It is essential that students today in years 9 to 12 have access to their own personal Laptop.
In 2025 Yass High School will be requesting that all students in years 9-12, bring their own laptop to school every day. Many of our students are already doing this, especially in years 11 and 12 and by expanding this to include all students in the it will support our staff to deliver high quality teaching and learning programs.
Teachers are already developing a variety of lessons that utilise a diverse range of digital platforms and resources and all students having direct access to devices will further support this approach.
Laptop Loan
- At Yass High we have a limited number of laptops that can be supplied to students in the medium term until they can acquire their own.
- Students who do not have devices will be able to take out a 'Day or Long-term Loan’ from the school Library.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
- There are many options that will support a student's learning. Click this link to see the recommended options.
- We have a number of trained teachers and support staff that can help you choose a suitable device or answer questions about a device you are considering purchasing for your student.
- Yass High School have set up a partnership with HP. Devices can be purchased with significant discounts throught this portal. contact the office to request the school's login code.
FAQ
Why the focus on year 9-12?
As students progress into the senior years of their schooling their learning tasks become more complex, and involve more individual research over an extended period. A personal laptop allows students to work seamlessly between school and home.
Further, the school’s technology committee has identified that most devices have a useable life span of around 5 years. Implementing this program from year 9 means one laptop should see students through the remainder of school successfully and potentially last another year or so post-school before replacement is required. Devices purchased for year 7 students would likely need replacement before completion of school.
Does my child in years 9-12 need to bring their Laptop?
Yes, this ensures that teachers can prepare lessons for all students without needing to utilise additional preparation time for some students to be online whilst others are offline.
What if I can't afford to supply a laptop?
We are aware that the costs of laptops in the current climate may be a concern for some of our families, especially if multiple children are in these year brackets. The school is committed to the values of public education and will work with families on a case-by-case base to support all students to access an equitable education. Please contact the School Principal if you would like to further discuss our Equity program.
Can my year 7 and 8 child bring their own Laptop?
Yes, however, as it is not a requirement a lower percentage of lessons will utilise devices across the day.
What specifications does the device need?
| Wi Fi | Wi-Fi 5 GHz (802.11 ac) |
| Screen | 11.6’ minimum |
| Keyboard | Attached (NOT stand alone tablet) |
| Battery Life | Suitable for a whole school day |
| Operating System | Windows, Chromebook or Apple |
A stylus with a touch screen device would be highly desirable but not essential.
Can the school recommend a device?
We don’t recommend a specific device other than it be a laptop computer that meets the specifications.
Can I purchase a device from the school?
No, the school is not able to purchase devices on behalf of students and then on sell them to parents. Many large electronic stores do offer finance and parents can make their inquiries with the store they wish to deal with.
Who is responsible for the device?
Students are responsible for their own devices.
Can I get insurance for the device?
Laptops can be added as part of your home and contents insurance and we would highly recommend that you discuss this with your household insurance company. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you purchase your child’s device from a reputable supplier that offers a typical two-year warranty period.
What if the device is forgotten on a day?
We will have a small number of loan devices that can be borrowed from the library for the day or slightly longer in the case of a forgotten device or a device that requires repairs.
What if my child’s laptop malfunctions?
Yass High recommends that you purchase your child’s device from a reputable provider that has after-sales service.
The school can loan a laptop to the student until theirs is repaired or replaced.
What software is needed?
Any device purchased today will come with its initial operating system and that is all that is required. As a student enrolled in a NSW Department school, every child is provided with access to the full suite of Microsoft applications as well as Adobe products such as Photoshop and Acrobat Reader for free. These applications can be downloaded at school using the school’s fast-speed broadband Wi-Fi.
Why is a phone not suitable?
The NSW Government has deemed that mobile phones are not to be used by students in government schools.