Technology

Laptops

Students are required to read and abide by the Technology User Policy upon enrolment. The device management system installed on student laptops allows for access to the network, appropriate monitoring and restrictions and the provisioning of apps bought by the School for students.

2026 School Laptop Programme (Year 5-12)

1. The new device for 2026 is the latest Microsoft Surface clamshell Laptop, providing strong performance, durability, and a form factor that reflects what students will encounter in tertiary study and the workplace.
2. The School is able to restrict access to websites and apps that detract from learning, ensuring a safe, focussed digital environment both at school and at home. Streaming, gaming and inappropriate websites are blocked, while YouTube access is restricted to 30min per day for Kindergarten to Year 6 and 60min per day for Year 7-12.
3. Parents are also able to view and control the device outside of School hours via the dedicated parental app, giving families increased oversight and the ability to manage usage at home.
4. Students will learn essential Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, becoming familiar with using a keyboard and trackpad, managing files effectively, and working with industry-standard software.
5. The fleet benefit of having all students on the same device reduces downtime and minimises cross-platform challenges with hardware, software and app compatibility.
6. The provision of the device and associated support components (including security licences, web filtering, full technical support via the St Andrew’s Cathedral School ICT Helpdesk, and Accidental Damage insurance) offers strong value for parents and carers.

Device – what’s included:

• Microsoft Surface Laptop, Copilot+ PC, 13-inch
• Snapdragon® X Plus (8-core)
• 16GB RAM
• 256GB SSD
• Modern clamshell form factor
• Protective case (is required to be fitted to the laptop at all times)
• Laptop charger
• Pre-installed software: Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud
• School-managed security, web filtering and device controls

Laptop Programme Q&A

Why a clamshell Laptop instead of a 2-in-1 design?

• The School want students to complete their handwriting in their workbooks, not directly on their laptops. A clamshell device supports this approach by providing a clear separation between digital work and written work, helping maintain strong handwriting habits and classroom routines. As part of this shift, we are also removing styluses from the student device programme.
• Clamshell laptops offer significantly greater durability than detachable or convertible 2-in-1 devices. The simpler hinge design and fixed screen reduce breakages, minimise repair needs, and helps keep students learning with fewer interruptions.
• This form factor also reflects what students will encounter in the modern workplace, where traditional laptops are the standard device used across most industries.
• Through our focus grouping with students and surveying of staff, it was found that there was limited use of stylus in classes, and students were often losing them.

Why was the Microsoft Surface Laptop chosen?

The Microsoft Surface Laptop, Copilot+ PC, 13-inch was selected because it best meets the practical needs of students and teachers, Year 5-12:

• Reliable and durable: the clamshell design has fewer breakable parts than a 2-in-1 device, reducing downtime and repair needs.
• Consistent performance: it runs multiple applications smoothly, which is essential for everyday schoolwork across all subjects.
• Supports core ICT skills: students regularly use a keyboard, trackpad and organised file system—skills that are expected in high school, further study and the workplace.
• Long battery life: the device comfortably lasts the school day, meaning fewer disruptions and less need for charging in classrooms.
• Simple, familiar design: the laptop is straightforward to use, easy to manage in a classroom environment and well suited to structured learning routines.

Why a school-provided laptop programme instead of BYOD?

• A school-issued laptop allows us to maintain consistent controls over the device, including what apps can be installed and how the laptop is used. These restrictions apply both at school and at home, helping minimise distractions such as gaming, social media and non-educational content.
• All laptops are pre-configured with security, web-filtering and device-management tools that operate at all times, even when students are connected to home or public Wi-Fi. This ensures a safe, reliable and learning-focused digital environment across the whole school day.
• A consistent, centrally managed device fleet means fewer technical issues, faster support, and a smoother experience for students and teachers across all subjects.

Who receives these devices?

• All students from Year 5-12 will be issued with the Surface Laptop (Copilot+ PC, 13-inch).

Can families opt out of the school-issued device programme if their child already has their own laptop/iPad?

• All students are required to use the School-supplied device while at school.
• Personal laptops or iPads should not be brought to School. A consistent device fleet ensures a reliable learning experience, improved productivity and effective classroom support.

What is the cost of the laptop, including all ongoing support?

• The combined retail value of the device, software and support services over two years exceeds $4,000.
• The Student Resources Charge includes a contribution toward the cost of the device.
• Accidental Damage Protection covers up to two device replacements over 36 months.

Excesses apply as follows:

• All required educational software will be pre-installed and configured before the device is issued.
• Any hardware or software faults will be resolved in-house by the St Andrew’s Cathedral School ICT Department, with loan or replacement devices provided where necessary.

What happens if a student loses their device?

• If the laptop is lost or stolen, the student must make a report to NSW Police.
• If the device cannot be recovered, an excess of $2,000 may be charged for replacement.

Junior School and Gawura School

• Kindergarten to Year 2 students will continue to have 1:1 access to iPads, supporting early learning, creativity and foundational digital skills.
• Year 3-5 will remain on the Surface Pro 7 devices, which continue to be reliable and effective for classroom use. These devices help students develop basic ICT skills in a Windows environment before transitioning to their allocated laptop in Year 6.

NOTE: some electives may have specific requirements and students should liaise with the Head of Department for the elective if there are any concerns.