iPads and laptops

At Tatachilla Lutheran College, students in Years 2 to 12 are asked to bring their own device to support learning each day.

• Years 2–6: iPad
• Years 7–12: Laptop

These device types have been carefully selected to suit each age group and the learning requirements of different subjects, including specialist areas such as Media Studies and Music.

Before being used at school, all devices need to be registered with our ICT Services team and meet the college’s minimum specifications (outlined further down in these FAQs). This helps ensure students can access the tools and systems they need for a smooth learning experience.

As part of connecting to the college network, students and families will also be asked to agree to our Acceptable Use Agreement, which outlines how devices are used safely and responsibly at school.

If you have any questions or need support, our ICT Services team is here to help:

• Phone: (08) 8329 4466
• Email: ictservices@tatachilla.sa.edu.au

Students in Reception and Year 1 do not require their own device. Instead they have access to a shared set of iPads at the college that they utilise as required for specific activities.

However, students in Years 2 to 6 are required to have an Apple iPad that meets the college’s minimum device specifications (outlined in the FAQs below).

Students who commence at the college in Year 6 also have the option to lease an iPad through ICT Services, offering a flexible alternative to purchasing a device for a single year.

From the start of Year 7, students are required to bring a laptop that meets the college’s minimum device specifications (outlined in the FAQs below).

To ensure devices remain reliable and capable of supporting senior learning, families should plan to replace the laptop at the beginning of Year 10.

Tatachilla Lutheran College requires all student devices to meet the minimum specifications outlined below. Devices that do not comply may be incompatible with college systems and may not be permitted for use at school.

Junior years (Years 2–6) – iPad

Students in the junior years require an iPad that meets the following criteria:

• Model: iPad (10th generation) or newer, or iPad Air (3rd generation) or newer
  (Please note: iPad Mini is not suitable)
• Protection: A durable case that fully encloses the device, plus a screen protector
• Age of device: No more than 4 years old

Middle and senior years (Years 7–12) – Laptop

Students in the middle and senior years require a laptop that meets the following criteria:

• Display: 13” or larger, with a resolution of at least 1920 × 1080
• Operating system:
  • macOS (recent version), or
  • Windows 11 (full version, not “S” mode), or newer
• Processor (CPU):
  • Apple M2 or newer, or
  • Intel Core i5/i7 (13th generation or newer), or
  • AMD Ryzen 7000 series or newer
• Memory (RAM): 16GB or more
• Storage: 128GB SSD or greater
• Battery life: Minimum 8 hours
• Charging: USB-C charging required
• Wireless: 802.11ac (5GHz) compatible
• Weight: 2.0kg or less
• Age of device: No more than 4 years old

Please note the following restrictions for devices in Years 7–12:

• Tablet or hybrid devices are not supported (e.g. Microsoft Surface-style devices) 
• The new Apple MacBook Neo does not currently meet performance requirements (though this device will be reviewed over time)
• Processors (CPUs) such as Celeron, Pentium, ARM, SnapDragon are not supported
• Gaming notebooks are not acceptable due to their size, weight and short battery life (e.g. Razer devices, Alienware devices, ASUS ROG and TUF devices, ACER Predator). While some gaming notebooks may appear to meet the college's minimum device specifications, in practice they do not.

Specialist subject considerations for students in Years 7–12:

Some subjects have additional technology needs to support student learning.

Music

Students studying Music are strongly encouraged to consider using a Mac device, as the software used in this subject is best suited to macOS.

If a student is using a Windows device, a Mac will be available for use during class time. However, having access to a Mac at home will allow students to continue their work more easily outside of lessons.

Media, Photography and 3D Animation

Students studying Media, Photography and/or 3D Animation are encouraged to use a higher-performance device to effectively run industry-standard software.

In addition to meeting the college’s minimum specifications, we recommend:

• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD (or greater)
• Graphics: Dedicated (discrete) GPU (e.g. NVIDIA or AMD)

Before purchasing a device, please review the college’s minimum device specifications to ensure it will be suitable for school use.

As part of our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, families are welcome to purchase a device from any retailer, provided it meets the required specifications.

To assist with this process, our ICT Services team has partnered with JB Hi-Fi to offer an online portal featuring a selection of devices that meet the college’s requirements.

You can access the portal using the link below and entering the school code: tatachilla2026

JB Hi-Fi Education Portal

Please note:

We recommend not reusing a device from an older sibling. Most devices have a typical lifespan of around three years, and older devices may have reduced battery performance or may no longer meet the college’s minimum requirements.

Technology evolves quickly and devices can begin to show their age after two to three years. Software demands increase, battery performance declines and repair costs can often outweigh the value of the device itself.

Older devices may struggle to keep up with the demands of senior learning, which can lead to frustration for students—particularly in the important final years of schooling.

For this reason, our ICT Services team recommends that families plan to replace student devices approximately every two to three years.

Recommended device timeline

• Year 2: iPad purchase
• Year 4 or 5: iPad upgrade
• Year 7: Laptop purchase
• Year 10: Laptop upgrade

Please note:

We do not recommend re-using devices from older siblings as older devices typically have reduced battery life or may no longer meet the college’s minimum requirements.

All student devices must be set up and registered by our ICT Services team before they can be used at school. This ensures each device has the required software, settings and access to college systems.

Booking a setup appointment (2025)

Appointments for BYOD setup can be made for November, December and January via the 2025 BYOD Bookings link.

• Booking dates are for device drop-off
• Devices are typically ready for collection the following Monday
• Exception: Devices dropped off on Monday 16 December will be ready for collection on Friday 20 December

What to expect during setup:

• Laptops: An additional user account will be created. Devices do not need to be wiped.
• iPads: The registration process requires a full reset to factory settings. Please ensure all personal data is backed up and removed prior to drop-off.

During the school year

Devices can be brought to the ICT Service Desk during term time for setup, and will usually be completed the same day.

Preparing for a new school year

New or replacement devices intended for the following year are set up over the holiday period. In this case, a booking is required.

Student devices are privately owned and are not covered by the college’s insurance. As such, families are responsible for the care, maintenance and repair of their child’s device.

While our ICT Services team is available to assist with connecting devices to college systems, they are not able to repair, upgrade or service personal devices or operating systems.

The college strongly recommends that families consider insuring their child’s device against accidental damage, loss or theft. This can often be arranged through your home contents insurance or by purchasing a dedicated device protection plan.

If a student’s device is temporarily unavailable (for example, while being repaired), the college will provide access to a loan device for use at school, where possible.

Please note:


If a student is using a college loan device and it is damaged, lost or stolen, a $500 insurance excess will apply and will be the responsibility of the family.
 

If a student forgets their device or their device is temporarily unavailable due to repair, ICT Services may be able to provide a short-term loan device for use during the school day.

Loan devices are provided at the discretion of the college. Students who frequently rely on loan devices, or who fail to return them on time, may have future access to loans restricted.

ICT Services can also provide limited short-term loan accessories on a same-day basis, including:

• laptop chargers (compatible with Apple and most Windows devices) 
• adapters (e.g. USB-C to USB-A).

Loan conditions

All loans require a signed agreement from parents/caregivers confirming the following:

• Loan items are for short-term, same-day use only. 
• Late returns may incur daily charges. 
• Any damage to college-owned equipment will result in a $500 insurance excess charge.