It is expected that students at all year levels will have their own device to utilise as part of their learning programme. Westlake Girls incorporates E-Learning at all levels and we will continue to maintain a blended learning environment where a computing device is one of many tools students will use to learn during each day. Students will use open source tools (free tools via the web) and will not be required to purchase further applications unless stipulated in the course handbook.

While we are a ‘Multi-Device’ school, we have recognised that while tablets and iPads meet our minimum specifications, they are not as effective and efficient in the classroom. Our experience has shown that the most effective device is a laptop/notebook for the secondary school environment. The minimum specifications are extremely important to ensure that your daughter will be able to use the device effectively in all subjects, and to make sure the device is fit for purpose to ensure a positive experience. Outdated, poor quality or shared devices will make it difficult for students to have an effective learning experience.

Device selection is even more important for students at the senior levels. For any student who is intending on studying a design subject, a laptop is essential and should be capable of having programs such as Adobe Photo suit loaded onto them.

For students who want to be able to use Adobe creative suite in subjects such as Art, Technology, digital technology, Media studies, English, Steam. (Mainly senior classes y11-y13), we are encouraging a device with slightly different specs. Students pay a low price of around $10 to have the BYOD Adobe Creative Suite loaded onto their computers for the year, enabling the students to work more effectively with these tools.

We also encourage you to:

• Have a protective case for the device
• Insure the device against loss or damage
• Load anti-virus software

Infrastructure

We have continued to upgrade aspects of the network to ensure appropriate Wi-Fi access and speed. For the Ministry of Education’s flyer on Wi-Fi and Technology in Education please click here