Digital Learning and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

At Kelston Girls' College, we integrate digital devices into our lessons to create a more engaging, effective, and collaborative learning experience.

Our BYOD programme enhances learning opportunities, encourages student empowerment and responsibility, and is essential for success in our modern, integrated curriculum.

BYOD Requirement and Agreements

Requirement: Students from Year 9 through to Year 13 are required to bring their own digital device to school as an integral part of their learning environment.

Agreements: Before a student uses their device, both the student and parent must sign contracts, which uphold our expectations for responsible digital citizenship:

Recommended Device Specifications (What to Buy)

We strongly recommend a device that operates smoothly within the Google application environment used by the school.

Recommended Device Type:

Chromebook: These are cost-effective, work smoothly with Google applications, and are easy to maintain.

Windows Laptop: Acceptable if they meet the minimum specifications below.

Not Permitted: Tablets (e.g., iPads, Android Tablets) are not suitable, even with a keyboard, as they do not offer the required functionality for student work.

Minimum Specifications (Years 9–13)

These specifications will ensure the device lasts for the full school journey:

Specification

Minimum Requirement

Recommended

CPU
Minimum 1.1GHz to 2GHz speed (e.g., Intel Celeron N4020)
N/A​​​​​​​
RAM
4GB RAM
Ideally 8GB RAM
Storage
128GB or 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive)
N/A
Camera
YES (Required for learning and communication)
N/A
Graphics
Integrated Graphics is sufficient
N/A


Specialist Classes (IT or Graphic Design)

If your daughter is interested in advanced IT or graphic design classes, we recommend a Windows device (though these subjects can still be accessed via school computer labs). The minimum recommended specifications are higher for these students:

  • CPU: Minimum 2GHz speed (e.g., Intel Celeron N4500)

  • RAM: 8GB RAM (Ideally 16GB RAM)

  • GPU: 4GB GPU/VGA (Graphics card) memory

  • Storage: 256GB SSD

Purchasing Options and Support

Parents are free to purchase devices from any supplier, but we offer trusted options for convenience and value:

  1. School Purchasing Portal (Cyclone):
    • We partner with Cyclone to offer an easy-to-use online webshop with a selection of pre-approved devices and optional insurance packages.

  1. Refurbished Devices (Insite):

    • We recommend Insite, a supplier who sells quality refurbished devices at a reduced educational price. (Use Discount Code: KGCBYOD)

Software and Security

Software

  • Google Suite: Students have access to Google Drive via their school account with ample storage.

  • Microsoft Office 365: Microsoft provides Office 365 to every student free of charge for installation on their non-Chromebook devices (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Care and Security

  • Protection: Always store the laptop in a protective case and never leave it in unsupervised areas.

  • Backup: Students are responsible for backing up their data, which can easily be done using their school Google Drive.

  • Insurance & Warranty: You are responsible for insurance cover (often via home contents policy). Most devices only come with a 1-year hardware warranty.

If you are unsure about setting up devices safely, Netsafe provides a helpful overview: