All students now participate in the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program where they bring a personally owned device to school to assist with their learning.
BYOD devices selected for each of the year levels are as follows:
- Years 7, 8, 9: iPad
- Years 10, 11, 12: Laptop/iPad with keyboard
The Technology Specification Document can assist with your purchase decision. Ideally, the device should also be covered by an extended warranty and accidental damage insurance.
Warranty and Insurance
As with any complex technology, devices can occasionally malfunction or sustain damage—particularly in the hands of teenagers. To minimize disruptions to learning, it is essential to have a quick and reliable repair plan in place. We strongly recommend using an external storage device and performing regular backups to prevent the loss of important schoolwork.
To further safeguard your investment, we highly recommend purchasing Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) insurance and a Next Business Day (NBD) on-site warranty. Alternatively, you may be able to add the device to your home and contents insurance policy—just ensure that it provides 24/7 coverage, including when the device is used outside the home.
At a minimum, we suggest choosing a device with a return-to-store, 3-year warranty to ensure long-term reliability.
On-Site Support
An integral part of the BYOD program is the on-site support provided by our dedicated school IT team. Our technicians can perform standard checks and diagnostics on BYOD devices, helping to identify potential issues. While the level of assistance may depend on vendor warranty terms and conditions, our team will do their best to support students and keep their devices running smoothly.
Why BYOD?
The rise of online tools and digital resources has transformed education, providing students with unprecedented access to multimedia content, reference materials, online experts, and collaborative platforms—all at their fingertips.
With laptops and handheld devices now more affordable and accessible, students can engage in learning anytime, anywhere. These portable devices are already a natural part of their daily lives, making them an essential tool in developing 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy.
By integrating technology into the learning experience, we equip Queensland students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for higher education, careers, and life in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world.
The BYOD program fosters greater student engagement and ensures they become confident, competent users of technology. Our teachers encourage the seamless integration of digital devices across all year levels, enabling students to access learning content anytime, anywhere.
Explore the Computers and Technology section to learn more about how Southport State High embraces technology to enhance learning.