Support and FAQ

A 1:1 device refers to an educational program where schools provide each pupil with their own personal learning device such as computers, laptops, tablets or Chromebooks. The St Christopher’s leadership team researched several devices and platforms that would benefit both teachers and pupils for learning and teaching. The iPad was the most reliable device. 

There are several reasons why we chose the iPad as our core device for digital learning and teaching, for example:

• iPads are cost effective. Easy to use, fast, robust and they have great battery life.
• They provide access to an excellent range of educational tools and functions for each classroom.
• The iPad Operating System (iOS) has a wide range of accessibility features and makes it a great device for pupils with additional needs.
• Apple supports the platforms in schools that teachers use on a daily basis.

Pupils will be expected to take their devices home each night, charge as necessary and bring them back into school the next morning.

We expect pupils to come to school each morning with their devices fully charged and ready for learning each day. The iPad and connecting keyboard will both need to be charged.

This will depend on your child’s specific teachers or classes. The iPad will give your child access to a range of apps to support their learning and deepen their understanding. Your child will also be able to access lesson materials and respond in a variety of creative ways.We are keen that the iPads will enhance the learning experience for every child.

Individual devices are not intended to replace traditional learning tools. Instead, it is used to enhance the learning environment for your child. By using the iPads in a supplementary manner, teachers are helping develop your child’s technology skills, creativity and personalisation of their learning, whilst also continuing to advance other core literacy skills such as reading and writing. Book-based learning will continue, with recording still taking place in books, in tandem with iPad-based learning.

St Christopher’s aims to promote constructive and practical use of technology in learning environments. Pupils will only use their iPad for digital learning purposes and not for extracurricular activities. Therefore, the additional screen time that we may add to your child is minimal. We are able to control the times that the iPads are operational out of school. If you are concerned about your child’s screen time please read: https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/screen-time/. 

 Key Benefits:

• Personalised Learning:

Tailoring education to individual needs becomes seamless with 1:1 devices. Students can access personalised content, learning materials, and educational apps that cater to their unique learning styles and paces. Adaptive learning platforms will enable real-time assessment, allowing teachers to identify pupils’ strengths and areas for improvement, and facilitating targeted interventions. The integration of further technology will also enhance learners’ essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

• Digital Literacy and 21st Century Skills:

Embracing 1:1 devices empowers pupils to become digitally literate, preparing them for the demands of a technology-driven workforce. Exposure to collaborative digital tools fosters communication, creativity, and critical thinking, essential skills for success in the 21st century. 

• Equity and Inclusion:

1:1 device integration ensures that every pupil, regardless of background, has equal access to technology. This helps bridge the digital divide and promotes inclusivity in education. Technology becomes a great equaliser, offering diverse learners the tools they need to excel and participate fully in the educational process.

• Anywhere, Anytime Learning:

Learning becomes more flexible as pupils can engage with educational materials beyond the traditional classroom setting. This flexibility accommodates diverse learning styles and supports pupils in developing a sense of responsibility for their education.

• Enhanced Teacher-Student Collaboration:

1:1 devices facilitate a more interactive and collaborative learning environment. Teachers can provide instant feedback, track progress, and tailor instruction to meet individual pupil needs.Collaborative projects and online discussions encourage students to actively engage with course content and develop important social and team-building skills.

The iPads will come fully set up by the St Christopher’s Digital Team, allowing access to all the appropriate apps to allow your child full access to their in-school and at-home learning. The iPad must be brought into school each day, fully charged and with the keyboard attachment. Anti-virus software will already be installed and controls for access are set centrally by the Digital Team using Jamf. You will need to connect the iPad to the home wifi to allow full access at home, but this will not bypass the Jamf measures in place at school. Please report any issues to your class teacher who is a member of the digital team.

The children will all be given individual logins and will be taught to keep these safe and told not to share these with anyone. The children’s own details will be protected as part of our school’s GDPR and Safeguarding policies, and will therefore not be shared with any external parties or organisations outside of St Christopher’s. This is regularly reviewed by our Safeguarding, E-Safety and Digital Teams to ensure the greatest levels of security and safeguarding.

St Christopher’s will be able to provide some technical support through our existing channels. We also have access to the Mobile Device Management (MDM) software (Jampf) who are able to support and advise on a wide variety of technical issues. In the first instance for technical support, please email digitalteam@stchristophersthehall.org.uk

Relevant form and specialist teachers have had training on using iPads and how to incorporate the use of Digital Learning in lessons. This expertise will be used to guide pupils, especially at the start, with how to use the iPad for the maximum benefit in class. For parents, we have set up a dedicated email address digitalteam@stchristophersthehall.org.uk for technical issues so as to inform our Mobile Device Management (MDS) software (Jampf), created a Digital Strategy section our school website with access to supporting documents, and we will create supporting videos to support parents in areas that are identified as needing further support and guidance.

All iPads are administered to a Mobile Device Management (MDM) software (Jampf) and have settings that have been agreed in conjunction with teaching staff. This gives St Christopher’s full control over their functionality such as freezing/locking screens, time settings, browsing restrictions etc. This ensures a safe and versatile learning environment that can be tailored to our learners’ needs.

All access to the internet by the pupils using their devices will be via our secure wireless network. When the pupils connect to this, they will use their standard network credentials and will be subject to the same filtering and monitoring policies as they currently are on the school-owned machines. This means that they will not be able to access restricted or inappropriate content at school or at home. As a school, we can apply settings to moderate what content the children access and what apps and settings they can use – in school and out.

All iPads are securely managed and will only have access to pre-approved applications. All apps will have security and privacy assessments before approval. Inappropriate websites will be blocked on the iPad. In addition, social media websites and apps that could facilitate cyberbullying will be blocked too. Teachers will also encourage the safe use of technology to your child while in class or at home through PSHE and Computing units on online safety.

From September 2024, St Christopher’s will adopt the NCCE Teach Computing scheme (Teach Computing), enhancing its Computing curriculum. While computing will remain its own subject, it will be integrated into other disciplines to promote cross-curricular learning. This approach ensures students not only develop core computing skills but also apply them in various contexts, fostering a comprehensive understanding and practical application of technology across the curriculum. This dual approach aims to create a more interconnected and versatile educational experience for students, preparing them for a technology-driven world.

Yes, keyboard skills will still be taught at St Christopher’s. The NCCE curriculum includes keyboard skills starting from Year 1. From Year 3 onwards, each student will regularly use an iPad, with a keyboard, naturally enhancing their typing proficiency over time. Additionally, the school plans to incorporate touch-typing games, providing students with continuous and engaging practice. This comprehensive approach ensures students develop strong keyboard skills.

Coding will be an integral part of the programming curriculum under the NCCE at St Christopher’s. Students will begin with block-based programming using platforms like Scratch, which simplifies coding concepts for beginners and teaches children to gain an understanding of algorithms. This will provide them with an understanding of coding skills and ease the transition into secondary school where they will begin to explore text-based languages.

AI is constantly evolving, and we need to stay informed about its advancements. Through staff CPD and ongoing reading, we will monitor AI developments, especially in education. While we are not planning to use AI tools in lessons, as the NCCE curriculum introduces AI concepts in KS3, discussions about AI may naturally arise in lessons. This approach ensures we remain aware of AI’s potential and relevance for our students.

With your child now having their iPad, they are now responsible for keeping it safe. They must take it out of their school bag each morning and bring this into class already charged. The provided case for the iPad must always be used to protect it from potential damage. Your child must charge their iPad up every night using the charger supplied and bring it into school each day fully charged. Your child’s responsibilities are outlined in the Home School Agreement, which you, your child and the school will need to sign before your child is issued with an iPad.

Parent/carer’s responsibilities are outlined in the Home School Agreement, which you, your child and the school will need to sign before your child is issued with their iPad. We would encourage parents/carers to:

• reinforce our messages regarding the safe use of technology
• remind their child to fully charge their iPad before coming to school
• report any breakages or technical issues as soon as possible

More useful information can be found on the UK Safer Internet website where you can find guides and resources regarding the protection of children on the internet.

 The iPads are insured against theft or damage. Once theft/damage is reported to the school, we will contact the insurance company to arrange for a replacement device without any charge. However, the iPads are not covered for loss. In the event of losing the device, the School will activate Lost Mode via Jampf. Lost Mode allows the school to track the location of the device and lock the screen indefinitely. This should aid in retrieving the device. If the iPad still cannot be recovered, the adult who signed the 1:1 device agreement may be financially liable to replace the iPad.

If you have any questions or concerns please email the digital team, digitalteam@stchristophersthehall.org.uk  who will be able to help you.