The
aim of this Acceptable Use Policy is to ensure that pupils will benefit from
learning opportunities offered by the school’s internet resources in a safe and
effective manner. Internet use and access is considered a school resource and
privilege. Therefore if the school’s AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) is not adhered
to this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions, as outlined in
the AUP, will be imposed. Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully to
indicate that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.
The
original version of this policy was drafted by David Douglas (B.O.M member) on
October 1st 2004 and amended and updated by Trevor Larke (Principal)
on July 30th 2009. This policy document has been reviewed by the
B.O.M of the school and will be reviewed and updated when required.
School
Strategy
The
school will employ a number of strategies in order to maximise learning
opportunities and reduce risks associated with the internet. Theses strategies
are as follows:
General
- Internet
sessions will always be supervised by a class teacher
- Filtering
software (Fortinet network protection) is used in order to minimise the
risk of exposure to inappropriate material
- Uploading
and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted
- The
use of personal memory sticks requires a class teacher’s permission
- Pupils will observe good etiquette on the
Internet and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into
disrepute
World Wide Web
- Pupils
will not visit internet sites that contain obscene, illegal, hateful or
otherwise objectionable materials
- Pupils
will never disclose or publicise personal information
- Pupils
will be aware that any usage, including distribution or receiving
information, school related or personal, may be monitored for unusual
activity, security and/or network management reasons
Email
·
It is the school’s policy for pupils not
to use personal email accounts in school
Internet
Forums
- Pupils
will only have access to discussion forums or other electronic
communication forums that have been approved by the school
- These
discussion forums will only be used for educational purposes and will
always be supervised
School Website
- Pupils
will be given the opportunity to publish projects, artwork or school work
on the World Wide Web
- The
publication of such material will be supervised by a teacher
- Personal
pupil information, including home address and contact details will not
be published on the school’s website
- Photographs
and video clips will not include pupils’ names or any other sensitive
information of any kind and will focus on group activities rather than
individuals
- Pupils
will continue to own the copyright on any work published
Legislation
The school
will adhere to the following legislation pertaining to internet usage in
school; parents should familiarise themselves with:
·
Data Protection Act 2003
·
Child trafficking and pornography Act
1998
·
Interception Act 1993
·
Video Recordings Act 1989
Sanctions
Misuse
of the internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings,
withdrawal of access privilege and in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion.
The
school also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the
appropriate authorities.
