Since September 2021 we have adopted the ‘see it, hear it, take it’ procedure for mobile devices during registration and lessons. Unfortunately, we continue to see learners using their mobile devices during lesson time and they are causing a distraction from learning experiences. Whilst we understand that mobile devices have benefits and are now an integral part of our culture, they are having a negative impact on student wellbeing through cyber bullying, inappropriate use of the Internet and telecommunications, and the misuse of social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram.
In order to safeguard all learners, and to ensure they can flourish without distractions from learning experiences, the use of mobile devices will be banned effective from Tuesday 12th July 2022. Mobile devices will not be permitted at any point in the school day including break and lunch and transitions between lessons. If a phone is brought into school, it must remain switched off and kept in a school bag. If a phone is used at any point during the school day, the phone will be confiscated and the appropriate sanctions (see below) will follow.
If a learner refuses to hand over a phone to any member of staff they will be internally isolated and their parents/carers will be contacted to attend the school immediately to meet with their child.
This rule similarly applies to the use of headphones/airpods. These must not be used at any point in the school day and should be left at home.
If a phone or electronic device is brought into school, the school accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage or costs incurred.
Parents/carers are reminded that in cases of emergency, the school office remains a vital and the most appropriate point of contact. Our office staff can ensure your child is reached quickly and assisted in any relevant way. Passing on messages through the school office also reduces the likelihood of disrupting lessons inadvertently. It is important that all communication is made through the school.
Expectations:
- All mobile phones must remain switched off and inside a learner’s school bag for the duration of the school day including break and lunch.
- This ban starts at the school gates and encompasses all parts of the school site.
Sanctions: If a learner is caught using a mobile phone, the phone will be confiscated and placed in the school safe and the following sanctions will be put in place:
- First offence – The phone can be collected at main reception at 2.55pm by the learner.
- Second offence – The phone can be collected at main reception by the parent/carer.
- Third offence – A detention will be issued, and parents/carers will be invited to meet with Progress and Wellbeing Leader to discuss the next steps.
Where infringement is frequent and persistent, or where learners have used their mobile phones to film or record members of staff or pupils, or used their mobile phones for malicious activity that humiliates, embarrasses or causes offence, then pupils will receive sanctions that are more substantial. In these circumstances sanctions are likely to include a fixed-term or even permanent exclusion.
It is important that all learners are given the opportunities to develop their social skills in person, in a safe environment and through teaching and learning experiences. Thank you in advance for your understanding and support of Pencoed Comprehensive School creating an environment that allows all learners to flourish.