As part of our school’s BYOD program, all students starting from Year 7 are required to bring their own computing device to school daily.
Recommended Devices and Specifications
To ensure your child has the best learning experience and that the device remains effective for several years, we recommend a Windows notebook or Apple MacBook with the following minimum specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (or better)
- RAM: 8 GB (16 GB preferred)
- Storage: 256 GB SSD (Solid State Drive)
- Operating System: Windows 11 or macOS 14 Sonoma (or newer)
- Battery Life: Minimum of 8 hours
- Screen Size: 13 inches or larger, with a resolution of at least 1920×1080
- Weight: Lightweight and portable for daily carrying
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or better, Bluetooth 4.0 or better
- Ports: At least one USB-A and one USB-C port
Additional Recommendations:
- Protective Case: To safeguard against accidental damage.
- Insurance: Consider insuring the device to cover potential loss or damage.
Note: Higher specification laptops are available and may offer additional performance benefits, but they are not required for school use.
Choosing a Device
What model should I buy?
The choice is yours. While many parents opt for Windows laptops, most devices will work well with our school’s network.
You can source devices from various suppliers. Two suppliers that may assist in choosing the right device are:
- JB Hi-Fi Education
Website: JB Hi-Fi Education
School Code: kelmscottshsbyod
Phone: 1300 730 548
Email: byodsupport@jbhifi.com.au - Winthrop Australia
Website: Winthrop Australia
Phone: 08 6185 4200
Email: sales.wa@winaust.com.au
Both suppliers offer flexible payment plans.
Winthrop Australia offers a 36-month rental plan also.
If these options don’t suit your situation, consider the following alternative:
- Refurbished Laptops: Many reputable resellers offer affordable refurbished laptops that are suitable for school use, here are few examples;
(Refurbished laptops often carry shorter warranties than brand-new models, and their battery capacities may be degraded from previous use).
Using an Existing Device
If you already have a notebook computer at home, your child can bring it to school as long as it meets the minimum specifications, has a good battery life, and is portable enough for daily use. Windows computers, iPads, and MacBooks are among the devices students are currently using.
Insurance and Protection
Both JB Hi-Fi Education and Winthrop Australia offer insurance and accidental damage coverage for devices purchased through them. We strongly recommend purchasing a protective case and considering insurance to protect your investment. For more information, visit MoneySmart.
Software Requirements
Microsoft Office 365 is free for all Department of Education students.
To install it:
- Go to Microsoft 365 and select “Sign in.”
- Use the following credentials:
Username: studentname.surname@student.education.wa.edu.au
Password: Use the same password your child uses to access the school Wi-Fi.
Support for Device Issues
If your child’s device has a software or hardware issue, our ICT staff and library staff are available to provide basic support.
For more complex issues, they can guide you to the appropriate solution.
Daily Device Use
Students are expected to bring their device to every lesson, carrying it like any other essential learning tool.

