Technology Requirements

Albert Park College has always prided itself on putting the latest technology in the hands of its students. Our students have grown up with the iPad, and it has proved to be a versatile and creative tool that has enhanced student learning. However, for the senior years it is now time to place a more powerful device in the hands of students. That is why students are asked to purchase an Apple MacBook for Years 10–12. 

Albert Park College maintains an all Apple environment in line with its ongoing philosophy regarding the use of technology. We consider simplicity to be the ultimate sophistication. We aim to maintain a singular approach to teaching and learning in relation to devices and particular software in order to ensure our overall IT infrastructure at the college remains as streamlined as possible. 

The school's network only supports laptop devices running Mac OS and recommends version OS X 10.10 Yosemite or later. Windows devices will not function on our network.

For students undertaking studies that require high-end multimedia capabilities, the laptop will also need to be able to run the Adobe Creative Suite, which is provided by the school. 

Students are welcome to continue to connect their iPads to the college’s network. 

The school acknowledges that for some families a laptop will be a significant investment. If parents or carers would like to explore financial options that may assist with the purchase of the device they should contact the college to discuss options that are available to APC families.

It is not required that school devices be brand new, as older equipment that meets the requirements will be supported. Whichever model of MacBook is chosen, consideration should also be given to weight so that the device remains light and easily transportable. 

Having a laptop will give students access to a broader range of learning resources that are created by teachers and allow students to work with the same software that is used in industry environments. It will offer more functionality for the creation of content, and the larger screen and keyboard will enable more efficient typing and formatting processes to assist students with an increased workload in the senior years. 

As with the iPad, students will continue to own and operate their MacBooks in line with our Acceptable Use Agreement for Digital Technologies.

Albert Park College wants senior students to have access to a device that will maximise their creative potential and encourage deep thinking, problem solving, and creativity. 

Technology requirements