Quakers Hill High School is a Bring your own device (BYOD) school. Students are expected to bring a suitable notebook computer to school to support their learning. The following resources have been prepared to support students and their families to participate in the program.
Documentation
The following documents have been prepared to support the BYOD program:
Please note that all students must complete and return the Policy and agreement document to their roll call teacher. You do not need to resubmit this document each year.
Program partners
To secure competitive pricing for suitable devices, the school has partnered with Hewlett Packard and Learning With Technology. Families are free to source devices from other suppliers if they wish - please consult the Device specifications (below) before making a purchase.
For more information about the program partners, or to make a purchase, visit:
- Hewlett Packard (use school code: QuakersHHS)
- Learning With Technology
Getting help
Please see the following guides before asking for assistance.
- For information on joining the school's Wi-Fi network, accessing the internet, and printing at school, see the following guides:
- For help and training related to Google Workspace, visit Google's File storage, collaboration & docs page.
- For help and training related to Microsoft 365 and Microsoft 365 Online, visit Microsoft's Microsoft 365 Quick Starts page.
Device specifications
Devices must meet the following requirements
Component |
Notes |
|---|---|
Wireless compatibility Most important – internet access is not possible without this requirement |
The device must have 5GHz ‘Dual Band Wireless’, 802.11abgn, 802.11ac or gigabit wireless. |
Device type |
Notebook computers only – a mobile phone, tablet or any device with a SIM card is not acceptable. |
Storage size |
Minimum 128GB. |
Operating system |
Windows 10/11 or macOS. |
Battery life |
Advertised battery life of at least 6 hours. There are no charging facilities for student computers. Students are required to bring their devices charged and ready each day. |
Software |
Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are free for all NSW public school students. Access is via the student portal. |
Additional considerations and recommendations
Component |
Notes |
|---|---|
Weight |
Devices should weigh no more than 2kg. |
RAM |
Minimum 4GB. |
Storage type |
A solid-state drive (SSD). |
Protective cover/case |
A hardcover or case containing memory foam for added protection is essential. |
Insurance and warranty |
Carefully consider the providers’ offerings for insurance and warranty when making your purchase. |
| Peripherals | A mouse and headphones are highly recommended. These items are also essential equipment for participation in NAPLAN. |
Frequently asked questions
Are other mobile devices allowed?
Students require a notebook computer – tablets and mobile phones are not acceptable. The computer needs a full desktop operating system (Windows 10/11 or macOS). Android and iOS devices are not acceptable.
What about Chrome OS?
Our BYOD program supports Windows 10/11 and macOS devices only.
Students using ChromeOS will have a very different user experience to others and will only receive limited support.
Do I need to purchase antivirus software?
Both Windows 10/11 and macOS include software to help keep computers safe (Microsoft’s Windows Defender and Apple’s Gatekeeper). If these services are used properly and safe online behaviour is practised (such as keeping computers updated, deleting suspicious emails, and avoiding unsigned software installations), purchasing third-party antivirus software is not essential.
Will the school be providing secure storage?
No. Students are expected to keep their computer in their bag when it is not being used for classwork or study. You are encouraged to purchase a protective case/cover for the computer to keep it safe from damage. The school will not be supplying lockers for students.
Will the school be providing charging facilities?
No. Students are expected to select a device with enough battery life to last a school day and to come to school with the device fully charged at the start of each day.
Does it make a difference what electives my child has chosen?
The school will continue to provide classroom spaces with desktop computers that are suitable for high-demand applications such as design and manufacturing, AV production and programming.
Why is there such a range of different prices on the program partner websites?
A range of differently priced devices were chosen to provide parents and carers the opportunity to select a device that suited their budget. Devices with higher prices will have greater capabilities and may be a worthwhile choice if your child has extra-curricular interests such as media production. However, each computer on the program partner's portals will meet the daily learning needs of our students.
Visit the program partner sites at:
- Hewlett Packard (use school code: QuakersHHS)
- Learning With Technology
Can I choose where I buy the device?
Yes. The school has negotiated discounted prices with 2 program partners. Purchasing one of these computers will ensure that your device meets all the requirements of the BYOD program.
If you choose to source a device from elsewhere, it is your responsibility to check that the device meets the requirements listed above.
Is financial assistance available?
The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides families on low incomes with access to safe, fair and affordable credit, without fees or charges. For more information, visit the No Interest Loan scheme site.
If you are experiencing significant financial stress, please contact the school to discuss other options.
Will the school provide technical support to students?
The school can only provide limited technical support to students. Staff can assist in troubleshooting basic issues (such as connecting to the Wi-Fi network, using student email service, and accessing learning materials).
Staff will be available to assess new devices and connect them to the school’s network.
Will BYOD reduce my child’s handwriting skills?
The introduction of computers into the learning environment is nothing new and it is not expected to replace the current modes of learning, but rather add to and enhance the learning opportunities provided to students. Students will still require exercise books and will need to practise their handwriting skills.
What happen if a student forgets to bring their computer to class?
Students will still be expected to engage with their lessons for the day but may need to work solely from their books. If the issue is ongoing, this will be addressed in line with the school's SMART policy.
What is the life expectancy of a notebook computer?
Provided it is properly cared for, we expect most computers will last students 3-4 years. You may find that cheaper devices show their age earlier as they tend to have less durable parts installed.
What do I do if my child has special accessibility requirements?
Please contact the school to discuss your child’s individual needs and any special considerations that you may need to make when choosing an appropriate device for BYOD.