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It is an expectation that before commencing study at John Monash Science School, parents will have provided their child with access to two devices. The primary device will serve as the student’s “main” computer, while the secondary device will serve to capture learning and access to digital content subscription services. Students may already own either one or both devices.
Primary Device Minimum Specification and Options
PC Laptop
PC Laptop
Operating System
Windows 11
Battery Life
6 hours
Screen Size
13-Inches
Device Age
Max 2 years at time of entry to the School
Macbook
Macbook
Operating System
macOS 14 (Sonoma)
Battery Life
6 hours
Screen Size
13-Inches
Device Age
Max 2 years at time of entry to the School
Points to Consider - Primary Device
Points to Consider - Primary Device
Exclusions (Unsupported Devices)
Chromebooks and iPads/Tablets as a primary device are not supported at JMSS as they have a limited ability to run offline programs and non web-based software. This may result in students not being able to access class resources or materials.
Windows devices with ARM64 chips (eg. Snapdragon) are currently not supported as the architecture is still evolving and may not support School software.
When purchasing a Windows laptop, the chip type will list Intel, AMD/Ryzen, Qualcomm/Snapdragon
Battery Life
Check to see how long the battery life is and check the warranty on the battery. Generally the more "cells" a battery has, the longer it will last. Aim for a battery that can last for 8 hours or more as its charge time will degrade over time.
RAM
We recommend that the student's primary device have at least 8GB of RAM.
Storage
Many devices come with little amounts of storage currently. Although your student may get by with a 128gb or 256gb capacity on their device, it is recommended to select a device with 500gb or more of storage.
Weight
Laptops can range anywhere from 1kg up to 6kg. If possible, consider a lighter device in order to reduce the weight of your student's backpack.
Size
Smaller devices can be more portable, but they may not have the processing power for some intensive tasks. When choosing a device, take into account the applications your student will be using and the locations where they will be using their device.
13-inch screens are a great middle ground for screen readability and portability.
Stylus
Tablet PCs or convertible laptops that utilise a stylus are now readily available and affordable. You may wish to consider a stylus-enabled laptop to allow for annotations, diagrams and maths equations, which are more difficult to enter on a traditional laptop.
Software Requirements
When commencing study at JMSS, there is no need to purchase additional software such as Microsoft Office. Microsoft allows students to download the Office Suite for free while they are attending JMSS.
Warranty & Insurance
How long is the warranty valid for? High-school students can be rough with devices. If your student breaks the device, can you afford to replace or repair it? Consider taking out accidental damage insurance at the point of purchase.
Points to Consider - Secondary Device
Points to Consider - Secondary Device
Secondary Devices at John Monash Science School are comprised of either tablets or smartphones. Most devices are suitable as a secondary device so long as they have a working camera, retain charge for 6 hours, and are still receiving security updates.
Tablets are ideal as they are large enough to easily display digial workbooks or reference books, as well as allowing for annotation or handwritten notes.
Smartphones may be used as a secondary device but only under certain circumstances. Due to Government mandates, smartphones cannot be used during School hours UNLESS explicitly authorised by a teacher for a class. This means a smartphone used as a secondary device can only be used if authorised.
Mobile and Headphone Policy
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