Student BYOD program

Why BYOD?

By embracing the BYOD program, we are committed to preparing our students for a future where technology plays an integral role in both professional and personal spheres. It is our goal to equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

A BYOD program helps students learn better using devices they know, prepares them for future school and jobs, makes lessons more fun, teaches responsibility, allows learning anywhere, encourages teamwork, enables seamless learning from school to home, gets students ready for online tests and supports different learning needs.

BYOD does not imply constant device usage; rather, it allows teachers to incorporate the use into the students learning, making lessons more interesting and interactive at times, which helps students stay motivated and focused.  This might include, but not limited to, using digital textbooks (i.e. math), online tools, educational apps and online research. Learning activities can be customised to suit different student needs within the same class.

Purchasing a BYOD device

We understand that selecting the right device can be challenging and overwhelming due to a vast array of choices available on the market. To support parents, our school has partnered with two suppliers to offer suitable laptops, ensuring they meet the right functionality and specifications to last at least three years at school.  The advantage of purchasing these laptops is that:

Reasonable Pricing – The laptops are competitively priced for the quality and functionality to last the school day.

3-Year Warranty – Unlike most laptops which come with a 1-year warranty, these offer a full 3-year warranty with on-site support, meaning technicians can assist you at home or school for warranty issues.

Flexible Payment Options – Options include AfterPay or Finance (HP only)

Accidental Damage Insurance (Only available through HP) - This is different to warranty. If you have a car and you smash a window, you can’t claim on warranty however if you have comprehensive insurance you can claim for the damage. Accidental Damage Insurance offers similar insurance on damage without any excess payments. If you are concerned about your child damaging their device, this option offers peace of mind for any potential damage.
Note: This option is only available after purchasing your HP laptop, Expect to receive an email from HP three or more days with instructions on how to purchase the insurance.

Discounted Accessories – Cases are available at around $50-$60 and are highly recommended as essential protection for your laptop purchase.

We currently have  2 - 3  laptop choices from each supplier that meet all our criteria. Please refer to the supplier brochures for more information and how to purchase:

1. Shady Solutions - Brochure

2. HP - Brochure

Minimum device specifications

If you are buying a device for your child, you can use the checklist below to guide your decision on which device to bring.  Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you are looking to purchase a device and would like advice if it is suitable.

* Please note that the below are the minimum specifications. Anything above this will mean the device will likely function better for your child and last longer as software updates over time and needs more space and resources.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you are looking to purchase a device and would like advice if it is suitable.

Click  here for a printable version  to take shopping.

Specifications:

• A 2-in-1 device (this will ‘flip’ to a tablet and allows students to draw/write easily)

• 64 Bit processor, minimum Intel i3 (Gen 11) or AMD Ryzen 3 (better if a higher spec)

• 16GB RAM recommended

• 256GB recommended (Solid State Drive - SSD), absolute minimum 128GB

• Screen size 11” – 14”

• Keyboard, for typing (i.e. not a tablet device)

• Touchscreen (active pen compatible)

• Active pen (for drawing/writing in class)

• USB-C Charging

• Ability to connect earphones/headphones

• Minimum battery life of 8 hours

• Lightweight, under 1.5 kg

• Heavy duty case for protection in school bag (highly recommended)

• Mouse (optional)

• Warranty: consider how long this is and how long to expect from the laptop you are purchasing. Check what type (i.e. on-site repair or do you need to post it for repair)

• Highly recommended: Windows 11 (NOT S mode)

• Optional: Accidental Damage Protection (ADP)

Notes:

• We recommend strongly you do not purchase a Chromebook, Android Tablet, or an iPad.  We have found that these devices lack the ease of use and integration with other technology in our classrooms and often results in students feeling frustrated with their device.
• We request USB-C charging, as these are chargers we have at school, so will be able to assist with charging laptops from time to time.
• Please do not provide Internet data (via smart phones or 3G/4G dongles), as GHS provides secure (child safe) Internet at school via the WiFi.
• Note that your child receives FREE Microsoft and Adobe software, so there is no extra to purchase other than the computer above

Student software

Note that Windows 10 & 11 includes built-in virus scanner (Windows Defender) and there are many good ones available for free for personal use.

Software available to students:

Microsoft Office 365 - Word, Excel, Powerpoint and many more. Microsoft Office 365 is normally preinstalled on all Windows laptops.  If not, it is also available to download from the students’ MS 365 Portal.

Creative Cloud Suite - Adobe Acrobat DC, Photoshop, Illustrator and many more...
Adobe products can be obtained by students when they login at  https://creativecloud.adobe.com/  and follow the instructions.

NOTE: Adobe licences are only available to some students.  Teachers will arrange licences for students if there is a requirement.

Guides explaining this step by step are located in the student’s Sentral Portal