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St Catherine's School
ICT ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
(Prep and Senior)

Reviewed by: Senior Deputy Head
Last Reviewed: September 2026
Next Review: May 2027

SCHOOL MISSION

We are inspired by St Catherine of Siena, who said ‘Be who God wants you to be, and you will set the world on fire’, to form young women of confidence and compassion, ready for service and leadership in the world. We fulfil our mission through these values:

 

Community: a place of cheerfulness, dignity and tolerance, where all are welcome
Faith: a Christ-centred school with time for reflection; a culture of gratitude and friendship
Courage: with self-knowledge, resilience and integrity, and a readiness for challenge
Scholarship: where gifts are developed through curiosity, imagination and ambition
Service: commitment to others, to stewardship, and to justice and hope for all

 

Equipment and Conduct

I will only use ICT systems in school for the purposes of learning as directed by teachers and support staff (including digital video, mobile devices, cameras, sound recording devices etc.).

I understand the importance of respecting that others have rights around their privacy and the use of their image.  I therefore understand that I must not use camera/video facilities on mobile phones or other devices to photograph/video record other members of the school without their consent. 

If I am using a school device I will not interfere with or make any adjustments to any of the hardware or settings to the computer, monitor, mouse, printer, or any other peripheral or cabling.  If I find that any component has been adjusted or damaged, I will not attempt to repair any hardware myself, but will report it at once to the Strategic Technology Manager  or to my teacher. 

If I use a school device I will not leave it unattended and ensure it is put back in its rightful place and I will leave workstations tidy and ready for the next user.

I will not risk accidentally damaging the computers or other ICT equipment by eating or drinking when using them.

I will access only those network areas, which I am allowed to use, namely  my account, My Google Drive and Shared Drives I am granted access to. In particular, I will not attempt to access other people’s data. I will use only the software that is installed on the system. In particular, I will not bring into school or download any games, software, USB or external drives or other applications or  files and will check that any music, graphics, video or text material that I may bring in is in connection with one of my courses or other school approved activity, and that such material does not break copyright law.

I will do my utmost to ensure that I do not bring any computer viruses or malware into school. If I discover that one of my school files is infected, I will immediately report it to the Strategic Technology Manager or my teacher.

I will use the printing facilities strictly for education, choosing the appropriate time to print my work.

I will never share my passwords with anyone and will change my password regularly or when instructed. I will never attempt to log in to someone else’s account, and understand this would be a breach of a number of laws in relation to computer misuse and data protection.

I understand that I must be cautious when copying and pasting or downloading  material from the internet, and know that in certain circumstances this might result in my work not being accepted by my teacher and/or an examination board.

 will not attempt to hack, interfere with or gain access to any device, network or service I am not permitted to use and I understand in doing so I may be in breach of the Computer Misuse Act 1990. I understand the importance of reporting to a member of staff immediately if I witness others attempting to do so.

I will not attempt to circumvent the IT network through the use of VPNs, proxies or other tools.

Email/Internet

When in school I will only use the school email account for school purposes.

I understand that use of the school internet, email and network is monitored to ensure proper use of the system. Activity is monitored for safeguarding and security.

If I use any material downloaded from the Internet in any of my work, I will indicate its source and clearly identify any section used verbatim.

I will respect the Data Protection Act 2018 and will not reveal personal information about others or myself when using the school’s email and internet.

I will only use the internet for educational purposes and I will not attempt to bypass the school’s internet filtering system. Accordingly, I will not use mobile connectivity on any personal device I bring into school to access content I know to be blocked on the school internet.

I will inform a teacher if I find a website, content, email or other communication which I think my parents or my teachers would consider unsuitable.

Social Media

I understand that Social Media sites are blocked by the internet filter in school, and access is not permitted unless allowed to support school work under very strict guidance from teaching staff.

I will not use Social Media sites (such as Facebook, X, WhatsApp etc.) to do anything which might bring the school, peers or staff into disrepute.

I will not attempt to create a friendship with any members of staff (or ex-members of staff) through Social Media sites. 

Personal devices

If I am using my own laptop I must have explicit permission from and sign and agree to the Acceptable Use Policy: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) - Pupils. I will allow  the Strategic Technology Manager access to my device at any time this is requested in order for it to be checked. I will access the WiFi using my school user account. I will keep my device up to date and ensure that I have antivirus software installed and that my device has no illegal copies of software installed.

I understand that I must abide by the mobile phone policy in place for my year group, and understand there are consequences if I fail to do so.

I understand that, if I am given permission to use my device during a lesson, this is an important privilege that I must not abuse.

For year groups using Yondr

I understand that it is my responsibility to bring my Yondr pouch to school each day.  I understand that if I forget my pouch, I will be required to hand in my phone at Reception for safe-keeping during the day.

I understand that if I lose my Yondr pouch, or damage it in a way such that it can no longer be used, there will be a charge for a replacement.

I understand that if I am found to be using a mobile phone, despite the Yondr system, the phone will be confiscated and sanctions may be given depending on the circumstances.

Student and Parental Agreement

Please click here to access the Pupil Agreement in relation to this policy.

Please click here to access the Parent Agreement in relation to this policy.

Pupil Agreement

I understand and will abide by the provisions of this agreement for the duration of my time at St Catherine’s. I understand that any violations of the above provisions may result in disciplinary action and removal of ICT privileges. 

Parent/Carer Agreement

I have read this agreement and I understand that the provisions apply throughout my daughter’s time at the school. I understand that access to ICT at St Catherine’s School is for educational purposes. I will ensure that my daughter understands the content of this agreement. I understand that the school provides a filtered service, but I agree to report any misuse of the system to the school. 

Below are summary bullet points for use by parents of Prep pupils when talking through the Acceptable Use Policy.