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Software for learning on a computer

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Byadmin

The following help desk article refers to downloading and installing software to use on a computer. For help and advice with downloading and installing applications for mobile devices please click here.

Introduction

Alongside Microsoft Office (click here for details on how to obtain a free copy for your child), our school uses other software applications to teach students, many of which can be downloaded for free although some do require purchasing. Please see below for more details.

Free Software

The following applications can be downloaded for free. Unless stated (by providing direct links to software downloads) we advise that for full compatibility with computers in school you download the below mentioned software using the links provided on this webpage which are the same as what is currently installed on the school computers.

Adobe Reader

Your child’s teachers may occasionally provide some work or resources either on Satchel One or on Microsoft Teams that are in PDF format. PDF is a document type that will open on most computers without the need for additional software, but if you need to download a reader follow this link.

Trimble SketchUp

Formally known as Google SketchUp, this software application is used by the Design Technology faculty to teach students 3D Design using a computer. It is used for a wide range of drawing applications such as civil and mechanical engineering, architectural and interior design.

Although SketchUp has in recent years shifted from a downloadable program to an online service through a web browser (you can make a free account to use with some limitations) the school still teach using the “offline” application.

You can download and install a copy of SketchUp for your computer from the following links below:

Microsoft Windows

SketchUp Make 2017 for Microsoft Windows

Apple MacOS

SketchUp Make 2017 for Apple MacOS

Microsoft Small Basic

Microsoft Small Basic is a introductory programming language which is used by the ICT faculty to teach students computer programming. You can download a copy of Microsoft Small Basic for your computer for free from the following:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Small Basic for Microsoft Windows

Apple MacOS

Microsoft Small Basic is not available as a program to install on Apple MacOS computers but you can access the online web based version by clicking here.

Python

Python is an advanced computer programming language that is used by the ICT faculty to teach students computer programming. You can download a copy of Python for your computer for free from the following:

Microsoft Windows

Python for Microsoft Windows

Apple MacOS

Python for Apple MacOS

Audacity

AppShed is an online website resource which is used by the ICT faculty to help teach students app development. No installation is necessary and works on all computers through a web browser.

You can visit AppShed by clicking here.

AppShed

Audacity is a free open source audio recording and editing application which is used by the Music and ICT faculties. You can download a copy of Audacity for your computer for free from the following:

WordPress

WordPress is a online platform that is used by the ICT faculty to help teach students website development. No installation is necessary and works on all platforms through a web browser.

You can learn more about WordPress by clicking here.

MuseScore

MuseScore is an application that is used by the Music faculty to aid with the creation and notation of musical composition. You can download a copy of MuseScore for your computer for free from the following:

Microsoft Windows

MuseScore for Microsoft Windows

Apple MacOS

MuseScore for Apple MacOS

Shotcut

Shotcut is a free open source video editing application that is used in school by various facilities when creating video projects. You can download a copy of Shotcut for your computer for free (Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOSX) from the following:

GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free open source image editor which is an alternative program to Adobe Photoshop. You can download a copy of GIMP for your computer for free (Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOSX) from the following:

Paid for Software

Some programs that are used in the school to teach require either a one-off fee or subscription to use (some of which may be purchased at a reduced cost as a student). Listed below is some of the software you could buy and links providing further information.

Ableton

Ableton is a digital audio workstation application program which the Music faculty use to teach students how to make music using a computer. It is available for both Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS. You can learn more about Ableton by clicking here.

Cubase

Cubase is a digital audio workstation application program which the Music faculty use to teach students how to make music and MIDI recording, arranging and editing. It is available for both Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS. You can learn more about Cubase by clicking here.

Serato

Serato is a vinyl emulation application program that is used by DJ’s to play and record music. It is used by the Music faculty and is available for both Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS. You can learn more about Serato by clicking here.

Sibelius

Sibelius is an application that is used by the Music faculty to aid with the creation and notation of musical composition. It is available for both Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS. You can learn more about Sibelius by clicking here.

Table of Contents

How Yondr Works

Frequently Asked Questions

We want our students to be engaged in their learning. A child at high school should not really have a reason to contact a parent during the day; however, if there is a genuine reason e.g. they have forgotten their packed lunch, a phone call can be made home from the school office. If a parent needs to contact their child in an emergency, they should contact the school office. If you need to contact your child during the school day, contact the main office on 01942 883796.

In case of a school emergency, we direct our students to safety first, following our school emergency procedures.

 

Students are in possession of their phone - in their Yondr pouch - for the entire school day. We will advise students to store the pouch safely in their school bag or blazer pockets.

If a student damages their Pouch or is caught on their phone, we will confiscate the phone and issue a sanction which is likely to be a suspension.

Note: Damage consists of any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school or Yondr staff.

Damaged pouches will be charged to parents at a cost of £20.

They will be searched and wanded with a handheld scanner by a member of SLT. If they are found to have their phone on their person they will be expected to place it in their pouch. Refusal will be met with suspension.

If a student forgets their Pouch, their phone will be confiscated.

As per our previous mobile phone policy;

  • Confiscated phones will be taken to reception where the phone will be secured in the school safe.
  • Parents will be alerted to the phone confiscation via the school office.

Parents will have the option to collect the phone at the end of the day. If parents do not collect the phone, the phone will remain in school until the end of the week or until the student has their pouch.

In Yondr’s experience, this almost never happens. All students funnel past the unlocking stations at the exits, they want their phones back and don’t forget to unlock their pouches. If they do arrive home with a phone in a pouch, they can either come back to school to unlock it, or have a phone free evening!

The unlocking process is quick and takes under a second per student. 

As a privilege, Year 11 will be able to unlock their phones as they go off site at lunchtime; however, they will be expected to put their phones back into their pouches when they return to school for period 5.

Yes. There is an adapted version of the pouch which uses a Velcro fastener instead of a magnetic lock. This means the student still follows the policy, but the adapted pouch gives them easy access to their phone when required. If the student abuses this, they will face a sanction. We are already aware of these students.

Your Office 365 account username is your school network account username followed by @flhs.wigan.sch.uk 
The password is the same password that you use in school to access computers.