acceptable use policy is different for staff and students.

have a legal obligation to adhere to this policy.

The ICT Facilities at Sir Thomas Rich's School are defined as computers and the software thereon, monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, cameras, camcorders and any other device or item attached to, or used in conjunction with, the forgoing including all furnishings and fittings normally used with or adjacent to them.

The ICT facilities at Sir Thomas Rich's School also includes: Telephones, Fax Machines, Televisions, Video Players, DVD players, Satellite Receivers and any other electrical device. Internet and E-mail are also included as  ICT facilities.

Policy:
Staff should always be an example of good practice to the pupils, serving as a positive role model in every aspect.

E-mail and the Internet:
The School's E-mail system and Internet connection are available for communication and use on matters directly concerned with school business. Employees using the School's E-mail system and Internet connection should give particular attention to the following points.

The visibility of E-mail: If the message is confidential, the user must ensure that the necessary steps are taken to protect confidentiality. The School will be liable for any defamatory information circulated either within the School or to external contacts.
Un-Solicited E-mail (SPAM): The School's E-mail system and accounts must never be registered or subscribed to SPAM. Never disclose any of the School's E-mail addresses without confirming that they will not be subjected to SPAM or if they will not be sold on to marketing companies.

Authorised Use of the ICT Facilities:
The ICT facilities should only be used as required by your work duties.

Unauthorised Use of the ICT Facilities
You are NOT permitted under any circumstance to:
Use the ICT facilities for commercial or financial gain.
Re-locate, take off-site or otherwise interfere with the ICT facilities without the authorisation of the ICT Department.
Use or attempt to use someone else's user account. All users of the ICT network will be issued with a unique user account and password. The password must be changed at regular intervals. User account passwords must never be disclosed to or by anyone. This comes under the Computer Misuse Act and is illegal.

Use the ICT facilities at any time to access, download, send, receive, view or display any of the following:
Any material that is illegal. Any message that could constitute bullying, harassment (including on the grounds of sex, race religion/religious belief, sexual orientation or disability) or any negative comment about other persons or organizations.
Remarks relating to a person's sexual orientation, gender assignment, religion, disability or age
On-line gambling
Remarks, which may adversely affect the reputation of any organisation or person, whether or not you know them to be true or false
Any sexually explicit content
Any illegal material
Use or attempt to use the School's ICT facilities to undertake ANY form of piracy including the infringement of software licenses or other copyright provisions whether knowingly or not. This is illegal.
Copy, download or distribute any material from the Internet or E-mail that may be illegal to do so. This can include, computer software, music, text, and video clips. If it is not clear that you have permission to do so, or if the permission cannot be obtained, do not do so.
Users are required to be familiar with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 and to ensure that they operate in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

Staff Laptop Agreement:
A laptop computer is loaned to you while you remain employed at this school. While the laptop is in your care the following user guidance must be followed.

This laptop remains the property of the school and as the designated user you are responsible for its safe keeping and appropriate use.
Any insurance cover for this equipment is the responsibility of the school while the laptop is on school grounds, but the designated user must at all times take appropriate measures to ensure the security of the laptop computer. The school cannot be held accountable for loss as the result of theft or otherwise when away from the school grounds.
It is the responsibility of the designated user to ensure that all software installed is covered by any licence requirements.
Anti-virus software should be used.
LEA and school policies regarding computer misuse, data protection and health and safety must be adhered to by all users of the laptop provided under this scheme for use at home and school.

Remember:
Staff User accounts are accessible by the ICT Department
Under no circumstances must a member of staff allow another pupil or staff member to use their account or let anyone know their password.
Users must ensure that critical information is not stored solely within the School's computer system. Hard copies must be kept or stored separately on the system. We do not guarantee backups.
If necessary, documents must be password protected.
Lock/log off your workstations, laptops when you are away from them.
Not all software will work on our network, this includes software purchased by departments that is advertised as "network edition etc."

Thomas Rich's School believes in the educational value of such electronic services and recognises their potential to support the curriculum. Every effort will be made to provide quality experiences to students and teachers using this information service. However, inappropriate and/or illegal interaction with any information service is strictly prohibited.

If any student violates these provisions, access to the Internet will be denied and the student will be subject to disciplinary action.

Terms and Conditions of this agreement:

1. Personal Responsibility in use of electronic communications, e-mails and internet browsing
I accept responsibility for reporting any misuse of the network to a staff member. Misuse may come in many forms, but it is commonly viewed as any message(s) sent or received that indicate or suggest pornography, unethical or illegal requests, racism, sexism, inappropriate language, any use which may be likely to cause offence and other issues described below.

2. Acceptable Use
The use of electronic services must be in support of education and research in accordance with the educational goals and objectives of Sir Thomas Rich's  School. I accept responsibility for this provision at all times when using the electronic information service.
Use of other networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate to that network.
Transmission of any material in violation of any United Kingdom or other national laws is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade laws.
Use of commercial activities by for-profit organisations is generally not acceptable.

3. Privileges
The use of the Internet and other electronic services is a privilege and inappropriate use will result in that privilege being withdrawn. Students with access to the Internet will participate in a discussion with a member of the school staff as to proper behaviour and use of the facilities. Sir Thomas Rich's School staff will rule upon inappropriate use and may deny, revoke or suspend usage.

4. Network Etiquette and Privacy
Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These rules include, but are not limited to the following:
BE POLITE. Never send or encourage others to send abusive messages.
USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE. Remember that you are a representative of the school on a global public system. You may be alone with your computer, but what you say and do can be viewed by others. Never swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities of any kind are strictly forbidden.
PRIVACY. Do not reveal any personal information to anyone, especially the home address or personal telephone of yourself or any other students.
PASSWORD. Do not reveal your password to anyone. If you think someone has obtained your password, contact a member of the IT department immediately.
ELECTRONIC MAIL. Electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to, or in support of, illegal activities may be reported to the authorities
DISRUPTIONS. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt use of the services by others.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
* Be brief. Few people will bother to read a long message. Proof read your message to ensure that it is error free and easy to understand.
* Remember that humour and satire are very often misinterpreted.
* Cite references for any facts that you present.
* Respect the rights and beliefs of others.

5. Services
Sir Thomas Rich's School makes no warranties of any kind whether expressed or implied, for the network service it is providing. Sir Thomas Rich's School will not be responsible for any damages suffered whilst on this system. These damages include loss of data as a result of delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries or service interruptions caused by the system or elements of the system, or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the network or other information systems is at your own risk. Sir Thomas Rich's School specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy of information obtained via its Internet services.

6. Security
Security on any computer system is a high priority because there are so many users. If you identify a security problem, notify a member of the ICT staff at once. Never demonstrate the problem to another student. All use of the system must be under your own username and password unless specifically directed by a member of staff. Remember to keep your password to yourself. Do not share it with friends. Anyone caught disclosing passwords may have their access denied and may be subject to disciplinary action. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the system and be subject to disciplinary action.

7. Vandalism
Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy any equipment or data of another user or of any other networks that are connected to the system. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses, the wilful damage of computer hardware, whether connected to the network or not, the deletion of data from its place of storage.

8. Online Ordering systems
It is strictly forbidden for students to use the Internet for ordering goods or services regardless of their nature. It is also forbidden for students to subscribe to any newsletter, catalogue or other form of correspondence via the Internet, regardless of its nature.

9. Electronic Mail
Electronic mail (Email) is widely available via the Internet. Students are expected to use this facility in a responsible manner. The sending or receiving of any email, which contains any inappropriate material, is strictly forbidden. Disciplinary action will be taken in all cases. It is also forbidden to send large volume Emails (Spamming).
 
By using the school network...

I understand and will abide by the provisions and conditions of this agreement. I understand that any violations of the above provisions may result in disciplinary action and the revocation of my privileges. I also agree to report any misuse of the system to a staff member. Misuse may come in many forms but may be viewed as any messages* sent or received that indicate or suggest pornography, unethical or illegal activities, racism, sexism inappropriate language, any act likely to cause offence or other issues described above.


* e.g. web pages, e-mail, or messaging