Device Scheme

As you are probably aware, since The Skinners’ Kent Academy opened, we have run some form of 1:1 device scheme. The type of device has changed over the years; last year our year 7s had a convertible Dell laptop/tablet which has been very successful and reliable.

How are the devices used?

The Academy has operated a successful device programme since 2014, enabling children to integrate technology into all their class learning, independent learning, and Homework tasks.  As an Academy this scheme allows all students to have access to a device, as computer rooms are limited to computer science and digital society lessons in the main.

Therefore, devices are used daily across lessons to support a range of tasks, including gathering research, accessing resources, viewing reference materials, to create presentations, and to produce written documents. Students will also use their devices to access subject specific programmes, such as Seneca Learning and BBC Bitesize, as well as Academy wide platforms including Microsoft Teams, Class Charts, and for Homework, SPARX.

In previous years we’ve had almost 100% uptake of the scheme and when all students in a class have access to the same powerful technology it opens the door to new and exciting ways of learning. It also forms part of the culture of teaching and learning here at the Academy.

We do recognise that this year, things are more difficult due to the ongoing crisis with the cost of computer components across the world. With the effect of this that prices have gone up and up and some devices have more than doubled in price. We have been looking at ways that we can still run a scheme and have decided to partner with Easy4u to provide our devices this year.

We know the prices are considerably higher than they have been in previous years, but this is a good specification of device and is fully covered against accidental damage for the duration of the scheme. There is even a warranty on the battery which is usually the first part to fail. We think that students will get many years of use out of their device if they look after it well.

What to do

To place an order please click the link below and follow the instructions. Your device will be delivered to the academy to be prepped, and then it will be passed on to the student as soon as possible.

Click here to place an order

About the Device

The device is a Lenovo 13w 2-in-1 Convertible Tablet / Laptop.

• It has 256GB Storage – This is plenty as our students store all their work in the Microsoft Cloud.
• It has 16GB of memory and an i5 processor, meaning it is powerful enough for almost any task you would need in school.
• It will be automatically configured on our system, and subject to our internet filtering and restrictions (even at home).
• It comes with a protective case and charger.

Click to dowload the information booklet.

About the Scheme

• Your device is covered for unlimited accidental damage claims subject to a £50 excess.
• No credit checks are required to get a device.
• A refundable deposit is paid at the start of the scheme. At the end of the scheme you can return your device and get your deposit back, or you can forfeit the deposit and keep the device.
• The scheme is not compulsory, and students will have access to other devices, such as using the library computers at the end of the day, however, access will be limited.
• We unfortunately cannot allow students to bring their own device from home as it opens too many problems around cyber security, and safeguarding.
• Even if you choose the ‘Rent’ option, you can still keep the device at the end of the scheme.

If you have any questions, please email us on devices@skinnerskent.org.uk

Please also see a Frequently Asked Questions page here.

(Please note: The prices are set by Easy4U and they may increase or decrease over time).