Digital Devices

‘Digital Strategy’, is the term we use to describe our increasing use of technology to deliver and reinforce teaching and learning, and the necessary hardware – specifically standardised digital devices – needed to facilitate this in and out of school. There are many benefits that technology can bring to how our students engage in learning, organise themselves and achieve better outcomes. Similarly, technology has many uses in supporting high quality teaching. As part of this, we are engaging with AI to ensure that its power can be harnessed to positive effect.  
 
All students in the Senior School are issued with a one-to-one Surface Pro and there are shared class sets of Surface Go devices in the Junior School. 
Suffice to say, we are excited about the opportunities and benefits, however our Digital Strategy is about so much more than the physical hardware; it is about the continuing evolution of our teaching and learning, making sure that we retain the best of traditional teaching, while accessing the growing technological advancements that can aide our children’s development for the 21st Century.  

Key information for families

LOAN AGREEMENT

When students receive their device they are required to read our loan agreement (below) and sign this form to confirm.
First page of the PDF file: StudentMobileDeviceLoanAgreement2024-25

Kit supplied

Students are issued with a Surface Pen, Charger, Keyboard and a Case.  Any lost or damaged accessories must be bought through school and could incur a replacement charge, pens are £30, cases £35, keyboards £115 and chargers £70 (prices may be subject to change and are a guide).

Surface Care

Surface devices must be looked after at all times. It is the students responsibility to make sure,
- The device is stored safely in their locker during break times before or after school
- They report any damage or loss of the device IMMEDIATELY to the IDT support team.
- They use their device responsibly in accordance to the Acceptable Use Policy.

Insurance

Our insurance will cover Accidental Damage and Theft to the Surface Device ONLY. The policy does NOT include any of the accessories.  Any damage to the device due to misuse or lack of care could result in an excess charge. 1st Excess payment £50 and any subsequent excess £150.

Charging

Students should find a space at home to keep and charge their device. Preferably not in their bedroom.  Student devices should be fully charged ready for their day at school.  Charging lockers are available for students to use during the day.

Required bag

To ensure the device is properly looked after, an appropriate school bag will be needed.
  • To ensure the device is properly looked after, an appropriate school bag will be needed.The bag must be able to be closed, made of a suitable fabric and contain sufficient padding to minimise any impact damage. A padded sleeve could also be used.
  • The Surface Pro dimensions are 287 x 208 x 9.3 mm / 11.3 x 8.19 x 0.37 inches (approximately 30cm x 21 cm); whilst a built-in laptop compartment is advised. 
  • The bag needs to safely accommodate the supplied device and a charger, along with other books and resources for a day at school.

Headphones

Students are expected to have a set of headphones to use in lessons.
  • The Surface Pro 8 device still  has a standard audio jack, therefore normal wired, Bluetooth or wired USB C headphones will work.
  • There will be personal preferences when it comes to choosing headphones, therefore, the school will not be issuing standardised headphones. 
  • If you would like further advice on headphones then do get in touch with it.support@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.

Pen Batteries

Replacement batteries and nibs will be needed for the Surface Pen.

  • Students are issued with a Classroom Surface Pen. Sometimes the batteries that are supplied can run out quicker than expected.
  • It is worth each student having some spare batteries for their surface pen in their pencil case. 
  • The pens take AAAA batteries and can be purchased in most high street shops.
  • A pack of two batteries will last each student a year.

FAQs

Teaching and Learning

Wellbeing and safeguarding

The following questions refer only to the provision of devices in the Senior School

Practicalities for Senior School students