Digital Learning

At Somerville, we want our students to be confident, connected, actively involved, life long learners, and technology is a critical component of 21st century learning. 

Our school is committed to ensuring that students engage in safe and effective digital learning. As part of our proactive approach to the safety and wellbeing of our students, we have developed a Student User Agreement which requests parents sign and return to school. This agreement is available to download below.

What we use:

Google Apps Suite:

  • Google Docs

  • Google Sheets

  • Google Slides

All of these are online where no extra costs are involved or programmes required.

Guidelines

The device is:

  • Not used during morning interval and lunchtime.

  • Used to support learning.

  • The responsibility of the student

  • Covered by the owner's insurance

Note:

  • The school cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage incurred.

  • Lockable storage will be provided.

  • No 3G access. The internet will only be accessed via the school wifi. 

  • The battery should be fully charged in the morning and last for at least 6 hours.

  • Software updates or downloads should not be carried out during school time.

  • The school may not be able to support any technical issues and/or upgrades of the device.

  • Conditions of the school's Internet Use Agreement apply.

Minimum Recommended Device Requirements

  • MacOS, Windows or Chromebook Devices, we do not encourage the use of Android or iOS tablets as the apps for Google for Education often lack key features.

  • 4GB of RAM is the minimum, 8GB or more is highly recommended.

  • Wi-Fi capable (Often specified as 802.11 g/n/ac)

  • Minimum of 6 hours of battery life, students will be unable to charge their devices at school.

  • 11-14 inch screen. Devices with larger screens tend to be unwieldy and heavy. Devices with a touch screen can be very expensive to repair if they are damaged.

  • A front-facing webcam is useful for students to take recordings or photos of their work.

  • If the device is MacOS or Windows, pre-installing Google Chrome (https://www.google.com/chrome/) before the first day of school is useful.

Other Useful Accessories

  • Headset or ear buds (for private listening)

  • Protective laptop sleeve or backpack with a computer compartment (to protect it better)