BYOD - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

BYOD is a program where students will bring their own laptop device to school to support and enhance their learning. The school can provide the ability to connect compatible devices to a filtered internet (WiFi) service.

The school will provide access to a filtered Wi-Fi internet service. No other support, software or service will be provided by the school.

These devices will be purchased by and remain the property of the student/family.

Students may bring devices such as laptops, chromebooks, iPads and tablets (with a full keyboard) – no mobile phones or Android devices.

Yes - students and parents/carers will need to sign the BYOD Student Agreement before students can use the device within the school. By signing the BYOD Student Agreement, students and parents are also adhering to the BYOD User Policy, Cyber Safety Policy and the Minimum Device Specifications guide.

The user charter and policy for the BYOD program specifically addresses the risk of students bringing their own devices to school. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.

In 2025, most students will require some form of internet access at home to complete online tasks set by their class teachers. Not all classes will have an online component, but most teachers will utilise online software (such as Google Classroom) to assign and facilitate homework and assessment tasks.

If your child/ward does not have access to the internet at home, there are many providers of free Wi-Fi in the community that students could use to access the internet outside of school hours e.g. Libraries, TAFEs, McDonalds.

• Please be aware that these connections do not provide access to a filtered internet service as experienced on the school's network.

The wireless internet access available to students within the school will be filtered in the same way that access is managed at present (in accordance with the guidelines set by the NSW Department of Education). If students connect using their 4G or 5G (Hotspot) connection, then this will bypass the filtering and is not allowed while at school.

A member of the school staff, the Technology Support Officer, is available to answer questions and to give assistance. However, the school does not manage, support, own or warranty the device.

Students should not have the expectation that they will be able to charge devices at school. They are to bring their device to school fully charged.

Students may bring their laptop chargers to school, however access to a power outlet is not guaranteed in all classrooms.

Recording the class and other students is generally not allowed. However, the class teacher may give permission to record if it is relevant to the task being worked on. Only in these circumstances are students allowed to make recordings. The same applies with students and the general public.

From 2025, ABHS is starting its 100% BYOD program. Students will be required to participate in the BYOD program and bring their laptop device to school, every day. The use of the device is at the discretion of each class teacher and may differ throughout the day and with different subject requirements.

No. However, we do recommend taking out insurance to cover these eventualities.

Because of the inherent nature of personally owned devices (and the potential for damage), devices should only be used by the owner of the device.

Students will not have the capability to print from their devices at school, however students are able to print from a computer in the school library.

Teachers will have access to support resources to assist with the implementation of the BYOD program in their classroom.

The BYOD policy only covers the connection of devices to the school Wi-Fi. It must be reinforced that if students use their 4G or 5G connection, they will not be receiving filtered access to the internet.

No, it is not a requirement. However, we do recommend that parents/carers ensure that their child/ward's device has an antivirus software installed. Anti-virus software is detailed in the device specifications document available on the school website.

Students will use their devices for a variety of activities which will vary from class to class. Activities may include (but are not limited to): complete in-class activities, collaborate in real time, research for projects, access websites with curriculum-related content, keep track of classroom assignments, and record journal entries and other approved instructional activities.

Most students will already be familiar with the standard digital formats such as Microsoft Word/Excel/Powerpoint, Google Doc/Sheets/Slides, PDF and MP4 video files. There is an expectation that any work submitted for a task can be read by the teacher using any device.

It is a requirement that from 2025, all students will bring their laptop devices to school, every day. Only a small set of laptops will be available from reception.

If students need to borrow one of these devices due to not bringing their own to school, it will be recorded with a technology infringement, as per if they failed to bring their school uniform. Incurring 3 infringements in relation to not bringing their device to school will result in the same consequences to uniform, attendance, lateness infringements, ranging from afterschool detentions to ‘No-Go’.