YEARS 9, 10 & 11 ICT PROVISION 2025 - 2026

What will my daughter need? 

To support her learning at St Mary’s your daughter will require the following ICT equipment: 

·      A laptop or tablet device  

·      Two chargers for their primary device 

·      A set of headphones 

·      A stylus (when a tablet device is purchased)

·      A keyboard (when a tablet device is purchased)

This will be her own personal device for use both in class and for her study, and it will be registered on the school’s Wi-Fi network.  

What tablet or laptop device does my daughter need? 

As a minimum we ask that the laptop or tablet device is ideally no more than 2 to 3 years old, to ensure that the latest version of Microsoft Office can be installed (either desktop or mobile versions) that is provided by the school. In addition, we do not recommend cheap devices (less than £250 when purchased new) or those with screens smaller than 9 inches. If you choose a tablet as your daughter’s primary device, then it must be supplied with a keyboard case. With laptops specifically, the school computer network is compatible with both Windows and Apple. We allow pupils in Year 9 and above to have both a tablet and a laptop if you wish. We recommend that at least one of the devices is compatible with the stylus so the girls can scribe. We ask that no device is data-enabled. 

Where should I purchase the laptop or tablet device? 

You can purchase a device from anywhere you wish. A device that she already has may be suitable, but if you are unsure please speak to us. We can also help you with the purchase of a device through our preferred educational suppliers.  

What happens when the device breaks or it is accidentally damaged? 

We strongly recommend when purchasing any new device that you take the option of additional warranty for any hardware problems for additional years after the first year of statutory warranty. We also strongly recommend that you have appropriate accidental/loss and theft damage for your daughter’s device. The most common problem we deal with is damaged screens. This sort of damage is typically not covered under standard warranties and therefore an expensive repair may result.  

We advise caution on relying on existing home contents insurance policies you may have, as policies do vary considerably. Please check with your insurance provider to see if devices away from home are covered. In addition, we recommend that you check carefully to ensure that all types of accident are covered. For example, many policies exclude water damage. Please note that the School’s contents insurance policy does not cover pupil-owned equipment. 

How will my daughter charge and store devices? 

The School provides dedicated secure charging units in common rooms and bedroom areas as appropriate which will be used by pupils to store their devices securely and to charge them overnight.  

Please supply your daughter with two chargers for each device. This will facilitate the device charging overnight in common rooms and allow her to have a second ‘travelling’ charger.  

In the interests of safety, we require that chargers brought to school are either from the manufacturer of the device or from a reputable third party. In our experience, cheaper chargers available online often fail electrical safety testing. Please contact us for advice, if you are unsure. 

What about cases? 

We strongly recommend that you purchase a case/protective cover for your daughter’s device with an appropriate level of protection to reduce the risk of damage. We would advise that you check if there any case requirements, if you have accidental insurance cover. 

What is the procedure at the start of term? 

Every new device needs to be registered on the school’s computer network. Instructions for your daughter to follow are provided and the process is very straightforward. If any complications arise then your daughter will be able to visit the IT Helpdesk and staff will happily assist with any technical issues. 

 

WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY 

Girls are not permitted any form of wearable technology in school. Wearable technology includes any device that can connect to the internet, send, and receive data, or receive notifications: for example, smart watches, exercise and activity trackers, and digital glasses and earpieces. 

What general usage guidelines will my daughter be given? 

• Devices may only be used in lessons as directed by the teacher.  

• Devices may be used at the weekend at certain times to complete work and contact home. 

• In the evening, pupils are expected to put away their devices in the secure storage and charging facility in the boarding area. 

  IT SUPPORT AND ADVICE  

  Please contact our IT Support team for any queries or further advice.  

 

Email itsupport@st-marys-ascot.co.uk  
Phone 01344 296677