BYOD @ Schols

 

This site provides a guide to the BYOD Program at St Scholastica's College.

Much research, effort, and consultation went into choosing to implement this Program and we hope to build on our successes each year in teaching and learning with technology, and helping your daughter become a strong, independent, and responsible digital citizen.

Program Summary

 

Each student is required a laptop to undertake her studies.

  • Microsoft Windows 11 and Apple macOS are supported.
  • Not Supported: Windows devices running ARM processors (eg, Snapdragon), Android tablets, phones, and Chromebooks.
  • Please ensure the device meets minimum specifications. See Devices.

 

A device repair strategy is required.

  • We highly recommend you purchase both warranty and insurance to minimise interruption to studies if something happens.
  • Schols IT Staff are available to provide support but cannot perform hardware repairs.

 

Software required for studies.

  • Antivirus is required for all devices. We recommend Microsoft Defender for both Windows and Mac laptops.
    • Windows devices: Defender is pre-installed.
    • Apple devices: Simply search for "Microsoft Defender" in the macOS App Store.
  • The College provides the following software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud and other curriculum-specific applications.

Device Hardware

 

Recommended Specifications

Please note: if you already have an existing device, it still must meet the following specifications.

Apple Macbook

  • OS: macOS Tahoe
  • CPU: M3 Apple Silicon
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB SSD
  • Screen size: 13"
  • Wifi: Must support 5GHz
  • Webcam: 1080p
  • Ports: USB-C charging
  • Battery: 8+ hours
  • Weight: less than 2kg

 

  • AppleCare+

 

e.g. Macbook Air or Macbook Neo

Windows Laptop

  • OS: Windows 11
  • CPU: 12th Gen Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
  • RAM: Minumum 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB SSD
  • Screen size: 13"
  • Wifi: Must support 5GHz
  • Webcam: 1080p
  • Ports: USB-C charging
  • Battery: 8+ hours
  • Weight: less than 2kg

 

  • Consider adding to your home & contents insurance

 

e.g. DELL XPS 13 or Lenovo Yoga

PLEASE NOTE: Your laptop will come with a warranty. Insurance covers accidental damage, smashed screen, theft etc.

FAQ

 

The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program allows students to bring a personally owned laptop to school for learning. Students use their device in class, for homework, research, assessments, collaboration and access to school digital resources.

The BYOD program provides students with continuous access to a familiar device, supports personalised learning and allows students to develop the digital skills they will require for further education and future careers.

Absolutely, so long as it meets the required specifications as listed on the Device Hardware page. Please also consider warranty and insurance when making your decision.

Yes. Both Mac and Windows devices are supported, provided they meet the required specifications outlined on the Device Hardware page.

No. A full laptop is recommended to ensure compatibility with the software, assessment requirements and learning activities used throughout the school.Please see the Device Hardware page for more information.

Please refer to the Device Hardware page for the recommended specifications.

Ideally, the device should remain suitable for school use for 3 to 4 years without requiring replacement.

We recommend buying a Macbook directly from Apple. Windows devices can be purchased from JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, or from the Dell website.

Students require a laptop for the first day of school. Please allow sufficient time for setup.

Yes. Families will receive communication in December and January containing:
  • Student login details
  • Instructions for registering the device
  • Guidance for connecting to school services
  • Instructions for installing required software (e.g. Windows Defender, Microsoft Office)

Students will be provided with instructions to connect to the school's Wi-Fi network and install any required certificates.

No.

The school manages access to its networks and systems and applies filtering and security controls when a device connects to school services.

Yes. Internet access used through school networks is filtered and monitored in accordance with child safety and student wellbeing obligations.

The device remains the responsibility of the student and family. The school recommends that devices are protected by:
  • A sturdy protective case
  • Accidental damage insurance
  • Extended warranty coverage

Families should report the loss immediately to both the school and local police. Device tracking services such as Find My (Apple) or Find My Device (Microsoft) should be enabled where available.

Yes. The school strongly recommends purchasing accidental damage and theft insurance to minimise unexpected replacement costs.

Students are expected to arrive with a fully charged device each day. Limited charging opportunities may be available; however, charging should not be relied upon throughout the school day.

Students are expected to bring their device to school each day. Temporary solutions may be available in exceptional circumstances, but availability cannot be guaranteed.

The school will assist with:
  • Connecting to school services
  • Accessing educational software
  • Authentication and login issues
  • School-related technical configurations
Support for hardware faults, warranty claims, or personal software is generally the responsibility of the family.

Yes. The school promotes digital citizenship, cyber safety, responsible technology use and student wellbeing through both policy and educational programs.

Students may only use their device in accordance with the school's Acceptable Use Policy and classroom expectations.

Students should ensure their work is regularly backed up to the Schols OneDrive Account. Alternative arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis where technical difficulties occur.

Need Help?

 

If you require further information, please contact the IT Helpdesk between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday at this email address: helpdesk@scholastica.nsw.edu.au