BYOD Portal

SURF COAST SECONDARY COLLEGE

Devices Overview at SCSC

 Our current program sees the following devices supported at the College.

Apple Devices are used exclusively for Years 7 – 12 

We have chosen to support an Apple based system at the College as these devices best optimise the learning experience for the students, largely due to their mobility, diversity of the creative apps, ease of use of the students and interactivity of the iBooks for the Middle Years students.

This approach ensures that every student has access to the same high quality-tools, allowing teachers to deliver consistent support and make the most of our digital learning programs. We’ve found that MacBooks are exceptionally reliable and long-lasting, often serving students well for their entire secondary schooling and beyond. They integrate seamlessly with our learning management systems, have strong performance and battery life, and require very little technical maintenance. This means less downtime for students and fewer unexpected issues for families.

While iPads are still great for some learning tasks and can be used in the early years, the MacBook is now the preferred device for students as it offers a more complete and flexible experience for the range of software used in our classes.

SURF COAST SECONDARY COLLEGE

How do I get a device for my child?

Surf Coast Secondary College is proud of its digital learning program that involves students in leveraging technology to access quality information and resources, increase connectedness to the world and develop skills that will make them successful in their future careers.
 
We have engaged in substantial research and discussions with vendors regarding how best to provide access to devices for our students, the process of which is outlined below.
 
Years 7 – 9
Any students enrolling in the College in Years 7, 8 and 9 will be required to BYOD an iPad or MacBook. This can be purchased through the JB Hi-Fi portal, as our preferred supplier. However please compare prices with various suppliers to ensure you receive the best deal possible at your time of purchase. There will be two options: purchase outright or Interest free options up to 24 months are available (see here for details https://www.jbhifi.com.au/pages/interest-free-finance ).

Families could also elect to BYOD an iPad or MacBook from another supplier or from one that is already owned by the family.
If bringing an already owned iPad the minimum recommended model is the iPad 8th Generation which can support the latest Apple iOS software (iOS 26)

Minimum suggested iPad model: Apple iPad (8th Gen) Wi-Fi / 10.2″ screen size / 64GB storage

Recommended iPad model: Apple iPad A16 (11th Gen) Wi-Fi / 10.9″ screen size / 64GB storage (This is the latest model and has a faster processor and slightly larger screen size)

Minimum suggested MacBook model: Apple MacBook Air / 13.6″ screen size / Apple M2 processor / 8GB memory / 256GB SSD storage

Recommended MacBook model: Apple MacBook Air / 13.6″ screen size / Apple M4 processor / 16GB memory / 256GB SSD storage (This is the latest model and has a faster processor (M4)

IMPORTANT: AppleCare Plus extended warranty is also highly encouraged to be purchased with the device. This extends the warranty to 3 Years and covers accidental damage for a small service fee. Repairs can be costly without this extra warranty.

 There are also higher end models available to purchase if you should wish to do so (iPad Air and iPad PRO). If you would like further information please call our ICT Manager Glenn Lewandowski on 52616633 or email glenn.lewandowski@education.vic.gov.au

NOTE: If your child will be using an iPad for their learning it is highly recommended to pair a compatible keyboard with the device to properly utilise this tool in the classroom.

We are now giving families the option to use an Apple MacBook option from Year 7. A properly cared for device with hardware specifications from the latest Apple offerings should comfortably see out the 6 years of education from Yr7 to Yr 12.

Years 10 – 12
Students transitioning from Year 9 into Year 10, or those enrolling in the College in these year levels, will be required to BYOD a MacBook. Students can choose to keep using their iPad, but a Macbook is the preferred device. This can be purchased through the JB Hi-Fi portal, as our preferred supplier. However please compare prices with various suppliers to ensure you receive the best deal possible at your time of purchase. During certain sales periods throughout the year the price from Apple retail stores including JB Hi-Fi physical stores may be cheaper than the JB Hi-Fi Portal.

There will be two options: purchase outright or Interest free options up to 24 months are available (see here for details https://www.jbhifi.com.au/pages/interest-free-finance ) . Families may also elect to BYOD a MacBook from another supplier or from one that is already owned by the family.

If bringing an already owned MacBook the minimum recommended model is the either a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro that can support the latest MacOS called Sequoia or Version number 15 (Operating System)

IMPORTANT: AppleCare Plus extended warranty is also highly encouraged to be purchased with the device. This extends the warranty to 3 Years and covers accidental damage for a much smaller service fee. Repairs can be costly without this extra warranty.

There are also higher end models available to purchase if you should wish to do so. If you would like further information please call our ICT Manager Glenn Lewandowski on 52616633 or email glenn.lewandowski@education.vic.gov.au

 
JB Hi-Fi offer onsite servicing for repairs to MacBooks purchased through their portal. These repairs will be completed faster, meaning less interruptions to student learning.
 
We have undertaken extensive work in gathering quotations to arrive at the decision that JB Hi-Fi will continue to be the College’s preferred supplier, due to their prices being the most competitive and therefore giving our families good value for money. Important things to note are:

• All normal payment methods are accepted. Including Afterpay and Zip.
• JB Hi-Fi also offer up to 24 months Interest free options. See here for details: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/pages/interest-free-finance
• Families are welcome to BYOD from other suppliers if they so choose

Your child’s device is a tool to assist student learning both at school and at home. The used of this device is done so in partnership with the College and it is expected that the device will be maintained in accordance with College ICT Policies, so learning is not interrupted or impeded in any way.
 
You can purchase devices via our JB Hi Fi portal by visiting: https://www.jbeducation.com.au/byod/ 

NOTE: On average across the whole year the BYOD Portal will be the cheapest option however the education portal is a separate arm of the JB Hi-Fi business and doesn’t have access to the retail discounts that are occasionally presented.

 
Prior to your child exiting the College you must arrange for the ICT Team to erase the device from the College’s network. Students and parents/guardians must carefully read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions in the BYOD User Agreement prior to signing.
 
If you have any questions regarding Surf Coast Secondary College’s Digital Device Program, please contact the College on (03) 5261 6633. Please return this completed and signed form to the Administration Office.

The BYOD Portal