Information Technology Policy

The use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Caterham School is about learning. It is about improving pupils’ life chances in education through the use of established and emergent technology to enhance learning outcomes. It is about academic results and the tangible results that show improved breadth as well as depth of achievement. The use of interactive communications technology can enhance those attributes that are valued by further and higher education as well as by employers and parents. The use of ICT brings with it new concerns about attitudes and values. It is our task to ensure that these attitudes and values evolve to maximise students’ opportunities to evolve into responsible citizens.

Aims and scope of this policy

The widespread use of electronic methods of communication within Caterham School makes it essential that an agreed platform of security for data as well as hardware and software is in place.

The policy applies to all computers fully or partially owned or operated by the School and to any computer used on its premises whether or not connected to the network. This includes:

the voice and data networks that connect them
all devices connected to these computers and networks
the hardware and software associated with these systems
the information managed by these systems

The policy is based on the premise that the use of a computer network that is shared by many users imposes certain obligations on those users. In particular, data, software, hardware and computer capacity have value and must be treated accordingly. Responsible use of computers is based on the obligations imposed by a respect for privacy and ownership.

Legitimate use of a computer or network does not extend to whatever an individual is capable of doing with it. Each user is responsible for his/her actions whether or not rules are built in, and whether or not they can be circumvented. This means, for example, that even if a password becomes known or if a person has the technical ability to circumvent the password, that person still has a responsibility to other users and to the school as owner of the computer system.

There are many ways in which the above principles can be breached. The following list of examples is not exclusive but may serve to give guidance within the School context.

knowingly accessing, or attempting to access, the network or another individual's data or information without proper authorisation;
deliberately obtaining, possessing, using, or attempting to use passwords or other access information belonging to someone else;
inspecting, modifying, deleting, distributing, or copying data, mail, messages, or software without proper authorisation;
knowingly tampering with, obstructing, or impairing the availability of ICT resources;
knowingly sending a crippling number of files around a network;
deliberately introducing damaging, self-propagating, or otherwise harmful software into a machine or a network;
knowingly introducing unauthorised executable files and other applications;
deliberately hoarding computer or network resources in ways that interfere with the operation of the system;
attempting to remove or modify computer or network equipment or software without proper authorisation;

Responsibilities

The ultimate responsibility for judgement as to what is or is not appropriate educational use lies with the Head. This responsibility may be delegated to other members of staff. The School reserves the right for the Head (or as specifically delegated) to access any student file for the purposes of monitoring the appropriate use of the Internet and e-mail.

Action taken in response to serious or repeated violations of any part of the policy by students will normally be decided by the School in line with its disciplinary procedures. The School may restrict or terminate any student’s access to its computers and networks and/or to the Internet, without prior notice, if such action is deemed necessary.

Rules

The Internet contains a wealth of information and data available to all users and provides a vehicle for communication through e-mail. As the Internet becomes more accessible to students within the School context, however, it is necessary to ensure that appropriate controls and policies are in place. The major areas for concern are:

the use of networks to access inappropriate Internet sites such as those that have sexually explicit material, those concerned with gambling, and those using violence and those whose content may incite hatred
the excessive use of network time that may have an impact on cost and that may also restrict access for others through the blocking of bandwidth
the inappropriate use of time on personal or non-work related matters

The policy is based on the premise that access to the Internet and use of e-mail using School owned or operated equipment using School resources is limited to acceptable educational purposes or matters relating directly to the School.

Students who access the Internet and use e-mail from the School using the School’s resources and using computers and networks owned and operated by the School assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the School’s function as an educational institution. Students are expected to respect and observe policies and procedures governing:

the access to inappropriate Internet sites even when access to banned sites and functions is not securely protected
the appropriate uses of Internet access and e-mail for educational and work-related purposes only

There are many ways in which the above principles can be breached. The following examples, while not exclusive, may serve to guide students in what to expect within the School context.

knowingly accessing, or attempting to access sites, chat lines, newsgroups which contain inappropriate material for example those which contain sexually explicit or violent, language and/or images
using the Internet for making purchases of any kind and of any description without appropriate authorisation
deliberately accessing, or attempting to access sites, chat lines, newsgroups for non-educational or non-work related use
spending excessive time on-line as a result of down loading large files, movie clips, software, etc
deliberately using e-mail to cause a nuisance through e-mail spamming, the sending of chain-mail, the forwarding of unsolicited mail
using e-mail to send offensive material, to cause harassment or distress, to use threatening, abusive or insulting words

Sanctions

Action taken in response to serious or repeated violations of any part of the policy by students will normally be decided by the School in line with its disciplinary procedures. In serious cases this may result in suspension or expulsion. The School reserves the right for the Head (or as explicitly delegated) to access any student file for the purposes of monitoring the appropriate use of computers and networks. If any of the above guidelines are breached the School also reserves the right to inform the appropriate authorities.