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Our curriculum at the College is based on a ‘Blended’ approach and embraces technology where is benefits students.

Including:

• Easy access of resources used in class.
• Retrieval activities with instant feedback.
• Safekeeping of work and submission of assignments to teachers.
• Accessibility of the curriculum for those students needing particular support.

The use of technology does not take away from our other key principles:

• Handwriting and the ability to write for extended periods as required for GCSE exams
• Reading for knowledge and pleasure
• Active group discussions and collaborative work

Ready for September 2025, students in Years 7 and 8 will have the ability to purchase a laptop that can be used in class as well as independent work in Study Club and at home. 

The benefits of a laptop scheme are:

• Windows-based laptop, fully connected to the College wi-Fi network (also usable on a home network).
• A protective case.
• College managed device with the best levels of eSafety.
• The laptop belongs to you at the end of the scheme.
• Comprehensive warranty and accidental damage cover.
• Repair service with loan device during the repair time.
• Payments managed through our partner company with no requirement for a credit check.

Only laptops bought through the scheme can be used in College.

How does the scheme work?

June/July 2025

• Parent agrees that a laptop will be beneficial to their child.
• Parent accesses the ordering portal and completes the order form

August 2025

• First payment taken by direct debit

September 2025

• Students receive and signs for their laptop and accessories in College
• September and onwards for 28 months – further payments taken by direct debit

January 2027

Options to:

• Accept the accidental damage risk as you know your child has been sensible with the device – therefore no further payments
• For peace of mind, add a further 2 years of accidental damage cover
• Upgrade to a newer laptop

Year 8 students will only have 1 year left therefore not be given the opportunity to upgrade and accidental damage cover will be offered for 1 further year.

Warranty and Accidental Damage

Warranty

The laptop is covered by a 5-year warranty.

This is managed through the College.  Should a device need a warranty repair, the device will be returned to the IT manager and a loan device supplied for the duration of the repair.  

Accidental damage excess

To keep monthly costs low for all, we have chosen accidental damage cover with a small excess.  This is paid to the College via ParentMail prior to repair:

• 1^st repair - £10
• 2^nd / 3^rd repairs - £30
• 4^th and subsequent repair - £50

Our expectations of the students

• To bring the laptop to College every day fully charged.
• To look after the laptop, using the protective case provided.
• Use the device in lessons and support sessions within the agreement of our BYOT policy.

Our expectations of you as a parent

• Support your child in maintaining the laptop, bringing it into College charged each day.
• Report any defects as soon as possible, so repairs can be made in a timely manner.
• Complete all payments as agreed and contact the College if difficulties arise.

The Laptops supplied for September 2025

Why refurbished and what is the quality and guarantee?

We have chosen to work with a partnership company that supplies refurbished laptops.  

• You get a higher-specification laptop at a lower cost.
• More sustainable for the environment.

The company supplies most of the computers we use in College. We are impressed and very satisfied with the quality of the devices supplied to us.

Safeguarding and Classroom management?

Safeguarding

The devices are supplied with ‘Senso’ safeguarding software.  This monitors internet traffic and block inappropriate websites.

While in College, we will be informed by the software of any inappropriate searches and manage them on an individual basis as we do for all our college computers.

While at home, the software will continue to monitor and block inappropriate searches.   Should the college feel it necessary, we will inform parents of reports we receive from the software.

Classroom management

The software is aware that the device is in college due to the WiFi connection it is using.   In college only, teachers can connect to a class group of laptops to facilitate a smooth lesson – sharing resources, locking laptops for class discussion, sharing screen with the rest of the class to show quality work etc.

The monitoring of laptop screens is not possible when a laptop is not connected to the College WiFi, therefore not possible while a student is away from the college.