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Academics
Middle School

iPad Program

Small enough and smart enough to truly personalize each learning experience.
Derryfield's magic is in the relationship between faculty and students, and we believe that iPads enhance that relationship. The iPad itself is not magical, but the engagement and lessons that a talented teacher can create with it are. iPads enable students to access rich resources right in the classroom. Teachers coach students in researching, writing, analyzing, and creating-all classic skills of a well-educated thinker. A relatively affordable tool, the iPad provides many advantages including: access to the research libraries of the world, a common calendar, inexpensive e-books, and a simple, paperless way to organize notes, "handouts," and student work. The Derryfield School requires each student in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade to have an iPad, which serves as each student's primary academic tool. The iPad is be one tool among many designed to bring out the best in our students. Using the student-centered approach that is a hallmark of Derryfield, we have designed a program that introduces the benefits of this technology to students.

iPad FAQs

List of 13 frequently asked questions.

  • For the upcoming 2021-2022 school year: What iPad should I buy? What size of iPad should I buy?

    We suggest the 10.2” model with the A10 fusion chip at 32 GB or 128 GB; an overview may be found at https://www.apple.com/ipad-10.2/. If you wish to purchase an iPad Air or an iPad Pro, it is an acceptable alternative to the 10.2” model with the A10 fusion chip. An iPad Mini is not acceptable due to its screen size.

  • Things to know before you purchase accessories such as keyboards, case, and other accessories.

    Keyboard
    • Find Model # of the iPad which is located on the back of your iPad Apple iPad 9.7-Inch 6th Gen WiFi
    • How is the keyboard charged (recommend external chargers)
    • How is the keyboard physically attached to the iPad (recommend case and keyboard integrated/all in one)
    • Enables access to all ports and buttons easily
    • Consider backlit keyboard
    • Level of protection provided
    • Purchase from Amazon, Best Buy, Target, be sure to check model # for compatibility and user reviews
    Apple Pencil
    • not necessary 
    Stylus
    • not necessary 

  • What apps do I need on my iPad?

    iPad App List
    All students are required to get the apps listed below for the first day of class.
    • Chrome
    • Google Classroom
    • Google Docs
    • Google Drive
    • Google Sheets
    • Google Slides
    Students will be asked to add/purchase other apps throughout the school year as necessary. Teachers will post a homework assignment if an app will be needed in the classroom in advance of use.

  • Does my child need a cellular data plan?

    No, a data plan is not required to meet Derryfield's expectations.

  • How do I set up an Apple ID for my child? What is Family Sharing?

    We require setting up a separate iTunes/AppleID account for each student which can limit his/her ability to spend freely.

    Here is the link to Apple's instructions for creating an Apple ID for your child.
     

  • Does my child need a personal Google account or external storage for backup?

    No, we are a GSuite for education school. All students have GSuite account with unlimited storage. Students are issued their account credentials during the first days of school.
     

  • What's the best way to use my iPad at home?

    Suggestions For Your iPad at Home:

    The iPad initiative brings the prospect of personal growth and academic enrichment possible with this tool. We know that patience and a spirit of play will be required as we learn together how to use the iPad to its full potential. Adults at school are here to help you with any struggles you encounter. Please have ongoing conversations with your advisor and your teachers about how it's going for you!

    Two of the core values of The Derryfield School are "aim high" and "balance." To help you use your iPad most effectively at home, we offer the following guidelines.
    • To aim high, first use your iPad to complete tasks related to schoolwork.
    • To achieve balance, consume this tool's offerings as you might a healthy meal.
    • To aim high and achieve balance, never choose using your iPad for pleasure over spending time with friends or family when they are available.
    • In sixth grade, we anticipate that the average student will spend no more than 2 hours per day on the iPad completing daily assignments at home.

  • What's the best way to use my iPad when I'm at school?

    Strategies and Etiquette For Tasks Related to School:
    • Consider your resources. What tasks will require internet access? What tasks will you complete using an app? Will you be able to complete them using your battery? Make sure your plan takes into account the availability of these items.
    • "Be where you are when you are there." With so many apps, including YouTube and iTunes, it is tempting to multi-task. Do one task at a time. Studies suggest that doing more than one thing well is a myth. Plan to focus and focus on your plan.
    • Following your time allotments, complete each task in its assigned time. If you can't do so, stop and make a note of that so you can tell your teacher tomorrow. Try to figure out why completing the task took longer than you thought it would.
    • Use your iPad as if the screen could be projected to everyone at any time. Be proud of the responsible way you've chosen to use this tool.

  • Do I need to bring my iPad to school every day?

    Yes, the iPad is a required tool for all middle school students.
    Preparing to Use Your iPad Daily at School
    • Charge your iPad each evening so it is fully charged each morning.
    • Check your Derryfield e-mail at least once every school day.
    • Log in and check the Derryfield website daily for upcoming assignments.
    • It is essential that the iPad, iPad case, iPad keyboard, iPad adaptor, and earphones are all labeled with the student’s name.
    • You need to know your Apple ID, which consists of your username and password and your Derryfield username and password.

  • Things you should do before updating your iOS.

    Make sure your device is ready for the change.
    If it is major software update prepare your device.
    Check Compatibility - can your device be upgraded
    Back it up  - photos,  videos, app data.  Plug your device into a computer and back it up fully.
    House Cleaning  - delete apps not used 
    Evaluate  - jump right in or wait

    Do the research  - read reviews and feedback
    Learn what's new  - how will it run on your device
    If you have an older device it may be worth while to wait and update once all the fixes have been released.

  • List of free web based typing sites to help master keyboarding.

    Keyboarding is a motor skill. It is a matter of training fingers to respond quickly with the correct placement. We have provided a list of free web-based typing sites. Explore the list below and chose a site that best fits the individual who is mastering typing.
    • Typing Web - A free typing tutor. 
    • TypingClub - A free program to assist learning and improving your typing speed.
    • Goodtyping - A free online typing course.

  • Where can I learn more about iPads?

    Here are some Apple resources:

    Apple - Getting Started - http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/getstarted
    Apple - iPad User Guide - http://support.apple.com/manuals/ipad
    Apple - iPad Support Page: http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/

The Derryfield School

2108 River Road, Manchester, NH 03104     p: 603.669.4524     f: 603.625.9715
Located in Manchester, NH,  The Derryfield School is a private day school for grades 6-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.