Skip to content

Technology has significantly impacted the way we both learn and teach, but it has also had a significant social impact on us as a community. A few years ago the School adjusted its expectations around the use of mobile phones, to better reflect their changing use in society. Recently I wrote to all Senior Years students to remind them of our expectations.

Students are permitted to use a mobile around the School for private discreet personal use, but may not share content with other people. Students are not permitted to wear headphones around the School. Mobile phones cannot be used in Memorial Hall, Chapel, House Meetings or Mentor. They can only be used in class (or the Library) if there has been direct teacher permission.

If students get their phone out in one of these areas listed above, or in class without teacher’s express permission, teachers have been asked to confiscate the phone for the day. This means even checking the time or a quick glance at messages. Phones are to remain hidden unless the teacher specifically gives permission to use it in class. If students repeat the behaviour only parents will be allowed to collect the phone.

Capturing media is strictly forbidden. This means the use of SnapChat to take photos is not permitted, and the consequence for capturing media is confiscation with return only to parents, as well as possible suspension/expulsion.

While there are undoubted benefits for boys to use phones in some classes, the distraction it causes remains for some boys, even while left silent in their pocket. SnapChat is probably the most popular app which boys feel compelled to check or contribute media on a consistent basis. The challenge facing many of us as teachers and parents is that the boys are far ahead of us in terms of understanding the technology. Below are some links for parents to better understand the operation and nature of the apps boys are using:

I hope you find them helpful and are able to speak with your sons about using technology responsibly at all times.

David Scott
Head of Senior Years