Causeway Comprehensive School is delighted to announce a new “Laptop Initiative for Senior years”. Over the years, Causeway CS has developed student’s IT skills through the teaching and learning of ICT during the Junior Cycle as well as in Transition year. As your child is now enter Senior Cycle, students will be engaging in a lot of ICT both at school and at home. This will come in a variety of formats via project work for state exams, preparation work, research work, study skills and methods etc. The landscape for the Leaving Certificate course has changed over the years, this will be quiet evident with the New Leaving Certificate course and the project element to it. This is also very evident in college where students use laptops instead of pen and paper as well as E-books.
After consultation with staff, student council, parent council and the Board of Management, the school this year has decided to engage with a local company called “Castleisland Computers”, who having been providing IT devices (laptops etc) to second level schools for many years.
It has been agreed that students entering senior Cycle in September will now have the option to purchase a laptop from Castleisland Computers. This device will be allowed to be used in school and at home and will support students in their learning over the next two years and of course students can then use it for college or in the world of work etc. Students entering TY, 5th year can avail of this offer.
Cost - €600 (This includes maintenance and updates of the device while in school, yearly maintenance, replacement of Screen and Keyboards at cost price, Screen Replacement - €100, Keyboard Replacement - €60).
Device Spec – HP Elite Laptop, 14-inch screen, 16Gb RAM, intel i5 processer, 256 SSD, Windows 11 Pro
To ensure a smooth transition, we have partnered with Castleisland Computers to offer a special pricing package for the recommended device. Parents have the option to make an outright purchase of the device. This involves paying the full cost upfront. This method provides immediate ownership of the device.
Cara Credit Union: Our local Cara Credit Union have also come on board with payment plans that allow parents to spread the cost of the device over a specified period. Loan of €600 for the laptops at a rate of 5.9% (Education Loan Rate) over 12 months which works out at a repayment amount of €12 per week.
An information meeting took place on Tuesday May 13th @ 7.15pm in the school, where a representative from Castleisland Computers gave further detail on this Laptop Initiative . Cara Credit Union also spoke at the information meeting in the school on Tuesday May 13th to guide parent through the loan process.
Organisation and Productivity: Students can use digital tools to organise their assignments, and notes. This fosters good organisational habits and helps them manage their workload more efficiently.
Maintenance and Support: A maintenance and support contract will be included in the purchase of each device. This ensures that technical issues are promptly addressed, allowing students to focus on their studies without interruption.
Device Ownership: From the moment of purchase, the device becomes the property of the student. This means that they will own the device throughout their time at Causeway Comprehensive School providing continuity and familiarity throughout their educational journey
Digital Textbooks: In addition to traditional textbooks, digital versions can be loaded onto the students' devices. This not only lightens the school bag but also allows for timely updates and interactive content.
Preparation for Third Level: We believe that introducing students to one-to-one devices will better prepare them for the digital demands of third-level education and the workforce. Familiarity with modern educational technology is an essential skill in today's rapidly advancing world.
A link has been sent to all parents asking if they are interested, Castleisland Computers will then make contact with any interested parent/guardian.
