Secondary Device Booklet
Our Vision
Educating to Make a Difference in the World
Our Mission
Discovering the brilliance in every individual. Building community through respect and a sense of belonging.
Empowering people to act with purpose.
Secondary Device Strategy
The secondary device strategy is in place to support Teaching and Learning, examination arrangements and Digital Safeguarding for all children in JESS Secondary. (Year 7-13).
Teaching & Learning
All students in the secondary school have digital exercise books for all subjects using the Microsoft OneNote platform. To maximise the opportunities OneNote provides, it is essential for students to have a stylus Digital inking is particularly important in Maths and Science, where typing becomes more of a challenge for the work students are asked to complete. Students also require a front and back facing camera to keep a record of their learning that is completed in analogue ways (e.g. images of assets created in Art or DT, videos of performances in Drama or uploads of work completed on paper.) Our classroom screens allow students the opportunity to develop their presentation skills and support connection via Windows devices. Students also need a Windows device to access software required for learning in subjects like DT and Computing at all Key Stages (Year 7-13)
Examinations
All secondary students sit online national assessments Students use their device to sit these examinations. Over the last two years we have also begun to see GCSE examinations move online. Over the coming years more subjects are scheduled to move online. Students require a stylus for some of these examinations
Safeguarding
Our device strategy and infrastructure are designed to focus on keeping students safe online
All student devices are enrolled on Microsoft Intune to allow us to limit what apps and sites our learners can access. Windows devices also allow us to deploy special digital safeguarding software on student devices which allows teachers to monitor in-class activity and also captures any specific safeguarding concerns.
Teaching and Learning
Digital learning is an important aspect of life at JESS We pride ourselves on harnessing the power of technology to support the learning journey of all students. We strongly believe that a digital device is an important tool for learning. It can facilitate collaboration, increase engagement, and personalise learning, however it should be seen as a tool, and one that is not necessarily needed for every task. Whilst students use applications like Microsoft OneNote and Microsoft Teams to capture learning, a wide range of learning experiences (both digital and analogue) are employed across
OneNote – Students use OneNote as their digital notebook to capture all learning Students can embed photos of written work, insert multimedia files and demonstrate their learning through a diverse range of activities.
Teams – Teachers and students use Teams as a communication platform All home learning and assignments are posted in Teams to enable students to manage their workload.
Digital Safeguarding
Our device strategy and infrastructure is built to keep
students safe online.
We have three safeguarding measures in place to protect students online whilst on our campus
1.Firewall - Our Firewall allows us to monitor student access to the internet and block any sites that are inappropriate.
2.Microsoft Endpoint Manager - All Windows devices are managed by Endpoint Manager This allows us to ensure updates and patches provided by Microsoft and other software vendors are applied to the device Endpoint Manager also allows us to set a level of device compliance that all devices connecting to our network adhere to, this includes ensuring devices have up to date antivirus and firewall settings as well as configuration files and that they are turned on
3.Classroom Cloud - Our teachers use Classroom Cloud during lessons This allows the teacher to view what each student is up to on their device, ensuring they are on task and not distracted by other websites or games Classroom cloud is also used by our safeguarding team as it allows them to monitor any concerning activity, identifies any students at risk and spots li f d hi h l i f nline safety curriculum
Technology will be ever present in the lives of our students. We want to equip them with the skills to thrive.
Device Specifications
Device minimum specifications:
Runs on Windows Pro*
Has an Intel Core i5 processor or higher
Has a minimum of 256GB storage
Has 16GB RAM
Functions as a laptop i e it has a keyboard & touchpad
Functions as a tablet i.e. it is touchscreen and works with a stylus
Has both front and rear-facing cameras
Has headphones
*Please note that Windows Home is not suitable and all student devices must run on Windows Pro This is required for JESS to manage the devices and send applications and updates to them. Our recommended supplier, Jackys, offer Windows Pro at no additional cost. Devices purchased elsewhere that run on Windows Home must have Windows Pro bought separately and installed prior to the device being used onsite at JESS Secondary
Purchasing options
There are two options for purchasing the device:
Option 1. Purchase a Surface Pro from our partner, Jacky’s Retail These are offered at a special discounted rate for JESS families. We have been partnered with Jacky’s for nine years now and their service has always been excellent The package they offer meets our core device requirements at a competitive price. Purchasing from Jacky’s is recommended because you get Windows Pro included at no extra cost; one-year free warranty and options for payment plans of up to 12 months The device even comes pre-configured with all the necessary school settings and safety protocols (so there is no requirement to hand the device in at the school) Jackys are also the official service provider for Microsoft in the MENA region
Option 2. Purchase any device that meets the given criteria via your chosen website/store. We advise against buying a device outside of the UAE as these are not always serviceable within the country. Please also check the Windows version that comes with the device. Finally be cautious of apparent “bargains” found on sites like Amazon.ae or Dubizzle Please make sure that you read the small print carefully as often these devices are being sold as new but are actually refurbished/repaired devices.
PLEASE NOTE - any devices not purchased via Jacky’s will need to be handed over to the JESS IT Technician team for configuration. This process can take a number of weeks before the device is available for use, so we strongly recommend that this is checked and addressed before the Summer break.
If you have any questions about device choices, please contact us.
Parent offers – Jacky’s Retail LLC
Jacky’s have negotiated with Microsoft on our behalf to bring you excellent offers on the latest Surface Pro devices. Jacky’s Retail are an authorised Microsoft partner and will only sell devices which are authentic, new, UAE region-specific products. Jacky's are also able to offer a range of financing options up to 12 months
https://www jackysbrandshop com/ae/jess
This portal will provide you with the opportunity to choose the specifications and peripherals you wish All of these models meet or exceed the core device criteria outlined on the previous page. The keyboard type cover and Surface pen are also essential. The ARC mouse is optional.
PLEASE USE YOUR HOME ADDRESS AT THE ONLINE CHECKOUT FOR DELIVERY
Please note: Jacky’s Retail is not the same as the Jacky’s stores in the malls. These offers are bespoke to JESS parents and not available in any Jacky’s stores
Warranties
As with many companies, products not bought within the UAE may not be serviceable within the UAE, therefore it is important to understand your rights as a consumer when purchasing a device outside of the UAE.
Devices purchased with Jacky’s:
Redington are the official warranty and service provider for Microsoft in the MENA region Devices bought through Jacky’s Retail come with a standard 1-year warranty and the option to add additional Redington warranties.
Devices not purchased with Jacky’s:
Check carefully that your device is under warranty for the UAE and that there is an option for service and repairs locally.
If your device is in warranty and in need of support/repairs, the process with Redington will be: Call Redington toll free on 800 367873
Redington will carry out remote diagnostics and support If this is not successful, they will pick up your device and take it to a service centre They guarantee you a replacement device within 48 hours
Device management
The management of student devices allows us to ensure that the highest standards of safeguarding are maintained across the school. Student devices at JESS are managed by our IT Tech Team. This has many advantages. It enables the Tech team to ensure your child’s device is kept up to date with the latest versions of apps. It also allows teachers to protect your child’s online activity and keep children safe while working in school; by limiting their access to games, social media and other non-educational content whilst on site at the school
When devices are NOT managed by the school
Students manage application installations and software updates
Parents pay for educational apps
Delays when using apps
Safety protocols left to family discretion
Students unsupervised on games and social media during the school day
When devices are managed by the school
Remote management of the application installation and software updates
When devices are managed
School pays for educational apps
No delays - apps can be used as required
School-wide safety protocols
Student use of devices is monitored throughout the school day
In order for our network security systems to keep the students safe, all students are expected to use their school Microsoft 365 account details to log in to their device. Any devices found on the system that do not meet the specified requirements will be prevented from accessing the school network and online platforms until this is rectified.
Any device found to be running a VPN, download software such as BitTorrent, or any other software that could be classed as a risk to the students' device or education will also be blocked.
FAQs
Why not Apple MacBook?
Students in all year groups use Microsoft OneNote as a platform for their digital exercise books Students at JESS do not have paper exercise books For OneNote to be used effectively students require a stylus and a front and back facing camera. MacBooks do not meet these requirements.
Students also need a Windows device to access software needed for learning in DT and Computing at all key stages Apple devices do not meet this requirement
Apple Macbooks do not allow our IT Tech Team to manage student devices. Apple MacBooks allow students to have administrator rights on their device.Our Windows devices are managed by our IT Tech Team and are automatically enrolled into Classroom Cloud classes so that teachers can see all of the student devices on one screen.Students using Apple MacBooks have the opportunity to turn Classroom Cloud on and off, which in turn means they can access games, VPN’s and inappropriate content, making digital safeguarding a challenge for us
Why not an iPad for Secondary students?
iPads do not support our DT, Music or Computing software
Students in all year groups sit online national assessments The requirements for external assessments have become an important part of our device strategy. Students in all year groups sit national testing (GL, PT, PASS, NGRT and Arabic IBT testing) at several times during the year. An iPad does not support the national testing device requirements.
In the last two years, we are also starting to see GCSE examinations move online This year History, Business Studies and Economics are being sat on devices. Over the next four years, more subjects are scheduled to move online Apple devices do not meet the device requirements of the examination boards to sit these examinations.
iPads present the same digital safeguarding challenges that Apple Macbooks present us with, because students have the administration rights on their device.
Can I purchase the device overseas?
Whilst this is a viable option, please note that it will mean that local service is not supported, and repairs may be more expensive. In our experience, devices bought from outside the UAE have had to be sent overseas for repair. This can become a lengthy process.
Does the device need a cover?
It is advised that the device is protected by a rugged cover Various options are available both in stores and online via sites such as Amazon.ae. The UAG (Urban Armor Gear) brand covers are particularly durable and have proven popular but there are many different types available.
Will there be facilities to charge devices at school?
Students will have the opportunity to charge devices in school during the day in some classrooms. The onus will be on the students to charge their device every night, so it is ready for use in lessons the following day However, the new Surface Pro allows for charging via a USB-C connected power bank. There are also charging stations available for students to use at break and lunchtime.
Will there be spare peripherals available at school – e.g., stylus/batteries?
A limited number of spare styluses for the Surface Pro are available from the cashier We do not keep stocks of batteries or pen nibs.
Should devices and peripherals be named?
It is crucial that students label their equipment for easy recognition and security Please do not have devices engraved as this invalidates any warranty.
How will students ensure that their devices are secure and safe when they are not using them?
All students are provided with a personal locker in or near their tutor base It is the responsibility of each student to lock their device in their locker securely. Devices should not be stored in a locker overnight; they will need to be taken home to charge for the following school day.
Do we need to purchase Microsoft Office as well?
No you do not. When you purchase a PC, you will often be prompted to bundle Microsoft Office with the device This is not needed for JESS students as they receive free copies of the full Microsoft Office suite as a part of the school’s Microsoft subscription.
Do students work on their device all day long?
Students will always learn in a variety of ways Student will sometimes use their device and sometimes use paper. OneNote works as a digital exercise book allowing students to capture their learning in one place. The digital books are rich in content, allowing students to create an organised digital portfolio ready to learn from The nature of each lesson and each subject will vary and incorporate a diverse range of activities
Will students receive
any
training in how best to use their device in school?
In September, all new students will receive digital induction which will focus on using their device effectively. All members of staff are familiar with using the Microsoft digital ecosystem and we have a team of student digital leaders who will be available to support new students.
Does the device need to have been setup before the first day of term?
Yes, and any pending updates should have been installed All devices must be configured and setup with the Secondary protocols and platforms for learning. Please see the information on device set up
What if I am missing some applications for home
use?
While JESS manages the device, as long as the student logs into the device using their School account, they will also have the permissions to install other applications for use at home.
Can I purchase a second-hand Surface?
Purchasing a second-hand Surface is acceptable but we recommend at least Surface Pro 7 that matches the minimum device requirements above. Please be mindful that older devices may not have the same performance as a new device
When can I expect to replace my
Surface?
As with all digital devices, the life cycle will depend on student usage and how well it is cared for. In our experience, student devices normally need replacing after four or five years of ownership, for example, teachers’ Surfaces are replaced on a five-year cycle As students progress through the school, they may choose to replace their device depending on GCSE/IB subjects chosen. Some subjects, such as music and DT will require more storage as they begin to engage with more complex work.
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