Pupil Laptop Scheme
In 2010 we launched our new pupil laptop scheme. A notebook computer, purchased through the scheme, is now required by all pupils entering the Fourth Form and Lower Sixth.
The notebook must be purchased through the scheme and will be provided fully installed and configured with Windows 7 Enterprise Edition, Microsoft Office 2010 and over twenty other curriculum software titles. The scheme is designed to enhance and support learning so that access to ICT is available at the time required, in what ever room in school the lesson takes place.
Please click on the links below to download the Pupil Laptop Scheme brochure and an order form.
Pupil Laptop Scheme
Pupil Laptop Scheme Order Form
All Senior School classrooms are installed with modern wireless systems to support the scheme. State of the art charging and security locker systems are available in boarding houses so that the notebook is fully charged overnight and ready for the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
The laptop scheme brochure contains answers to the most obvious questions. If you have any other questions, please contact the ICT Department on laptopfaq@culford.co.uk Your question and the response will be posted here for all to see.
I've seen the same model laptop online for cheaper. What is the difference?
iMSI are supplying this model to us with 3 Year Next Day Warranty. Our experience in the first year tells us that this extra cost is worth it as the laptop is covered for most issues for the full three years. Just think a faulty component could cost over £100 to replace. These are covered within the terms of our warranty unless the laptop is misused.
Could you tell me something about the way internet access is controlled in school?
All internet access in school is controlled by a system called Bloxx, managed by the school. The system checks the content for inappropriate text and images and is regularly updated to maitain control. We also work hard to educate the pupils in ICT lessons about the safe and appropriate use of ICT.
Will pupils have unlimited access to the internet at home?
That is up to you and the safeguards you have in place through your internet provided. I am looking in to an option that will allow the same monitoring system we use in school to apply when pupils log in at home, but that function is still very much in development.
Can you list the software titles that will be installed on the laptop? The service charge seems a bit high.
I will post a list of titles on the internet as soon as I can, but will also have a printed list available on Speech Day. Don't forget that the service charge includes the upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate edition , Anti-virus, Next Day warranty repair for three years, and and all updates to Microsoft Office whilst your son/daughter is at school. Once they leave school you are entitled to claim a full licence in your own right that will belong to you at no extra cost.
Does the standard laptop include a CD Rom c/w CD writer?
No it does not. We decided on an option that would be better on the battery life and weight without one. Pupils will not require one for school work, so I have sourced a USB DVD R/W for £32 as an option should they want one for playing music or watching DVD's after prep.
Should my boys want to have access to sites like YouTube or Facebook will they be able to do so from home?
Absolutely. At home the laptop will behave like any other and we will not have have any control over content. Some parents have asked for advice on a software based content monitor as an option but I'm haven't found one yet. Most Broadband providers have some kind of parental support.
Should we wish to add additional programmes to the laptop, will there be any restrictions on doing so?
There will be no restrictions on this. We will provide you with a local administrator account on the machine at anytime, should you ask for it, or we'd be happy to install the software for you and add it to the backup image for your machine.