Almost all pupils now own and carry a mobile phone to school for personal safety, keeping in contact with parents, listening to music, accessing the internet and social media.  In addition they also have an ipad issued by Connected Falkirk to support their learning and development of digital skills. 

Teachers in Graeme High are developing creative ways in which we can make use of the ipads in learning and teaching.  For example, in Art, devices are being used to photograph pieces of public art and buildings.  The resulting graphics can then be used as part of course work. Pupil ipads also allow access to Microsoft Teams which gives them instant accessibility to materials and support at home or in school.

Our expectations around ipads are that they will be brought to school each day by pupils, charged and ready to use.  While the ipads may not be used in every lesson it is very likely that they will be needed several times each day.  Our core message is that ipads are for learning, both in school and at home.

Mobile phones are for the pupils’ personal use.  As such they are very unlikely play a part in the classroom unless a teacher issues specific instructions.  Therefore they should be switched off and put away in school.  If they are on display pupils run the risk of having them confiscated.  Our core message here is that mobile phones are for pupils’ leisure time. 

It is worth noting that our recent Pupil Voice Conferences highlighted some pupil concerns regarding the negative impact of mobile phones.  You may also be aware that some schools and local authorities have banned the carrying of mobile phones.  This is because some pupils have used their phones inappropriately, and a growing body of evidence that pupils find them a distraction.  While that is not our position at the moment it does highlight the importance of clear guidelines to keep everyone safe.

We want to give you clear guidance about what is and what is not acceptable in Graeme High School.

• You will be asked to switch the phone off and put it away.
• Should you fail to do this and have your phone out during class time on a number of occasions, you will be warned by your teacher and could be instructed to hand your phone to them.  You can collect it from your teacher at the end of the period.
• If your phone rings during class time, you will be instructed to put it on silent and then away.  Failure to do so will result in the teacher confiscating your phone.  You can collect it from them at the end of the period.  If this happens a second time, your DHH or DHT will be informed and your phone will be kept in the office until collected by your parent/carer.
• Any incidents of bullying or offensive behaviour using mobile devices within school will be treated under our normal discipline policy.  In serious incidents this may involve the police being contacted.
• Anyone who is involved in recording incidents of any sort, or showing such videos to fellow pupils puts themselves at risk of exclusion from school and the police will be contacted immediately.