Teaching and Learning Report – October 20, 2016

1:1 Program -“ update on 2017 devices

The introduction of iPads into Years 7-9 in 2014 has proven to be an important element in the implementation of the initial phase of the College’s eLearning strategic plan. 2017 will see the next phase of the eLearning plan affected through the continued expansion of the 1:1 program into the Senior School. In 2017, each Years 10 and 11 boy will be required to have his own next generation notebook and to bring this device to classes each day.

The move from the iPad in Years 7-9 to a Windows-based notebook in the Senior School reflects the different learning needs of boys during their senior years. The convertible touchscreen notebook selected will support and further each boy’s learning throughout his three years in the Senior School. As with the current Year 10 boys, the 2017 Year 10 students will also be using the Hewlett-Packard Spectre x360 Pro.

To make this device as affordable as possible for parents, the College will administer a three-year lease (which will include the device, an appropriate bag and all required software pre-installed). Based on current calculations, the annual lease cost is expected to be $495.00. Further details will be mailed to parents as soon as possible.

The costs associated with this lease will be directed to parents annually and will appear on the tuition fee account.- The device will be owned by the parents/student once all lease payments have been made by the end of the student’s Year 12 (or earlier by negotiation should a student leave St Patrick’s before Year 12).

An option will be available for those families that require an extended finance plan to conclude beyond the third-year of the lease i.e. after the boy completes Year 12. This may be negotiated or added to any existing Business Manager’s payment plan.

The 2017 1:1 program will operate as follows:

• Year 7(parent purchased, school supported iPad)

• Year 8(parent purchased, school supported iPad)

• Year 9(parent purchased, school supported iPad)

• Year 10(parent leased, school supported Spectre)

• Year 11(parent leased, school supported Spectre)

• Year 12(retain school owned and supported iPad)

As part of the transition to the Spectre, current Year 9 students will be required to return their school owned and supported iPad. This will take place at an appropriate time in December after the Year 9 exams. As part of the preparation for the return of this device, Year 9 parents are asked to ensure that their son still has the iPad charger and cord, the protective case and the neoprene sleeve provided to him at the time the device was issued. Any iPad returned without these peripherals will see the replacement cost added to the tuition fee account.

In recent years, Years 7-10 have been using LearningField to access subject specific electronic text resources. This arrangement will continue in 2017. While the College continues to work with LearningField regarding its pricing structure for VCE and VET text resources, Years 11 and 12 students will continue using printed texts in 2017.

For further information on the St Patrick’s College 1:1 program, please contact Mr Mark Holland, Director of ICT, or myself.

2017 Booklist information

The first of the 2017 booklists, the 2017 VCE English studies novel list, has been distributed to current Years 10 and 11 boys. An electronic copy of this booklist has been placed on the College website – https://www.stpats.vic.edu.au/en/students-parents-staff/curriculum/booklists/

Please note the return date of Friday, October 28. Boys not submitting the novel list via the online option are asked to return the paper version of the booklist to the ERC by this date.

Purchased novels will be available for collection from the ERC on Monday, November 21.