BYOD

Maidstone Intermediate is a “Bring Your Own Device” school. This means students have to bring a device to school and connect it to our WIFI network for use during class instruction under the guidance of a teacher. Teachers endeavour to integrate digital activities into the class programme where appropriate.

What device should students have:

We recognise that students are only at Maidstone Intermediate for 2 years so parents should also take into account any requirements that secondary schools may have if buying a brand new device. 

BYOD Devices for use at Maidstone Intermediate should have:

• A screen greater than 10”
• Be WIFI capable (recommend WiFI N minimum)
• A working battery with a rated 6-hour use
• A keyboard (can be portable/Bluetooth)
• Up to date operating system and antivirus software
• Must be able to run Google Chrome
  

Security

All classrooms have a lockable space for students to store their devices when not in use. Each student is expected to “sign” their device in and out each day as part of our safety requirements. The school accepts no liability for any device at any time so please check with your insurance company as to whether the device is covered by your contents insurance policy. 

Each device should come to school in a custom case/cover or bag. 

The school has no facility for battery charging so we recommend fully charging your device before bringing it to school each day. Power adaptors should be left at home. 

Unless under the direct supervision of a teacher, devices will not be used at intervals and lunch. 

Cellphones

Cellphones can be useful for on-the-spot learning or the recording of learning but have a higher risk during use as the cellular network bypasses the firewalls and content filters that Maidstone Intermediate has set up.

Students are expected to hand in their phones to the teacher at the beginning of the day to be locked away in a secure cupboard. Teachers can give permission for cellphone use during class learning time as appropriate.

Social Media

We remind parents that it is their responsibility to monitor young people’s activity on social media. We discourage any student from creating accounts on social media for which there are age restrictions. If you have concerns regarding social media and its use, contact your child’s classroom teacher who will be able to advise appropriate action. The school actively blocks many of the more well-known social media sites as they come to our attention.

On the First Day

The first few days of school are extremely busy. We suggest your child leaves their device at home until their classroom teacher tells them to bring it to school. No child will need a device on day one – this includes Year 8 students. Teachers will discuss the “do’s and don’ts” and procedures with their classes over the first few days of the term. 

Google

Our school provides access for all students and staff to the Google Apps for Education suite of products. This includes Mail, Drive (including Docs, Sheets, Slides) and Calendar; all platforms that teachers use to engage students. Our internet supplier provides a modest level of cyber protection by blocking inappropriate content and keyword email filtering. 

Digital Citizenship and Responsible Use Agreement:

Maidstone Intermediate has a Responsible Use Agreement (RUA) that students and parents are expected to read, sign, and return to the school. This document details the school’s expectations for the use of devices at school, and how students should act online.