Acceptable Use of Technology

Students are expected to use technology responsibly, respectfully, and for learning. At enrolment, students and parents/carers are required to read and agree to the school's acceptable use agreement. This agreement includes the student's responsibilities when using the internet, social media, school systems, school networks, and personal devices at school.

See our School Website Policies Page for the Digital Technologies Policy.

Warracknabeal Secondary College operates a Bring Your Own Device program. Students are expected to bring a suitable notebook-style device to school each day to support their learning.

Technology is used across a range of subjects for classwork, research, assessment, communication, and access to online learning platforms. Students commonly use services such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, XUNO, Education Perfect, Wellio, and other subject-specific learning tools.

A suitable BYOD device should be practical for daily school use. It should be reliable, portable, have a physical keyboard, use SSD storage, and have enough battery life to last through the school day.

For most families, a Windows 11 notebook is the recommended option because it provides the best compatibility with school systems, printing, software, and support. Other device types may have limited or no support, so families should review the buying guide below before purchasing a device.

The school may be able to confirm whether a device type is supported for BYOD, but cannot provide vendor, brand, store, or model-specific purchasing advice.

Windows Purchases

Best overall value

A Windows 11 Pro notebook with an Intel i3 or i5, or AMD Ryzen 3 or 5 processor.

Minimum recommended specifications:

• 8 GB RAM

• 256 GB SSD storage

• Battery life suitable for a school day

• Physical keyboard

• Lightweight notebook-style design
  
  

Preferred specifications, if affordable:

• 16 GB RAM

• 512 GB SSD storage

Lowest practical new purchase

A Windows 11 notebook with an Intel or AMD processor, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD storage.

Windows 11 Pro is preferred if available and affordable. Devices should not be restricted to Windows S mode, or must be able to be switched out of S mode.

Windows on ARM / Snapdragon devices

Best-effort supported only.

School printing is not supported, and Windows on ARM is not actively considered when the school purchases or configures services.

Other Device Types

Considering a MacBook

A MacBook can be a valid purchase choice, provided it is an Apple silicon model, such as M1 or newer, and is expected to remain compatible with current macOS updates for the student’s intended school use period.

Intel MacBooks are no longer recommended for new purchases.

MacBooks are best-effort supported. Some school software, printing, or troubleshooting may be more limited than on a recommended Windows device.

iPad, Chromebook, Linux, or other platforms

These platforms are not supported for the BYOD program.

What should families check before buying a device?

Families should check that the device meets the BYOD requirements listed on this page before purchase. The school cannot provide vendor, brand, store, or model-specific purchasing advice.

The school may be able to confirm whether a device type is supported for BYOD, but families are responsible for choosing and purchasing their own device.

Can students use a Windows 11 Home device?

Usually, yes. Windows 11 Home devices may be usable for BYOD, but they are supported on a best-effort basis.

Some school software may need to be installed manually, and some management or deployment features may not work the same way as they do on Windows 11 Pro.

For new purchases, Windows 11 Pro is preferred where available and affordable.

Should families buy a gaming laptop or a laptop with dedicated graphics?

Usually, no. Dedicated graphics cards are generally not recommended for BYOD devices unless there is a specific subject requirement.

Gaming and high-performance laptops often include mobile NVIDIA or AMD graphics chips. These can be useful for gaming, 3D work, or specialist creative tasks, but they usually increase battery drain, heat, fan noise, device weight, charger size, and purchase cost.

Even laptops with efficient mobile graphics chips, such as NVIDIA RTX 4060 laptop GPUs, often require a larger chassis and may still only provide limited practical battery life compared with a lightweight school notebook.

For most students, integrated graphics from a modern Intel, AMD, or Apple silicon processor is the better school choice. It is usually more than enough for Google Workspace, web learning tools, Microsoft Office, browsing, video, and general classroom use.

Does the school repair BYOD devices?

No. The school does not repair personally owned BYOD devices.

Where applicable, the school can provide software and operating system support for supported BYOD devices. This may include assistance with connecting to school services, such as wireless access, printing, and required school software.

Hardware faults, physical damage, warranty claims, battery issues, chargers, screens, keyboards, and general device repairs are the responsibility of families. Families should arrange repairs through their preferred repair provider. Where possible, the school recommends using an authorised repairer for the device brand, or the retail store where the device was purchased if they provide support.

Can students use a phone or tablet instead of a notebook?

No. Phones and tablets are not suitable replacements for a BYOD notebook.

Students need a laptop-style device with a physical keyboard for normal classroom use, assessment tasks, file management, and school software.

iPads and other tablets are not supported for the WSC BYOD program.

What warranty or insurance should families consider?

A 3-year warranty is recommended where possible.

Families may also wish to consider accidental damage cover or insurance, especially as BYOD devices are carried to and from school each day.

Warranty, insurance, repair claims, and replacement arrangements are the responsibility of families.

Are loan devices available?

Students must have access to the digital technologies required for the school’s delivery of the curriculum.

Where required, access may be provided through shared school devices, short-term loan devices, or other school-approved arrangements, subject to availability and school processes. These arrangements are intended to support access to learning and should not be relied on as a permanent replacement for a suitable BYOD device.

Families remain responsible for providing, maintaining, and repairing personally owned BYOD devices.