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Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) means that students bring a personally owned digital device (such as a laptop or tablet) to school to support their learning.

Starting in 2025, our BYOD programme will apply to all students in Year 7 to Year 13. Each student is expected to have their own device for use during class time. These devices will be used for a range of learning activities, including research, collaboration, and completing assignments.

Our approach combines traditional teaching methods with digital learning. While devices will play an important role in many lessons, students will still use pen and paper where appropriate.

Before bringing and using a device at school, all students must sign the BYOD User Agreement, which is provided electronically via SchoolBridge at the beginning of Term 1.

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Loan Devices

A limited quanity of Loan Devices are available for day-long, or lesson–by–lesson, loan from the school's library. Students can pick these up before school, during interval, or lunch. All laptops will need to be returned at the end of the school day, or at the end of the lesson. 

Got Questions?

If you have any BYOD queries, please contact:

  • Deputy Principal: Julia Shannon: 

  • BYOD Facilitator:Jessica Cormack

WITH student OWNED devices TAKEN HOME EACH DAY,
LEARNING DOESN’T HAVE TO STOP AT THE SCHOOL GATE.

How do I choose an appropriate device? 

There are a wide range of suitable devices available, and the school does not require a specific model or brand. However, all devices must meet our minimum specifications. If your current device meets these requirements, your son may use it as his BYOD device.

Macbook Pro/Air (with latest OS)

These devices offer great functionality and durability and are a good option. Macs are known for high build quality and often last several years, reducing the need for mid-term replacements. With powerful processors and efficient memory management, Macs handle multitasking and demanding applications well. 

These devices are expensive if buying new and may not run Microsoft products in the same way as a Windows device. 

Windows Laptop

These offer variety in price. Known for their versatility and processing power, Windows laptops are excellent all-rounders. They offer a broad range of software options and are effective for both online and offline learning. These devices can install the full Microsoft suite of products. 

Ensure that your device is lightweight with good battery life.

Chromebook

The cheapest laptop available and offer good value for money. These laptops run the lightweight Chrome OS and come with a physical keyboard, making typing assignments easy and efficient. They are well-suited for cloud-based applications and online learning. 

Generally, you need to be online to use the device. Most specialist software will not run on these devices and Microsoft products are ‘lite’ versions that do not offer full functionality.

Apple Tablet

Good option for junior students as they are already in use in the Y7&8 classrooms. Offer creative opportunities to create and edit multimedia projects using visual images, video, and photography. investment in a keyboard attached. 

Not often used from Year 9 upwards. Limited in some applications. Would need extra investment in a keyboard attached. 

Aindroid Tablet

Small size and long battery life

While smaller Android tablets may be convenient, they often face limitations in performance, screen size, and application usability, making them unsuitable for this BYOD policy. 

Touch/Pen enabled Windows Device

These offer functionality for learning as students can handwrite and draw on them. They are compatible with a range of software and can install the full Microsoft Office suite.

These devices tend to be more expensive than an ordinary laptop.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones must be away during the school day and are not an option for BYOD. 

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Minimum specifications

A 'device' may fall into the following categories:
Laptop, Chromebook, Notebook. 

To work effectively it must:  

  • Run Windows, Mac OS, or Chrome OS

  • Have at least a 10” screen 

  • Be 5GHz WiFi capable (2.4GHz devices not supported) 

  • Have reasonable processing power 

  • Have a physical keyboard (portable permitted)

  • Language Setting: English  

  • Have antivirus and latest operating system installed 

Recommended extras:

  • Windows 10 or 11

  • Microsoft Office license (provided free at SBHS)

  • Insurance (SBHS is not responsible for damage or loss)

  • USB Stick and Headphones

  • Transport Bag, durable and portable design.

  • Higher specs for senior subjects like Art, DVC, Media Studies, Music

Digital Citizenship

Southland Boys' High School believes in a Digital Citizenship model for supporting safe and responsible use of the internet in teaching and learning. An important part of this is that we are able to show others what that responsible use looks like while we are using technology in our learning.

We think a good digital citizen is someone who:

  • Is a confident and capable user of ICT

  • Will use ICT for learning as well as other activities

  • Will think carefully about whether the information they see online is true

  • Will be able to speak the language of digital technologies

  • Understands that they may experience problems when using technology but can deal with them

  • Will always use ICT to communicate with others in positive ways

  • Will be honest and fair in all their actions using ICT

  • Will always respect people’s privacy and freedom of speech online

  • Will help others to become a better digital citizen


Because we know this is important for us all, we ask everyone who at SBHS to agree to use the internet and technologies in a safe and responsible way by following the rules laid out in the BYOD User Agreement.

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