Acceptable User Policy : Pastoral : Sixth Form

Pastoral
Acceptable User Policy

Use of the Computer Network, Internet and E-mail in the collaborative

As part of the collaborative’s information and communications technology (ICT) program, we offer students use of the computer network and supervised access to the Internet and e-mail. Before the collaborative allows students to use these facilities, they must obtain parental permission. Both students and parents must sign and return a Computer Network and Internet Use Permission Form as evidence of their acceptance of The Sixth Form Experience Rules for Responsible ICT Use. Copies of both are attached to this letter.

Various projects have proven the educational benefits of Internet and e-mail access, which enable students to explore a wide range of information sources, and communicate and collaborate with other learners throughout the world. Although there are concerns about students having access to inappropriate material via the Internet, the collaborative takes a range of measures to minimise these risks. A filtering and monitoring system is in operation which restricts access to inappropriate materials.

Students will have access to MSN, Hotmail and Gmail providing these sites are used responsibly. Access is only available for email use, sites must not be used for MSN messaging or chatting. If students are found to be abusing these sites, access rights will be taken away.

Although Internet use is supervised and filtered within our collaborative, families should be aware that some students might find ways to access material that is inaccurate, defamatory, illegal, or potentially offensive to some people. As with any other area, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. The collaborative therefore supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for access.

The collaborative may also use photographs of students on their website to illustrate the collaborative at work, but will not use close up photographs of individual children and will not publish student’s names alongside the photographs. Personal details of students will not be given at any time.

During the sixth form day, teachers will guide students towards appropriate material. At home, families bear the same responsibility for guidance as they exercise with other information sources such as television, telephone, cinema and radio.

If you decide to support your child’s application for access to the Computer Network and the Internet, please read as attached The Sixth Form Experience Rules for Responsible ICT Use, complete and sign the permission form and return it to collaborative by Monday 7 September.

K. Kell
Sixth Form Director

I. Temple
Sixth Form Director

P. Lewandowski
Network Manager