Bring Your Own Device Program - BYOD
Overview
BYOD@Marsden is a core component of Marsden State High School's Digital@Marsden approach to teaching and learning. The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program allows families to provide a personal device that supports their child's learning at school and at home, while ensuring students can connect safely to departmentally managed networks.
BYOD is a fully supported and valued pathway at Marsden State High School. Students are not disadvantaged in their learning, assessment, or access to curriculum resources based on the device option chosen by families. Teaching and learning expectations remain consistent across all year levels.
Purpose of BYOD@Marsden
The BYOD program supports:
- One-to-one access to digital learning tools
- Student independence, organisation, and responsibility
- Creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking
- Strong digital literacy and responsible technology use
Technology is embedded where it enhances learning and complements effective classroom teaching.
Device Requirements by Year Level
To ensure devices are suitable for classroom learning and compatible with school systems, different device expectations apply at different year levels.
Years 7–9 (Junior School)
New and existing students entering Year 7 to Year 9 at Marsden State High School in 2026 are required to bring an iPad Device to school for learning. One way of procuring an iPad device for learning is for families to participate in a BYOD Program. An Apple iPad is the primary learning device that all students in our Junior School must have and it must be paired with a keyboard case, active stylus and a screen protector.
Device Requirements
A mandatory requirement for BYOD is the device must support dual band 5ghz wireless networking in order to successfully connect to the school wireless network. Other terminology used to identify dual band wireless capable devices includes: 802.11ac, and WiFi 6 (or better). The device must be Wifi enabled only
Devices should have a battery capacity to last 8 hours or more (a full school day).
Supported Devices
To participate in the MSHS iPad Program the minimum requirement is that the device specifications are:
- Apple iPad running iOS/iPadOS version 15.0 or later
- iOS with active stylus capability
- 10.2 inch screen
- Wifi only
| Minimum Requirements and Device Specifications | Devices and accessories that are recommended: * Taking into consideration Apple updates and network compatibility – the products listed are the recommended specifications to support the iPad devices longevity of use. |
| iPad | iPad 10.2 inch – 9th Gen or later, Wi-Fi Only, 64g storage iPad Air – 4th Gen or later, Wi-Fi Only, 64g storage | Recommended iPads: - iPad 10.2-inch 10th Gen or later, Wi-Fi Only, 64g
- iPad Air 5th Gen or later, Wi-Fi Only, 64g
- iPad Pro 5th Gen or later, Wi-Fi Only, 64g
|
| Active Pen | Active stylus with Apple iPad compatibility - Check the list of compatible devices before buying
| Active Pens: - Logitech Crayon
- ZAGG Pro Stylus 2
- Apple Pencil Gen 1
- Apple Pencil Gen 2
- Apple Pencil Pro
- Alogic iPad Stylus Pen
- ESR Geo Apple Pencil with Find My
|
| Keyboard case | Bluetooth keyboard case - Size matches device size
- Compatible with iPad generation
| Durable keyboard case: - Inateck for iPad Keyboard Case
- Logitech Rugged Keyboard Case
- Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case
- Logitech Slim Folio Keyboard Case (7th/8th/9th Gen)
- Laser Wireless Keyboard Case
|
| Additional (accessories or coverage) | | Screen protector: - Tempered glass screen protector
- Paper feel-like screen protector
AppleCare+ |
*iPad Mini devices are not suitable for classroom use due to screen size limitations.
iPads are used daily across learning areas to support organisation, creativity, collaboration, and access to curriculum materials.
Required Apps
Use this guide to download the required apps from the Company Portal.
Years 10–12 (Senior School)
New and existing students from Years 10 to 12 at Marsden State High School from 2026 are expected to participate in our schools BYOD Device Program. By participating in our school BYOD program, with any supported device students will be able to seamlessly integrate digital technologies to engage them in superior opportunities for enhanced learning. Students must bring a supported device that meets the mandatory requirements outlined below.
Supported Devices:
Supported devices that are compatible with the Department of Education school network are outlined below with the minimum required software.
| Current supported Devices: | Required specifications (software) |
| Windows Laptop | Windows 11 |
| Apple MacBook | MacOS version 11.0 or later (recommended macOS Ventura or later compatibility) |
| Apple iPad | iOS/iPadOS version 15.0 or later
|
It is important to note that some curriculum specific software and/or applications that are used throughout a course of study require a specific device. The below table outlines the recommended device for selected curriculum areas to ensure students have access to required software:
| Compatible Device and Software | Curriculum Area and Subjects | Applications/Hardware |
| Windows 11 | Digital Technology - Robotics and Drones
- Digital Solutions
| Applications for Coding Hardware used only compatible with Windows (Microbits, Arduino) |
| | The Arts
| Adobe Premiere Pro |
| Apple MacBook - MacOS | The Arts | Adobe Premiere Pro
|
Device Requirements
Compatible devices (Years 10–12) may include:
- Laptops (Windows or macOS)
- iPads
- Other devices capable of running required applications and accessing online learning platforms
Devices should:
- Connect reliably to the school network
- Support word processing, presentations, research, and subject-specific software
- Have sufficient battery life for a full school day
Students are encouraged to select a device that best suits their learning preferences and subject requirements.
A mandatory requirement for BYOD is the device must support dual band 5ghz wireless networking in order to successfully connect to the school wireless network. Other terminology used to identify dual band wireless capable devices includes: 802.11ac, and WiFi 6 (or better).
Devices should have a battery capacity to last 8 hours (a full school day).
Windows Devices
Specification | Minimum | Recommended |
| Screen Size | 10 Inch | 12-14 Inch
|
| Processor | Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 | Intel 5 or Ryzen 5 (or later) |
| Hard Drive (Storage) | 128GB solid state drive | 256GB solid state drive |
| RAM (Memory) | 8Gb | 16Gb |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | Windows 11
|
Mac Devices
Specification | Minimum | Recommended |
| Device | MacBook Air 13-inch, 2018 MacBook Air 13-inch M1, 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch, 2018 MacBook Pro 13-inch M1, 2020
| MacBook Air 2020 model or later MacBook Pro 2019 model or later AppleCare+ |
| Operating System | MacOS v14.0 (Sonoma)
| MacOS v17.0 (Tahoe) or later
|
Use of Devices at School
Students using BYOD:
- Bring their device to school every day, fully charged
- Use their device across learning areas as directed by teachers
- Access learning materials, feedback, assessments, and digital platforms
- Use technology purposefully to support learning tasks
Teachers explicitly guide students on when and how devices are used in lessons. Devices are not used continuously and are only used when they add value to learning.
Digital Safety and Responsible Use
Digital safety and responsible use are a priority at Marsden State High School.
Students are explicitly taught:
- Digital citizenship and online safety
- Ethical and responsible online behaviour
- Appropriate communication in digital spaces
All devices connected to the school network are subject to Department of Education internet filtering. Students must follow the school's Responsible Behaviour Plan and ICT expectations at all times.
Families and students are required to agree to the Responsible Use of IT conditions before devices are used at school.
Support and Responsibilities
School support
The school provides:
- Clear device specifications and guidance
- Support for learning-related use of devices
- Access to required school platforms and applications
- Network access and filtering
Family responsibilities
Families are responsible for:
- Purchasing the device and accessories
- Device setup, maintenance, and updates
- Insurance, repairs, and warranty claims
- Ensuring the device is charged daily
Student Resource Scheme (SRS)
Families participating in BYOD may choose to opt in to the Digital@Marsden Student Resource Scheme (SRS) at the digital resources only level. This covers school-purchased digital resources and applications used across subjects.
Participation in the SRS is optional for BYOD families.
Equity and Access
Marsden State High School is committed to ensuring equitable access to learning for all students.
For families experiencing significant financial hardship, equity support options may be available. Support is assessed confidentially on a case-by-case basis. Families are encouraged to contact the school if assistance is required.
BYOD and Take Home Tech – Equal Pathways
BYOD and Take Home Tech are equally supported pathways under Digital@Marsden. There is no difference in:
- Curriculum access
- Teaching and learning expectations
- Assessment requirements
- Classroom participation
Families are encouraged to select the pathway that best suits their circumstances, confident that both options are valued and supported.
Getting Started
Families choosing BYOD should:
- Select a device that meets year-level requirements
- Explore our BYOD Portals for devices supplied at Student Prices
- Complete setup steps before bringing the device to school
- Review responsible use expectations with their child
Setup guides and additional support information are provided prior to commencement.
Further Information
For further information about BYOD@Marsden, device specifications, or support options, please contact the school or visit the Digital@Marsden overview page.
Please note: Education Queensland does not support Chromebook's, Android or Linux devices.
BYOD Portal Details
| Web link | HP BYOD
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| School Code | MarsdenSHS
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