Our BYOD Program
Here you will find information relating to our BYOD program in which students in Years 9 to 12 utilise their own device.
The premise of the BYOD program is for your child, in consultation with you, to choose a device that is going to benefit their learning. Students are discouraged from selecting a device based on a specific subject and if you are seeking advice regarding which device is best suited to your child’s needs, please contact one of the Heads of Teaching and Learning – Digital Practice – Miss Victoria Spicer-Stuart at the Berwick Campus and Mr Josh Brewer at the Pakenham Campus.
All devices should adhere to the minimum requirements set by the College.
We recommend laptops for senior students although iPads are permitted. The devices that are supported at Beaconhills College are
- MacBook – any model running latest Mac operating system.
- Windows notebook/laptop – any model running latest version of Windows.
- iPad – models that run the latest iPadOS.
Chromebooks and Android tablets are not be compatible with our system and are not fully supported.
Please note: Although the school allows students to bring mobile phones, this will not suffice as the student’s primary device.
Minimum technical requirements
Wireless
All devices must have wireless capabilities. The School network requires devices to be capability with 5GHz wireless.
Battery life
The device must be able to remain charged during school hours. It will not be acceptable for students to charge their devices in class. Battery life needs to be able to last the school day although the iPad was not be constantly used.
Operating system
All devices must be able to run the most current version of the operating system. Anything less than three years old will be sufficient. Any older machines may have compatibility issues with our system.
Please note: Linux and Ubuntu operating systems are not supported on our network
Keyboard
The student’s ability to type at a reasonable speed should be considered.
Antivirus Software
All devices, Windows and MacBook laptops, must have up-to-date virus software. Students will not be permitted onto the network without up-to-date anti-virus software. Free options for students are available from Microsoft, Sophos, AVG. The only exceptions are iPads.
Warranty & insurance
It is the parent’s responsibility to consider insurance and warranty requirements for their child’s device. The College is not in a position to service hardware repairs. Be aware of the terms and conditions regarding warranty and insurance.
Cases & covers
All notebooks must have a proper protective case. Tablets must have an appropriate cover. Cases and covers give real protection against accidental damage that would not be covered by a warranty claim. The best insurance against damage is a protective case.
Software
Although most of the Year 9 and Senior School Learning systems will be web-based via our BeaconNet Portal, students are encouraged to utilise apps from the relevant app store (Apple App Store, Windows Store, Google Play, Chrome Store) and various online resources as indicated by their teachers.
It is expected that students install the Microsoft 365 suite, from the Microsoft 365 website or use the Microsoft’s online version of Office on the same site.
Best Place to Purchase
Parents can purchase Apple devices from the Apple store at Fountain Gate or their online store. You can visit the Apple Store to get assistance with selecting an iPad or MacBook, a suitable cover and, if necessary, creating and using an Apple ID and information on Family Sharing and Restrictions.
We have partnered with JB Education to provide Beaconhills families with easy access to great prices on a range of computer devices.
This includes iPads, MacBooks and laptops by Microsoft and other suppliers as well a range of insurance options and various bags.
Parents can login at https://www.jbeducation.com.au/byod/
Parents are alerted by email when the purchases are ready for collection from their nominated JB HiFi store.
Click here for more details including the JB HiFi Beaconhills school code.