In this guide, we are going to highlight the differences between the web/app versions of MCAS so that schools know what is available in each version and what parents should see.
Prerequisites: For parents to use MCAS at all, the following steps must have been completed;
- Schools must have created MCAS User Accounts for parents.
- Parents must have redeemed their invitation code.
- Parents must have fully completed the User Account creation steps. See: MCAS Beginners Guide and MCAS Parent Guide.
MCAS – Assessment is currently only available on the web version of MCAS. Everything else will be visible on both the app and web version of MCAS.
See also: How to use the MCAS App.
MCAS Web
When a parent loads MCAS on a computer, they will see a Dashboard consisting of widgets and a side menu;
Each widget will display data for the student that it finds in the MIS, with some widgets having a More button which takes parents to that specific page (On Report or Behaviour for example).
Each of the side menu options will take parents to a designated page for that item/module within MCAS, where they can see data in detail like Attendance Data, upcoming Clubs and Outstanding Payments.
Finally, there are some fixed icons on the top right of MCAS web, these are always available regardless of which page you are on;
- School Shop – Contains items ready for purchase.
- Contact School – Allows the parent to contact the school.
- Messages – Allows parents to converse directly with specific staff,
- Announcements – Contains any relevant Announcements from the School.
If the parent clicks on their name, they are provided with four further options;
- Account Settings – Allows parents to manage their MCAS credentials.
- Inbox – Allows parents to see messages received from specific staff.
- Payments History – Contains all previous orders/payments the parent has made on MCAS.
- Logout – Logs the parent out of MCAS.
That is everything a parent should see in the web version of MCAS.
MCAS App
When a Parent first opens the MCAS app, they will see the My Child page.
In the top right hand corner you have the Settings icon where you can manage your Account settings, Privacy and Security and Payment Methods.
Across the top of the My Child page, you will see the Students name, you can tap on this to switch between different Students.
Below this, is the Attendance Calendar, you can tap on any of the dates displayed on the calendar to see the Students attendance for that day. .
Scrolling down from the Attendance Calendar they will see the main menu. They can tap on any of these options to view more information. At the bottom you will see the options for Store, which will take you to the School Shop, Announcements and Messages.
To summarise, everything that is visible on the web version of MCAS should be visible on the app version as well, except for Assessments.
If a parent claims they can see data on the web version but not the app version, ask them to make sure they have updated the app and updated their device to the latest software versions available.