BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE
Tauranga Boys' College is a BYOD school. All students will need to bring a device to school.
WHAT DEVICE TO BRING?
The recommended device is a Chromebook or laptop, however you may choose another device provided it has a keyboard, can hold its charge for six hours, and connect to the internet. It must have the latest version of Google Chrome installed. Mobile phones are not an approved learning device.
Your son will experience technology integrated into curriculum delivery in a large variety of ways including Google Classroom and Education Perfect. NCEA assessment is increasingly online, and many students will need their device for end-of-year exams. There is still a place for books, paper and pen, but you will notice a greatly reduced stationery list.
BYOD SUGGESTIONS
- Stores such as Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming, PB Tech, Warehouse Stationery, etc often have sales.
- You may have a laptop in the family already, or consider purchasing a secondhand Chromebook or similar. That is absolutely fine, as long as it has
the latest version of Chrome installed. - If necessary, for a short-term only, students may be able to hire a Chromebook from the school library for $1 per day
- If you're on a low income or a benefit and struggling to pay school costs WINZ may be able to help you.
- If any of these options are a barrier, please let us know.
INSURANCE
The owner of the device is responsible for insurance cover. Most theft or damage will be covered by your existing home contents policy. Please check with your insurance provider that this is the case.
STUDENT DEVICE CARE AND SECURITY
- Devices should be protected by a username and password. This should not be disclosed to other students.
- Always store the laptops in a protective bag. Do not store anything else inside the laptop bag. (Chargers, papers etc)
- Avoid storing your device at the bottom of your school bag – pressure from books can damage the screen and hinges.
- Carry your device within its protective cover inside your normal school bag. Do not overfill your school bag. (Pressure on the laptop can cause permanent damage to the screen and other components)
- Never lift the laptop by the screen. This will stress the hinge mechanism, which also carries the data and power supply to the screen.
- Treat your device as you do other valuables and never leave your device in unsupervised areas during the school day.
- The security of a student-owned device is the responsibility of the student.
- Devices should be engraved or labelled with the student’s name.
ONLINE SAFETY AND CYBER CITIZENSHIP
Alongside regular curriculum delivery, every Year 9 boy will engage in learning about using the internet safely and understanding his responsibilities as a cyber citizen. This programme works alongside our ‘Good Man’ values. Use of his device through our school network is monitored and protected by N4L, a service with full web filtering and providing a safer online environment.