Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

New technologies continue to change the world in which we live, they also provide many new and positive educational benefits for classroom instruction. To encourage this growth, Rangiora High School allows students to bring a personal digital device into school and connect to our free filtered ultra fast broadband (UFB) wifi network. Students may bring any personal mobile device that they may have, e.g. a Chromebook, a netbook, a laptop, or a tablet.

All students are encouraged to bring their own personal electronic device to school to access the school's ultrafast wireless wifi network.

Our recommended device specifications are listed below.

It is strongly recommended that all Year 9-13 students bring a personal digital device to school each day as their programmes of learning are delivered digitally.

To access the school's filtered wifi, students need to accept the terms and conditions on login. These are available here:

RHS Wifi access terms and conditions.

Students may only use their devices at the invitation of their teacher.  It is the teacher’s decision when and whether or not technology is used in the classroom.

Whilst all students have signed an internet agreement on enrolment, they will be asked to agree to some additional terms and conditions (on login) to reflect the circumstances of the BYOD environment, including that the school will take no responsibility for repairs, breakages, the provision of charging, or device security.

The school is able to track the device. The school’s usual filtering protocols will remain in place.

All Year 9-13 students are asked to bring their own device to school. The regular use of this device will be an important aspect of learning.  Please see the device specifications listed below.

Note, the school has found Chromebooks to be reliable devices which meet general student need. Where the use of specialist software is a course requirement it will generally be provided on a cabled PC by the school.

Device Specifications

The following ‘specs’ for student BYOD devices are suggested:

• Long battery life (for a full school day as there will only be limited charging facilities at the school).
• Minimum 10 inch screen suggested (anything smaller, including a smartphone, may be too small and not suitable for use in every lesson).
• Keyboard.
• Wi-fi capable.
• Minimum 2GB RAM.
• USB ports (ideally).
• Headphone/earphone jack (with some earphones to go in the jack - they do not have to be expensive).

No specialist software is required. Where the use of specialist software is a course requirement it will generally be provided on a desktop PC by the school. All students have free access to Google Suite for Education - that is Google docs, sheets, presentations, forms - by using their school email account (which is also a Google account). They also have access to free online storage via Google Drive.

Security and Damages

Responsibility to keep the device secure rests with the individual owner. Rangiora High School, nor its staff or employees, is not liable for any device stolen or damaged on campus. It is recommended that skins (decals) and other custom touches are used to physically identify your device from others. Additionally, protective cases for technology are encouraged.

BYOD Carries Responsibilities

The use of technology to provide educational material comes with responsibilities. A student does not have the right to use his or her laptop or other electronic device while at school. When abused, privileges will be taken away. When respected, they will benefit the learning environment as a whole. Students and parents/guardians participating in BYOD must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, as well as all school policies, particularly Internet Acceptable Use and Internet Safety.