The objective of the Bedales Schools Laptop Scheme is to provide students with access to an extensive wireless network which allows them additional flexibility in the way they work within the school. We have a large number of shared cabled desktop computers installed in classrooms and shared locations around the school so the laptop scheme, in conjunction with the provision of an extensive wireless access network, provides the ability to meet the individual requirements of students. The laptop scheme offers fast and efficient access to the Bedales Schools academic network and high speed internet wherever they wish to work within the school.

Scheme Development

The scheme is functioning effectively so we do not intend to make any significant changes to the structure apart from separating purchasing and warranty decisions from network connections. We have also rewritten parts of the documentation to clarify some aspects of the scheme based on questions that have arisen during the year.

Scheme Overview

The main elements of the scheme are:–

• Parents make their own laptop purchasing decisions from any supplier but all laptops on the Academic Network must meet the minimum technical specifications defined by Bedales Schools.
• Parents can choose a 3 year warranty and support as part of the complete package or they may make their own decisions on warranty and support for laptops purchased independently.
• Network options have been separated into distinct packages to provide more choice
• Academic network option providing school installed software and access to the academic network resources. The option includes installation of Microsoft Office and upgrades.
• Non-academic network option for those students who do not require access to academic network resources.
• Extensive wireless network providing high speed access to school academic network and internet in classrooms, libraries and some dorm areas. All wireless access points support speeds up to 54Mbps but also allow speeds of 11Mbps for older laptops

Laptop Services and Options

Parental Managed Warranty Service. * Parents may purchase a laptop from any supplier or use an existing laptop but parents remain responsible for all aspects of warranty and support. The only restriction applied to this service is if the laptop is to use the Academic Network Option it must meet the requirements specified in the minimum technical specifications. The Internet-only Network Option has no restrictions but must have wireless capability.

If laptop problems occur the IT Department on request will provide students with initial advice and guidance but parents remain responsible for resolving all laptop problems through their laptop supplier or support organisation.

Parents need to select one of the network options dependent on whether access is required to the academic network or internet-only network.

Academic Network Option. * Bedales IT Department will install the network software which allows connection to the academic network and access to work files and shared areas, install Microsoft Office, install applications required by some subjects, install virus protection software, and provide network resources such as internet, e-mail, printing, file back-up and AV (audio visual). Increasingly laptop users on the academic network will be integrated into structured teacher-led lessons. There is a charge of £106 to cover costs for inclusion in a 3 year Microsoft school license agreement. This charge will be added to the students account.

Non-academic Network Option. * For those students who have a wireless-enabled laptop but who do not require access to any of the academic network resources we provide a facility to connect to our secure wireless network and use high speed broadband internet. These laptops are not required to have network software installed or meet the minimum technical specifications. The Bedales IT Department will not provide any support apart from the initial wireless configuration activity and the usual advice and guidance that is available to all students. There is no charge for this option.

* Further information is provided in the documents covering each service and option.
To obtain all the documents contact the IT Department by e-mail ithelpdesk@bedales.org.uk or telephone 01730-711777.