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Sandhurst School

School Policies 

School Photographic Policy

There will be occasions where it is desirable to record photographic images of students in school for use in broadcast media, for example, the school newsletter, social media accounts or local press.  Photographs are an excellent way of celebrating our students’ achievements. The following is an outline of the school’s policy on the taking, storage and use of photographic images.

  • The overriding principle of our policy (in line with Bracknell Forest Council) is that permission must be obtained from everyone in the image if it is to be used. As there are many occasions when we may wish to take photographs, we will ask your permission when your son/daughter joins the school. This permission will allow us to take, store and use a photograph of your child within materials produced to publicise the school, including on the school website.
  • Once permission has been granted, only those students whose parents have given permission for them to appear in images will be present when the images are recorded. Students must also take responsibility in this matter.
  • The above does not apply to photographs of students taken for identification purposes.
  • If the school uses photographs in a broadcast publication (including on the school’s website), individuals will not be identified by name unless direct permission has been sought.
  • The school may record images of students for educational purposes. Nothing recorded for such purposes will be published/transmitted outside the school unless permission has been received through the process previously described.
  • The school may record images of students for educational purposes. Nothing recorded for such purposes will be published/transmitted outside the school unless permission has been received through the process previously described.

Biometric Data Permission

The school is required to obtain parental permission for all biometric data held by the school.

The school uses a finger recognition system in the school canteen to allow meals and drinks to be served efficiently and reduce waiting times for students.

The system does not take a fingerprint - but takes random measurements of the patterns of the fingertip. These are then encoded and stored securely on our school database. Your son/daughter will place his/her finger onto the scanner in the canteen to access the  funds stored in his/her account. The school will not use the biometric information for any other purpose other than that stated above. The school will store the biometric information collected securely in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and only share this information with Cucina, our school catering company, and will not disclose it to any other person.

In order to be able to use your son’s/daughter’s biometric information in this way, the consent of at least one parent is required. However, should either parent object, then the information will not be used.  You can object, in writing, to the proposed processing of your son’s/daughter’s biometric information at any time or, if you consent, you can withdraw this consent at any time but must do so in writing.

In addition, your son/daughter may at any time object or refuse to allow his/her biometric information to be used, even if you have given your consent. We would appreciate it if you could explain this to him/her.

If you do not wish your son’s/daughter’s biometric information to be processed by the school, or he/ she object to such processing, we will provide reasonable alternative arrangements that allow him/ her to buy food from the canteen.

Using School Computers

The school has computers, Google tools (like Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Sites), and the internet to help you learn, share ideas, and work together. Everyone who uses these computers – students, teachers, and visitors – must follow these rules and be responsible.

Important Rules for Using School Computers:

  • Only for Schoolwork: You should only use the computers for your school lessons and homework. They are here to help you learn!
  • Look After Them: Computers and other equipment cost a lot of money and time to set up and keep working. They are important for everyone. Please be careful with them and don't damage them.
  • No Food or Drink: Keep all food and drinks away from the computers. Spills can break them!
  • Your Own Login: Always use your own special username and password to log in. Never share your password with anyone, and don't try to use someone else's login.
  • Not Private: What you do on school computers, like your files and emails, is not private. School IT staff can read them.
  • School Can Check/Delete: The school can look at or delete any files you have on the school's computer systems.
  • Respect Copyright: Be careful with pictures, music, videos, and writing you find online. Many things have "copyright," meaning someone else owns them. Don't copy or use them without permission. If you're not sure, ask your teacher or the IT staff.
  • Save Your Work: The school saves copies of your work, but it's also your job to make sure your important files are saved properly so you don't lose them.

Using The School Internet

  • The internet at school is for learning and helping with your schoolwork. Everything you do online at school is watched.

    Important Rules for Using the School Internet:

    • For Learning Only: Only use the internet for things that help you learn and for your school subjects.
    • Always Watched: Remember, everything you do on the internet at school is checked. This includes all your emails.
    • You Are Responsible: You are responsible for any messages you send online, whether it's an email, a post on a school message board, or anything else.
    • No Chat Rooms or Social Media: You are not allowed to use chat rooms or your personal social media (like TikTok or Instagram) on school computers.
    • No Bad Stuff: You must not try to find or look at anything inappropriate, like rude, racist, or offensive pictures or videos, using school computers.
    • Stay Safe Online:
    • If you accidentally see something unpleasant or offensive online, tell a teacher or IT staff member right away. You won't get into trouble for telling us, and it helps keep you and others safe.
    • Don't send emails to people you don't know unless a teacher says it's okay.
    • Always make sure your emails are polite and responsible.
    • Never give out your home address or phone number, or arrange to meet someone you've talked to online, unless a teacher has given you special permission.

Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Exam Ruies (From JCQ)

  • AI tools are smart computer programs that can help with schoolwork. But it's super important to use them correctly, especially for exams.

    The JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) sets rules for exams in the UK. Here's what they say about AI:

    • Your Work Must Be Yours: When you do schoolwork or take an exam, your answers and ideas must be all yours. Don't pretend something an AI made is your own work.
    • No Cheating with AI: Copying or using answers from an AI tool is like cheating ("malpractice"). You could lose marks or not be allowed to take exams.
    • Tell Your Teacher: If you use AI to help with schoolwork (only if your teacher says it's okay!), you must tell them clearly. Show how you used it and where the AI content came from. Keep a copy of what the AI made.
    • AI is a Helper, Not a Replacement: AI can help you find information, but it can't do your thinking for you. Exams are to show your knowledge.
    • Teachers Check: Your teachers will make sure your work is truly yours.

    Remember: Using AI to cheat is very serious. Always ask your teacher if you're not sure!

Sanctions For Misuse Of School Computer Systems And/Or Internet Access

In the event of misuse of the school computer systems and/or the Internet access, some or all of the following sanctions may be used:

  • A temporary or permanent ban on the use of the school’s computer systems and Internet access.
  • When applicable, police or local authorities may be involved.
  • Students will be charged for any intentional damage caused to IT equipment.

 

Privacy Notice  - Data Protection Act 1998
Full policy for parents and carers available at:
https://www.corvuslearningtrust.co.uk/Privacy-Notices/

Mobile Phone Policy

Mobile phones are banned from being used on the school. We accept that parents like their children to have a mobile phone on them for safety and security reasons and therefore mobile phones can be brought to school, permitting that they are switched off (not on silent or vibrate) and remain in your school bag for the remainder of your time spent on the school site. This includes before and after school.

The policy that staff follow when it comes to mobile phones is simple; if we see it or hear it, we will take it. The confiscation process is as follows:

Confiscation 1:

The device can be collected by the student after 3.20pm at reception. This will follow a 20-minute detention, notification of which to parent/carer(s) to be made by ClassCharts.

Confiscation 2:

The device will be returned to parent/carer(s) only, who will be required to come to reception to collect the device from a senior member of staff after 3.00pm. Students will receive a 40-minute detention and a follow-up letter will be sent to parent/carer(s).

Further Confiscations 

This will result in students having to hand in the device at the start of each day and may lead to the school withdrawing the right of a student to bring phones or other devices onto the school site. Students will be issued with an internal suspension.

Refusal To Hand Over Phone:

If a student refuses to hand the phone over to a member of staff then the student will be placed into the Reset Room and parent/carer(s) contacted, followed by the school policy of a 60 minute detention. Continued defiance will obviously escalate the sanctions applied and could result in suspension from school.

If a mobile phone has not been collected within 6 months of the date of confiscation and after the school has written to the student’s parent/carer(s) notifying them of the school’s intention to dispose of the mobile phone by a specified date if it is not collected, the mobile phone will be disposed of.

Please be aware that this policy includes mobile phones, iPads and other tablet devices, earphones, smart watches and any other device that can be connected to the internet.

 

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