Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy allows schools to bring technology into the classroom, allowing students to use their own devices. This encourages a student-centered approach to learning.
Digital devices and online services are an important part of everyday life, shaping the way children and young people learn, communicate, work and play. BYOD is not compulsory at either of our campuses and a variety of devices are available for student use at school including laptops, iPads and desktops. Students may choose to have their own device, for use at school and at home.
BYOD is subject to our Mobile Phone and Digital Device Policy.
Buying devices for BYOD
The Department of Education does not make any recommendations nor endorse any suppliers. Parents and carers are asked to do their own research.
Families can buy devices directly from the vendors listed below at discounted prices.
There are some available options for parents and carers:
- HP Online Store provides recommended laptops models by using school code "HastingsSC". See the HP BYOD Flyer (PDF).
- Lenovo Student Store provides a discount for students from using their school email address (ending in @education.nsw.gov.au).
There are also retail outlets in Port Macquarie that sell laptop computers, including JB-HiFi, Officeworks, Harvey Norman, Good Guys and Bing Lee.
Specifications
- Recommended screen size: 11" to 14". Larger screen sizes will consume more power, and shorten the battery life. A 14" or 15" laptop is quite large and can be heavy and will consume more power than a smaller device.
- Storage recommendation: 128Gb (or larger) Solid State Drive (SSD). These are fast drives, have no moving parts, generate no heat and are less prone to failure.
- RAM (memory): minimum 4Gb, 8Gb is highly recommended.
- WiFi: must support 5Ghz wireless N
Software
- A suite of applications is available and free to use for all Department of Education students. These can be accessed from the student portal.
- All other software is the responsibility of the student.
Operating System Choice
- Windows 11 (considered mainstream)
- Apple OS (may be advantageous to students with a Creative Arts focus)
- Chromebook (traditionally a cheaper alternative, low maintenance but also less flexibility)
Accidental loss and breakage insurance is recommended
A school Technical Support Officer (TSO) is available to help connect to the school WiFi. As this is a personal device, the school will not provide hardware or other technical support. The responsibility for all repairs or warranty claims lies with the student, parent or caregiver.
Please note the NSW Education policy - Student use of digital devices and online services.