ICT & BYOD Laptops
At Sunbury Downs College, we are continuing our educational journey into the 21st Century. As a result, students in Years 7 to 9 will be part of a structured 1:1 Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program. We recognise that this can create a financial burden, however it is our responsibility to ensure all of our students are given the best opportunities to succeed later in life.
The Sunbury Downs College 1:1 BYOD Program is an exciting opportunity to improve student engagement and promote even greater academic achievement, providing teachers and students new ways to learn and collaborate. Students participating in the program will gain 24/7 access to information and communication technology resources, enabling greater opportunities for deep learning, collaboration and critical thinking.
The 21st Century requires resilient, independent learners who can think critically. We believe this program will develop students' ability to research, synthesise and collaborate, whilst maintaining Sunbury Downs College's commitment to outstanding academic performance.
Student laptops can be connected to the Internet at the College and at home (using your family's internet connection, where available). Whilst this presents a great learning opportunity, it must be used responsibly. Safe and responsible use of electronic media is required of all members of the Sunbury Downs Community.
Do I need a laptop?
| Year 7-9 | Year 10 / VCE / VCE-VM |
| Students in Years 7 to 9 require a laptop for educational use. These devices run a Windows Operating System. The recommended devices are fast, durable, have great battery life, and are able to fully integrate with our College network. |
All students in Years 10 to 12 are provided with the option to participate in the program. It is also recommended to purchase the College nominated devices. Students studying a VCE-VM, VETiS or computer-based subjects are strongly recommended to have their own laptops as assessment is based online. Students undertaking art-based subjects are also strongly recommended to consider a laptop depending on intended subject choices. |
How do I get a laptop?
It is highly recommended that parents access a laptop via option 1 below.
The devices recommended are not only tested and designed for durability within a school environment, but the cost of the device is significantly cheaper than a comparable product in a retail store.
Prior to deciding on any option, parents should contact the ICT Team, requesting the latest information pack. (available for download on the right hand side of this page)
This information is also provided in enrolment packs, and distributed electronically to all students transitioning from primary school towards the end of the academic year.
| OPTION 1 – SCHOOL MANAGED LAPTOP | OPTION 2 – SELF MANAGED LAPTOP |
| Under this option, parents purchase a laptop via a Purchasing Portal containing a small selection of laptops. All laptops meet or exceed the requirements of the College and have extended warranty and insurance up to 3 years. All laptops purchased under this option are maintained by the College with all warranty / insurance claims handled on your behalf. We realise that the financial burden of a laptop is considerable. To minimise this, the College always ensures there is one or more models below $1000 available (before optional extras) at the time the portal is released. In 2027, this will be revised to below $980 inc GST in line with Department of Education policy. |
Sunbury Downs College recognises that the preferred option for purchasing a laptop is not always suitable or there may also be differences in opinions regarding the make / model or suitability of the laptops provided under option 1. To assist parents looking at alternate options, the College provides access to educational pricing for a range of pre-approved self-managed laptops via the Purchasing Portal. Parents are also welcome to purchase a laptop from any supplier however the College would recommend you contact the ICT Team prior to any purchase outside of the Purchasing Portal to ensure it meets the College requirements prior to financial outlay. All laptops under this option must be maintained by the parent however limited support is available. |
It is recommended that parents consider an accidental damage protection policy for any laptop.
Regardless of the option chosen, the College strongly encourages that parents purchase or supply a laptop bag for their child once they receive their device.
What are the minimum requirements?
The requirements at Sunbury Downs College are kept as low as possible. Unfortunately to achieve this, some laptops may be less suitable for use towards the end of their schooling if they choose subjects that may have higher requirements.
To ensure consistency of software between students and staff, the following requirements have been set.
Please note:
Chromebooks or iPads are not supported options by the College as we are unable to install all software that might be required in classes onto these devices.
Please note:
Support for new laptops running Windows 10 is being discontinued in 2025 as it will no longer recieve support from Microsoft.
Specifications updated for 2026
What software needs to be purchased?
Unless otherwise advised by the College via the Resource List, or another communication from the College there is no need to purchase any additional software.
In particular, parents should not purchase Microsoft Office or any Antivirus package as these are provided by the College free of charge.
Expectations of use for all students
Please note the following requirements must be met:
- Bring your laptop to school every day, with the battery fully charged
- Store your laptop securely (at home, in your locker, etc.)
- Keep your laptop in a protective case
- Abide by the College's Acceptable Use Policy
- In class, laptops will be used at the discretion of the classroom teacher - students must take their laptop to every class, but the classroom teacher will determine how it is used within classes
- At school, (outside of class - in the ERC etc.) laptops can be used to complete homework, revise, etc.
- Your laptop must be used for educational purposes only whilst on school premises / connected to the College’s network
- Safe and responsible use of electronic media
- Failure to adhere to the College’s values (and any relevant school or Department policies) may result in a self-managed device being removed from the network.
ACCESS, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
In the event that parents/families decline to participate in the program, a limited supply of laptops can be borrowed and returned on a daily basis from the Education Resource Centre (ERC).
It is important that any student utilising the ERC laptops be proactive and endeavour to borrow devices prior to the commencement of classes, whilst also ensuring they are returned promptly at the conclusion of each class.