E-Wickersley VLE

Internet and Network Use Policy

Wickersley School and Sports College's ICT facilities are continually changing and providing students and staff with new and up to date learning resources.

All students using the facilities provided are deemed to have read and accepted this policy and agree to abide by it.

Internet and Email

Access to the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and other resources while exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world.

Users should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people.


While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, due to the nature of the Internet students may find ways to access other materials.

Certain well known sites which offer dubious material will be made unavailable, however given the enormity of the material available complete censorship may not be possible.

We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. Wickersley School and Sports College supports and respects each student's right to decide whether or not to use this resource.

Computer Systems, Internet and Email Rules

Access is a privilege - not a right.

Access entails responsibility.

Students are responsible for good behaviour on the school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or around the school in general. Communications on the network are often public in nature. In general the school rules for behaviour and communications apply.

The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others to enhance and extend their education. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Beyond the clarification of such standards, and the censoring of obviously dubious sites, the school is not responsible for restricting, monitoring or controlling the communications of individuals utilising the network. However any students who's use contravenes this policy or any relevant laws will have their access removed (see below).

Network storage areas and communications are not entirely private. The Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on school servers will always be private.

Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honoured. During lessons, teachers and support staff will be available to guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside of lesson time students bear the same responsibility for their conduct as they exercise with information sources such as television, video, telephones, radio and other potentially offensive media.

The following are not permitted:

* Sending or displaying offensive or potentially offensive messages or pictures,
* Using obscene, rude or potentially offensive language,
* Harassing, insulting or attacking others,
* Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks,
* Violating copyright laws,
* Using a user identity and/or password not issued to you,
* Trespassing in another user's folders, work or files,
* Intentionally wasting limited resources,



For example:
* storing unnecessary files, particularly graphics and music which are inherently large,
* downloading files which are not work related,
* printing multiple copies of files,
* printing pictures or files not connected with school work,
* playing on-line games.
* Employing the school resources for commercial purposes,
* Installing and/or using software from outside the school.
* Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or potential legal action.

User Identities

All Wickersley School and Sports College students have user identities to enable access to both the internal network and external facilities.

To complete the log on each user will need a password, these will be issued by your tutors.

Students who forget their passwords, or who need to change them should go to the IT office in A Block at lunchtimes.

Students and staff should be aware of the Computer Misuse Act 1990