Building Digital Literacy: 1:1 Devices
Our 1:1 Devices Strategy
By September 2023, all pupils in Years 7 to 11 will have their own Microsoft Surface Go 3 device.
The aim of this new approach is to further enhance the digital literacy and skills of all Merchant Taylors’ pupils and supports our efforts to become a Microsoft Showcase School in the coming years.
When will the new strategy begin?
The rollout begins in September 2022, when pupils entering Years 7, 9 and 10 will receive their device. We are phasing in the scheme with a maximum of three year groups to make the process manageable for pupils and staff. The initial year groups were chosen based on teaching impact and device life cycle. At Year 7, we want to support their assimilation into the school’s digital environment. Year 10 were chosen as we want a consistent approach to learning throughout their two-year course, while Year 9 were selected to support an improved transition into their GCSE studies and maximise their opportunity to use digital devices during this period.
"Today’s world requires a new focus on active learning, innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving. "Developing these skills will challenge us as a School to develop our curriculum model and how we deliver our lessons in the classroom and beyond." Mrs Claire Tao, Executive Head
Forward-thinking and adaptable Our Digital Strategy will help to underpin one of the key themes in our five-year Strategic Plan, namely to be a School that is forward-thinking and adaptable, and help to drive transformation within the organisation.
We want to ensure that we build a forward-looking curriculum that provides a wealth of opportunities to learn about new technologies. This initiative builds on our successful delivery of online learning during the Covid lockdown and has been shaped by feedback received from pilot trials and research undertaken with staff, pupils and parents.
Enhanced learning for all
Adopting 1:1 devices in our senior schools will ensure pupils continue to benefit from the use of technology to support and enhance their learning, inspire creativity and develop their ability as independent learners.
This approach will also support greater alignment of our teaching and learning practices across Merchant Taylors' so that all members of the School community enjoy a consistent approach in the use of technology.
How will this impact learning in the classroom? Ultimately, technological innovation and digital literacy will shape the way we all learn, teach and examine. The new devices will provide a means to develop the key skills which each pupil will need in the future: it will transform their learning experience as a result. Whilst digital learning will not be replacing traditional methods of learning in the classroom (handwritten work will still be undertaken), the device will add great value to the ways in which lessons can be delivered by teachers. For example, we will use models such as Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (SAMR) to understand how the devices are being used in lessons and help to improve the teaching experience for staff and pupils, including our SEND and EAL pupils.
Research has shown the benefits of adopting a hybrid approach may include: New opportunities for teachers to deliver different types of instructions or resources depending on each pupil's needs More opportunities for pupils to produce creative content Pupils and teachers can present and share work in new ways Enhanced range of assessment methodologies and feedback, giving pupils more ownership over the progress they are making More active, vivid and immersive experiences Greater opportunities for collaborative and global classrooms Enabling pupils to reflect on and improve their notes and organisation This evolution will inevitably take time to come to fruition, and eventually we would expect to see the associated hardware and functionality being used with increasing frequency. Investment in technology will help to reinforce the excellence of education that we provide and underpin our ethos.
Digital wellbeing & security Your child's safety and security remains our first priority, so the Surface Go 3 they receive will be set up in such a way to promote staying safe online.
We have invested in extra licensing to provide the same website content filtering that we use in school; this will cover device use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This product, called Lightspeed Filter, is powered by the most comprehensive database of education-focused online content in the industry. Patented Lightspeed agents leverage advanced AI to automatically block millions of inappropriate and harmful sites, images, and videos. Lightspeed Filter helps pastoral teams to monitor student safety across all devices, operating systems, and learning environments.
For all pupils, access to social media sites will be restricted. We will also configure the Surface Go 3 devices to stop internet access during the night. An internet 'lights out' period will operate for all year groups (with timings of the shut off varying by age group) – the device will still function for local applications (e.g. Word / PowerPoint). There will also be restrictions on the programmes that can be installed on the devices. Pupils will continue to have lessons in cyber safety through the PSHE programme, and the expectations set out in the ICT Acceptable Use Policy will continue to be made very clear to pupils. The introduction of the Surface Go 3 as a ‘work device’ means that mobile telephones will no longer have any use during the school day. Accordingly, the access of mobiles – a ‘social device’ – will be limited. We feel this provides School and home with an opportunity to reinforce the importance of the appropriate use of technology to support academic work, whilst limiting the distraction and other adverse impacts that the functionality of a mobile telephone brings.
About the Surface Go 3 Merchant Taylors’ senior school pupils were asked to inspect and test a range of devices in a variety of tasks. All pupils in all age groups voted the market-leading Surface Go 3 as the best tool for digital activities in the classroom. It is a lightweight, portable 2-in-1 device, ideal for note-taking, sketching and touch allowing users to browse, work and learn both inside and outside the classroom. Each device includes: High-resolution 10.5” touchscreen with adjustable kickstand 8GB of RAM, 128 GB storage cloud-based storage, Windows 11 Pro QWERTY keyboard Urban Armor Gear Metropolis black cover Microsoft Surface 20g charcoal stylus pen Additionally, and helpfully, staff are already familiar with the Surface Go 3, as it is a similar version of the device they currently use at School.
Logistics Pupils in Years 7, 9 and 10 will be given their Surface Go 3 at the beginning of term in September 2022. Pupils in all other year groups will receive their device by September 2023. We will be using the latest InTune deployment technology from Microsoft to minimise the set-up time for the device and it will distribute all of the necessary software to the Surface Go 3. When your child receives the device they will get instructional material and advice on how to get started using their school username and other details. Pupils will be able to take their devices home and will be expected to bring them into school fully charged each day.
Financing We have sourced the devices under a wholesale agreement with a third-party supplier, so the cost of providing the devices to pupils will be met by us, with no additional payment on top of school fees required from parents. Families are asked to sign a Loan Agreement with us, agreeing to observe terms and conditions around the maintenance, security and acceptable use of the device. The purpose of the Loan Agreement is to provide clarity around use of the device and to ensure that it is taken care of by each pupil. Each Surface Go 3 is insured for theft and accidental damage. The policy provides cover for the first claim, but there is an excess of £50 for every further claim. This cost would be added to parents' fee bill in the event there is more than one incidence of accidental damage. The device is not insured for loss, e.g. leaving it on a bus. In this scenario, you would be responsible for the residual cost remaining on the School’s three-year agreement with the provider. Please therefore ensure your child looks after the device in line with the terms of the Loan Agreement. If the device fails, we will cover the cost of repair or replacement.
Learning together The introduction of digital devices for each senior school pupil will inevitably bring its own challenges and signal a period of learning for pupils, staff and parents. While we would ask you to please bear with us during the process, we would also encourage you to please get in touch if you have any questions about the devices before. during or after their implementation. Only by sharing feedback and working together can we hope to optimise the learning experience for Merchant Taylors' pupils. If you have any questions, please contact Dr Clay or Mr Andrews, who will be happy to assist you: Dr Chris Clay, Director of Digital Learning - c.clay@merchanttaylors.com Mr Jon Andrews, Academic Director (Designate) - j.andrews@merchanttaylors.com If your child's device is lost or damaged, please contact ictheldesk@merchanttaylors.com
FAQs - In School When will my child receive the device? Pupils in Years 7, 9 and 10 will receive devices in late August 2022, prior to the start of term. You will be notified via email when your child will be able to collect the device. This will include a copy of the "Student Loan Device Agreement", a signed copy of which must be brought in to school with your child in order to collect the device. Will the device be ready to go? We will be using the latest InTune deployment technology from Microsoft. This minimises the setup time and process for the device and it will distribute all of the necessary software to the Surface Go 3 for your child. When your child receives the device, they will receive instructions and advice on how to get started using the Microsoft Single Sign On facility. What do pupils do with their device when it's not being used? The device should be stored in the pupil’s bag, and the school bag kept in a room within a secure school building, such as a form room. Where do pupils keep their device during PE? Changing rooms are secured during PE and students should leave the device in their bags in the changing room during PE and games. Does the device have to go home each night and does this put younger pupils at risk? The vast majority of our pupils carry mobile phones at a similar or greater value than the device, so whilst the device is a desirable object it is highly likely loss or theft is only likely to occur where the device is left unattended. Will it be possible to observe a pupil's progress and learning if they're using a device? Yes, the device is like any other learning tool – it is there to enhance teaching and learning. Pupils will still use folders / exercise books alongside their devices. In some subjects the record of learning may be electronic, in others it may be on paper. Pupils’ digital work will be stored in Teams so it will be possible to view this in the same way as looking at a folder or exercise book. Teachers, form tutors, parents and school inspectors may all scrutinise a pupil’s work electronically. What happens if the device gets damaged or develops a fault? The device is fully insured against accidental damage and theft for a period of 3 years. Any accidental damage (including liquid) or device faults are fully covered. What happens if the device gets lost? Theft of the device is covered for a period of 3 years. Loss, however, is not covered under the scheme insurance (your home insurance may cover this). If the device is lost, you would be liable to continue to contribute for the entirety of the scheme. School would provide a loan device but this would remain property of the school. We would strongly recommend you ensure that the device is part of your home contents insurance, with respect to being covered outside of the home. How do I make an insurance claim? This will be completed by the ICT support team, on your behalf. How long does it take to fix a device or receive a replacement? It takes approximately 10-15 working days for a fix or replacement to be arranged / completed. School will issue a loan device during this period. Does the insurance cover theft of the device? Yes it does, but a police crime reference number will need to be submitted with any insurance claim for theft.
FAQs - Technical Is 128GB enough - will there be an option to expand storage? It's the aim of this scheme for most files to be stored on the Microsoft Cloud using OneDrive for Business. Can pupils charge their device in school if it goes flat? No charging facilities are provided in school. Pupils will be expected to have a fully charged device at the start of each school day. Pupils are used to looking after their existing digital equipment to ensure it is usable, so we feel this is a manageable expectation. Who is responsible for charging the device? A fully charged device is a required part of a pupil’s equipment, so responsibility lies with them to ensure this it is charged. A pupil who comes to school without their device or without it adequately charged will receive sanctions in line with our Behaviour Policy. Will pupils need access to Wi-Fi at home? To fully utilise their device, pupils need access to the internet to connect to our network; however, the device will store recent work 'offline' and then re-sync when back online. Who will own the apps at the end of the scheme? The apps are licensed to Merchant Taylors' School or the device, once a device leaves the school network licenses revert to the school. Will my child's work be backed up? All work will be stored securely on the Microsoft Cloud and is saved as pupils work on the device. This work is then available to any device connected to the internet (with username and password) and can easily be shared with teachers and peers. Are we allowed to install our own applications? The aim of this scheme is for a device to be fully managed by school, apps needed for school work will come pre-installed. Administrative access to the machine is granted as part of the scheme, but any installed software that hinders the operation within school may be removed, or the device reset back to the original state received. What standard applications will be installed? All applications required for school work will be installed as standard on the devices and students will not be able to install their own apps on to the devices. Antivirus and updates will all be provided and managed through school. Will there be internet filtering on my home Wi-Fi connection? Yes, every device will have a web filter agent installed called Lightspeed Filter. Furthermore, this system will also mean that the device can have the ability to access the internet via the WiFI switched off at a certain time in the evening. I regularly update my computer and scan for viruses, how will this work? The device will regularly update over the internet at home or in- school and managed antivirus will be installed. You can still manually complete these operations should you wish to. Will this restrict my child from experiencing other operating systems? As a school we primarily utilise the Windows operating system and the device will run Windows 11, we believe this is reflective of the workplace and provides our pupils with the best tools for learning. We do also utilise other operating systems where appropriate across school. Will the device be used for 'digital exams'? A significant number of exam boards are actively exploring digital examinations and we do utilise devices for some qualifications. At the present time, however, the majority of examinations are still completed on paper.