Digital Devices

We understand that, in many situations, boys may already have a digital device. However, for the reasons stated above, we are introducing a scheme to ensure consistency of devices across the school and sought to give parents as much notice as possible. The new managed devices will come with all the apps and packages we require, as well as digital inking, which is key to many subjects and allows for a level of control in its use. It is envisaged that these new devices will operate more as ‘companion devices’ - versatile note-taking tools in the classroom with the ability to complete more onerous tasks when needed. The school-wide scheme will therefore ensure that every boy is able to take advantage of this experience. Importantly, the timing of the launch of the scheme has been carefully considered to coincide with Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 at the end of 2024. For many boys, this will mean that the device they currently use will not support Windows 11 moving forward, and use of such a device would therefore present an IT security risk at school. 

For families outside the scheme, we recommend that any device used/purchased meets the following minimum functional specifications.

Prep School – Year 4:

Boys will use devices to support their learning in Year 4. Boys with their own devices are welcome to bring them into school. Boys can use a school device if they do not have their own.

Prep School – Year 5:

Boys going into Year 5 require a device to support their learning. However, they will need to wait until they enter Year 6 to receive a device through our digital device scheme roll out. Boys with their own devices are welcome to bring them into school. If your son does not already have a device for Year 5, we recommend purchasing either a refurbished machine / second-hand device or a Chromebook, which is a basic computer that uses Google Chrome as an operating system, as a stop gap until he moves up to Year 6. The latter is a cost-effective device and suitable for Prep School tasks.

For refurbished machines, the following website may be a helpful starting point.

Dell Outlet

For Chromebooks, the website below is informative and offers good value.

Currys

Prep School – Year 7 and Year 8:

Boys going into Years 7 and 8 require a device to support their learning. However, they will need to wait until they enter the Upper School in Year 9 (Fourth Form) to receive a device through our digital device scheme roll out.

If your son already has a device, he can continue to use this until that point. If your son does not already have a device, we recommend purchasing either a refurbished machine / second-hand device or a Chromebook, which is a basic computer that uses Google Chrome as an operating system, as a stop-gap until he moves up to Year 9 (Fourth Form).

For refurbished machines, the following website may be a useful start point.

Dell Outlet

You should consider the following specification as a recommendation:

• Intel Core i3
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB SSD
• 1920x1080 Touch Screen (either finger or pen)

For Chromebooks, the website below is informative and offers good value.

Currys 

A Chromebook is sufficient for most tasks; however, it has limited performance for some tasks, such as in DT and Computer Science, where your son will need to use one of the school computers.

Alternatively, boys can use an iPad with a keyboard. The iPad has a good functional shelf life, but importantly, your son can also use it for recreational tasks at home. A keyboard is important for school use to ensure a reasonable typing experience.

Upper School – Years 10 to 13:

Boys going into Years 10 to 13 will continue to follow the school's Bring Your Own Device policy. We recommend any device used/purchased meets the following minimum functional specification:

• Intel Core i5 (11th-13th Generation)
• 16GB RAM
• 256GB SSD
• 1920x1080 Touch Screen (either finger or pen)

Devices should also meet the requirements of the Digital Pencil Case criteria:

• Wi-Fi connectivity*
• Web browser access to school email accounts
• Calculator application
• Camera and picture storage
• Video and audio recording
• App for taking notes
• Devices should have a keyboard attached
• Protective case
• A digital pen to use with their device is also recommended.

*To guarantee the best digital learning experience, Wi-Fi capability is an important consideration. A pupil’s personal device should be capable of 2.4GHz or 5 GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. This means that the device should have 802.11 a/n or ac as the Wi-Fi standard. Also, be aware that if your child’s device is equipped with wireless standard 802.11b/g/n, then it is unlikely to be 5 GHz compatible.

Yes. Whilst all the applied safeguarding measures will remain in place, some of the restrictions on usage that will operate during the daytime at school will be lifted on leaving the site. Boys will be permitted access to social media platforms, Facetime, Skype etc, which will not be possible during the school day. Any additional filters that parents choose to apply via their own Wi-Fi network will still apply and, as with all digital devices, we advise that parents only permit students to use them in public family spaces, not in bedrooms and not within an hour of going to bed. 

Classroom Management

This is provided by Classroom.Cloud. It is a cloud-based system that applies at a device level when connected to the school’s internet connection.  The software allows a class teacher to see the screens of all the students in front of them during a lesson.  The software is only accessible to teachers, when in school, and only during the school day.

Filtering

This is provided by SmoothWALL Filter. It is a cloud-based system that applies at a device level on whatever internet connection the device is using.  Filtering is based upon national guidelines for Key Stage 2, 3, 4 and 5.  The only information passed to SmoothWALL to enable the filtering is the student's Office 365 Username.

Monitoring

This is provided by SmoothWALL Monitor. It is a cloud-based system that applies at a device level on whatever internet connection the device is using.  Monitor, unlike Filter, is looking for specific areas of safeguarding concern. If an event triggers it, it then records information on either side of the event so that it can be assessed for intent.  The areas covered are as follows:

• Bullying / Violence
• Sexual Content
• Offensive User
• Oversharing
• Grooming
• Terrorism / Extremism
• Vulnerable Person

Management

This is provided by Microsoft InTune and enables the school IT Department to ensure that the device is up to date, secure, is compliant with Bedford School and Harpur Trust security standards, and allows for software to be deployed centrally to all devices.  It also enables remote support so that IT can provide real-time support to a student having problems during a lesson.

Logging

The SmoothWALL system logs user's internet access - namely, the websites they visit. This is done as part of the monitoring and filtering process outlined above. None of the above systems log user passwords.

On leaving Bedford, boys may simply return the device and accessories to the school. Boys leaving will also have the option to purchase their device from the lease company, subject to advance notice being given. A cost will be calculated, based on the payments made already and the residual value of the complete bundle. The device will then be wiped clean and released from our management software to allow unrestricted use. 

No, a case will be provided. Boys are not permitted to remove the device from the case provided or use alternative cases under the terms of the scheme. 

The serial number of the device and stylus is linked to your son, but you may wish to attach stickers to identify it. Please avoid marker pens or scribing directly onto the device as this may affect any repairs/replacements. Airtags or similar locator devices are also permitted.  

As part of the package, all devices come with insurance cover, subject to a nominal excess which will be confirmed nearer to the time. 

A replacement stylus will be available to purchase from the IT department. It is anticipated that the charge will be less than the insurance excess. Replacement nibs for the stylus will be available to purchase from the Bell Room or the Prep School reception. These will be blue-billed.

No. It is important that devices are kept streamlined for efficient school usage, cyber safety etc. Core software will be installed on all devices with a small app store of additional applications which students can activate if required for particular subjects. 

Some charging points will be available for urgent usage, but devices must be brought to school fully charged in order to last the day. Some students may wish to purchase additional battery packs of the correct voltage should their usage patterns require it. We recommend an official portable power bank manufacturer such as this. 

New batteries can be purchased from the Bell Room or the Prep School reception. These will be blue-billed.

Year 3 boys will receive their devices in their first ICT lesson. Year 6 and 9 boys will receive their devices on the 6 September.