Electronic devices
Electronic devices are everywhere and they are undoubtedly an asset to education providers. However, we also have a responsibility to teach our students how to exercise moderation, and interpret the information they see online.
E-safety is addressed through our curriculum and Mrs Read is our E-Safety Coordinator, working closely with Mr Sargent our DSL, to make provisions that are relevant and accessible to our students.
Here's the latest issue of our e-safety newsletter, Vall-E:
E-learning Scheme (iPads)
Our E-Learning Scheme is open to all students and it starts prior to joining in Year 7. To be successful, the scheme relies on parental contributions, in addition to government gift aid and school subsidies. Students are issued an iPad, which includes all the apps they will need for school, and a comprehensive support package.
It is expected that students use their device safely and responsibly during the scheme, and that they bring their iPad to school each day, fully charged and in full working condition.
We issue iPads during the transition days prior to Term 1 of Year 7, which will be supported by sessions allowing students to learn about internet safety and how to conduct themselves safely and appropriately online. The roll-out is supported and supplemented by Computer Science and Digital Literacy lessons, as well as assemblies and presentations by teachers and external speakers. We run a very engaging and informative session for parents/carers early in Year 7, where we invite an expert in the field of e-safety to speak about how to protect children and young people online – we will write to you to let you know when this will be, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Mobile Phones
We operate an On Site, Out of Sight approach to mobile phones at Valley Park. Your child may bring their phone to school but it must be turned off once on the school site, remaining off until 3.15pm, or until your child is no longer on the school site (whichever is the sooner). During the school day, your child’s mobile phone should be kept in the bottom or their school bag, or in the inside pocket of their blazer.
This approach has been very successful in helping our students to socialise during break and lunch times, particularly our Year 7 students at a time when they are needing to make new friends.
Your child’s mobile phone, if brought into school, is their own personal responsibility; it should be clearly marked with your child’s name and stored discreetly. We are unable to take responsibility for any students’ valuables, and phones are brought into school at the owner’s risk.