INTRODUCTION

Albany SHS is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school. Our BYOD program aims to improve the delivery of our curriculum using 21^st century technologies and skills. The Western Australian Curriculum includes integrating the ICT General Capability across all subjects at school. Our BYOD program allows us to thoroughly address this element of the curriculum and provide our students with skills to help them succeed in their future professional and academic endeavours.

Students

Students are expected to take responsibility for the appropriate use and care of their devices by:

• Bringing a device on all regular school days.
• Charging devices overnight so they are ready for use each day.
• Ensuring they have access to a locker to safely store their laptops during periods when they cannot keep their bags with them (e.g. Physical Education). Lockers can be arranged through the front office.
• Maintaining the data privacy of themselves and others.
• Ensuring their device is regularly updated and required software packages are installed.
• Using devices as instructed by their teacher. Failure to follow instructions will be managed through the Albany SHS Behaviour Management Policy and may result in a reduction of ICT privileges.
• Backing up files to their Department of Education OneDrive account.
• Following all Albany SHS ICT usage policies while at school or attending school events.

Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play an important role in helping their child participate successfully in the BYOD program by:

• Ensuring devices meet the specifications listed by the school.
• Ensuring their child is familiar with the operation of their device before commencing school.
• Supporting their child to meet the responsibilities outlined above.

Teachers

Teachers support effective use of devices for learning by:

• Providing frequent opportunities for students to use their devices.
• Designing meaningful learning experiences that incorporate device use.
• Supporting students to develop ICT skills needed to use their devices effectively.
• Ensuring ICT components of the curriculum are addressed within their Learning Areas.

The School

The school supports the BYOD program by:

• Maintaining appropriate infrastructure and network capabilities to support student access.
• Providing learning opportunities for students and staff to support effective use of devices for teaching and learning.
• Offering limited support and advice for connecting devices to the network and installing software. Maintenance and repairs remain the responsibility of parents and carers.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Device Requirements

Devices brought to school must meet the following requirements to function effectively as learning tools in our school environment. Students should bring devices in a suitable protective case. Cases with a hard outer layer and padded inner that fit into backpacks usually provide the best protection. Students should also bring suitable earbuds or headphones that can be used with their devices when required.

Devices do not need to be new. Many existing laptops will be suitable provided they meet the requirements outlined below.

Windows laptops are recommended for the Albany SHS BYOD program, as they offer the best compatibility with school systems and learning software.

Tablet-style devices (including iPads and 2-in-1 devices) are acceptable only if they include a physical keyboard.

Mobile phones, Chromebooks, and Android tablets are not suitable for BYOD, as they do not support required school software. In particular, Android devices cannot run the NAPLAN Lockdown Browser.

Apple/Mac Devices

Apple Mac laptops can be used in the BYOD program; however, Windows laptops are recommended for the best compatibility with school systems and learning software.

Mac devices must support macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer, with macOS 16 recommended where possible. Older Macs that cannot update to recent macOS versions may experience compatibility issues with school software, including Microsoft Office.

Technical support for Mac devices is limited, and in some courses—such as Digital Technologies—the different operating systems and interfaces may make it more difficult for students to follow instructions and complete tasks alongside the class.

Recommended Windows Device Specifications (Preferred)

Devices should meet or exceed the following specifications:

• Operating System: Windows 11
• Memory (RAM): 8GB minimum
• Processor: Intel i3 or equivalent minimum
• Intel processors generally offer stronger performance than Celeron chips for typical school workloads like multitasking, Microsoft Office and for running Windows itself.
• Storage: 128GB or greater recommended
• Display: 10+ inch display (13–14 inches recommended)
• Battery Life: 5+ hours
• Keyboard: Required for all devices
• Charging: USB-C charging (recommended)

NOTE:  Third-party antivirus software is not recommended, as it can interfere with school network connections. Windows Security, which includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus and built-in firewall protection, provides effective and appropriate protection for students’ devices.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you have any further queries regarding these requirements or any details above, please contact:

Mr Jeff Grundy
ICT Coordinator
Phone:  6821 1700

E-mail:  albany.shs.enquiries@education.wa.edu.au