BYOD Program

Information for families

Bring Your Own Device

Students at Rochester Secondary College bring their own laptop to class each day. This page sets out what a suitable device looks like, what software is needed, and where families can buy.

In short
A Windows laptop or MacBook — not a tablet or Chromebook
256GB SSD, 8GB RAM, 6+ hours of battery, 12.5″ screen or larger
Charged at home overnight, brought to school every day
No software to buy — Google Workspace and Chrome are free
Devices

Which devices are accepted

Students need a laptop-style device that opens, types and lasts the school day. Tablets and Chromebooks can't run the tools used in class.

Accepted

Suitable devices

  • — Windows laptop running Windows 10 or 11
  • — MacBook running macOS

A business-grade model with a hard or padded case holds up best over six years of school.

Not accepted

These won't work in class

  • — iPads and Android tablets
  • — Chromebooks
  • — Smartphones and screens under 7″
  • — Gaming devices such as a PSP
  • — Kindles and eReaders

Not sure about a model you've seen? Email the school before you buy.

Specifications

What the device needs

These are minimums, not a wish list. A device that meets them will carry a student comfortably through their year levels, wherever you buy it.

256GB
SSD storage
8GB
Memory (RAM)
6 hrs
Battery, minimum
12.5″
Screen or larger
Component Recommended specification
Operating system Windows 10/11 or macOS
Storage 256GB SSD (solid state drive)
Processor Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3, or higher
Memory (RAM) 8GB
Battery life 6+ hours, enough for a full day on one charge
Screen size 12.5 inches or larger
Durability Business-grade model with a hard or padded case
Charge it at home, every night Devices must arrive at school fully charged. Students can't rely on charging in class.
Software

Software and applications

There is nothing to buy. Everything students need for class is free and installed in a few minutes.

Web browser

Install Google Chrome

Chrome is the browser we support at school. It's free to download. Keep Safari or Edge on the device as a backup.

Productivity

No need for Microsoft Office

We use Google Workspace — Docs, Slides and Sheets — across the whole school, and it is free for every student.

VCE Visual Communication & Design

Adobe needs more device

These students are given licensed Photoshop and Illustrator, and need a stronger device to run them:

  • i5 processor or equivalent
  • 8GB RAM
  • 40GB free storage
  • Larger screen recommended
New devices

Our JB Hi-Fi school portal

The College has a purchase portal with JB Hi-Fi. Every device in it has been pre-selected as appropriate for Rochester Secondary College, so the specifications are already right.

Open the school portal byod.jbhifi.education — school code Rochesterscbyod
Refurbished options

Buying second-hand or refurbished

We know many families are feeling the pinch. A device doesn't have to be new — a refurbished laptop that meets the specifications above is perfectly suitable for school.

Please read before shopping online Rochester Secondary College has no connection to these retailers and does not endorse them — they are listed only as a starting point. Please do your own research, check the warranty and return terms, compare the listed specifications against the table above, and use caution when shopping online.
Before you buy

Check a device against our requirements

Tick each item off against the device you're considering.

0 of 7 met
Also worth knowing

Other important information

  • — Wi-Fi and printing are provided on campus at no cost.
  • — Responsible use — at school, devices are used for learning.
  • — Insure the device against theft and damage. We strongly recommend it.
Damage and loss are not covered The Department of Education does not cover loss or damage to personal devices, and Rochester Secondary College accepts no responsibility for repair or replacement.
Need assistance

Contact the school

Email is preferred — it lets us pass your question to the right person for support, and you'll have our answer in writing before you spend anything.

General office
[email protected]
03 5484 1844
Office hours 9:00am – 3:15pm, 26 Edward Street, Rochester
Email the office