noting the source.
Bringing into school, in electronic form, any materials that would be unacceptable on paper.
Intentionally wasting limited resources.
Using the Internet for any illegal purpose.
Adding profile pictures to school email account.
Using school email account for social media.
Using Ai not permitted for age range. or without teacher permission.
Sanctions:
Violations of the above rules will result in a temporary or permanent ban on network and Internet use.
Additional disciplinary action may be added in line with existing practice on inappropriate language or behaviour.
By completing and signing the personal information sheet you are agreeing to the following:
Pupil
As a school user of the Internet, I agree to comply with the school rules on its use. I will use the network in a responsible way and observe all the restrictions explained to me by the school.
Parent
As the parent or legal guardian of the pupil, I grant permission for my son to use electronic mail and the Internet. I understand that pupils will be held accountable for their own actions. I also understand that some materials on the Internet may be objectionable and I accept responsibility for setting standards for my son to follow when selecting, sharing and exploring information and media.
If you do not wish your son to have access to the computer network and the Internet, please confirm this in writing and attach it to your son’s personal information sheet. Thank you.