Mobile device on experiential learning trips

ISL is a mobile device-free school for students. The benefits are clear: a break from social media, fewer distractions in study periods and lessons, more face-to-face interaction, and reduced stress from constant notifications. These benefits extend to our experiential learning programme, particularly for younger students. To avoid ambiguity and support parents, the device rules for each trip are as follows:

• Year 7 – Mountain Skills in Anzère - devices must be left at home.

• Year 8 – Mountain Skills in Anzère - devices must be left at home.

• Year 9 – Water Sport in Lignano - devices must be left at home.

• Year 10 – Mountain skills in Gstaad – devices must be left at home

• Year 11 – Our responsibility to remember in Berlin – students can bring devices which will be kept in sealed envelopes for the trip (unless needed in emergencies)

• Year 12 – Project Week in Verbier – students will need devices.

• Year 13 – EE and Surfing in Biarritz – students will need devices.

We ask parents of Year 7 to Year 10 students to check that their child’s device is at home on Monday morning. In previous year’s we have experienced one or two parents permitting their child to bring a device without the school’s knowledge. This is confusing for young people who are forced to be untruthful with teachers when we ask students to hand them in. Please support the school in our goal to provide students with a break from technology during this week and support face-to-face connections.

Simon Foley

Secondary School Principal