STUDENT TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION
At PLC Sydney, technology is integrated into learning and empowers students to be both technology users and technology creators. The PLC Sydney device strategy has been designed to give students an experience in the three main archetypes of technology:
Tablet computing
Cloud computing
Desktop based computing
This strategy has the benefit of increasing complexity as the girls progress through their studies. We have selected devices that can be mastered at each stage of their development. Please see below.
Pre-Kindergarten–Year 2: School Supplied iPad
Students will have access to iPads in class.
iPads are excellent devices for young students and offer a superb tactile experience for exploring, selecting and using a variety of apps to demonstrate and reflect on learning.
iPads will be used in class, as directed by the teacher, and will not be taken home.
In Year 3, we transition our students from a ‘tablet only’ experience into using Chromebooks. Chromebooks enable Year 3 and 4 students to access a variety of apps, mostly cloud-based, that enhance learning experiences and outcomes.
The school will manage these devices and apply basic device settings.
Chromebooks will only be used in class, as directed by the teacher, and will not be taken home.
In Years 5 and 6, students will be provided with a school managed Chromebook device. This device travels with them from home to school and is used both in the classroom and at home for their learning.
The school will manage these devices and apply basic device settings.
A small annual fee of $85 will be charged to your school account to cover maintenance and insurance costs.
The Chromebook MUST be protected. Laptop sleeves will be provided as an added layer of protection. Please ensure that your daughter uses the sleeve to protect the device against minor knocks and bumps.
In Year 7 2026, students will be supplied with a school-managed Mac Laptop that they will use from Year 7 through to the end of Year 9.
PLC Sydney issues identical devices to ensure consistent access to licensed software, efficient support, secure configuration, and equitable learning experiences.
The cost of the laptop will be split across three years, charged to your school account to cover the cost of the device, maintenance and insurance costs. At the end of Year 9, you will be given the option to purchase the laptop outright for a small fee or BYOD for your daughter's senior years. Further details of this will be provided.
The laptop MUST be protected. A laptop case will be provided as an added layer of protection. Please ensure that your daughter uses the case to protect the device against minor knocks and bumps.
From Year 8, students have the option to bring in a Mac or Windows laptop.
Students will be required to self manage their devices including keeping their virus protection up to date and installing the software they need for their learning.
When well looked after, this device can last through to Year 12, although usually warranty and insurance cover only 3 years. Students are welcome to refresh their devices earlier if they wish.
In many specialist subjects, students will be given access to software that is ‘industry current’ at the time.
Overall, we would like to note that the technology students use while they are at school is likely to be significantly different when they progress to working life. It is therefore critical that we teach students how to transition between different platforms during their learning at PLC Sydney so that they do not become accustomed to only one platform. Instead, our goal is to give our girls the opportunity to experience a variety of options and help them become agile problem solvers and equip them for an unknown, fast-developing future.
We take this opportunity to note that the ‘Technology Fee’ covers some of the cost of keeping an extensive infrastructure in place in the College. This fee covers:
A campus-wide wired and wireless network
Access to a high-speed reliable Internet AARNET (Australia's academic and research network)
Security and Internet content filtering
Research capacity in the Macindoe Research Centre
Software licensing and support for student devices
In-classroom AV equipment
A dedicated team to service students, staff and the above infrastructure
NB Some schools incorporate this into the general school fees. PLC Sydney believes this is a cost that should be borne by scholarship students as well as full-fee-paying students, thus it is billed separately, akin to the Excursion Fee.
Pre-Kindergarten–Year 2: will be provided with school-managed iPads, which are kept and used in the classroom
Years 3 and 4: will be provided with school-managed Chromebooks, which are kept and used in the classroom
Years 5 and 6: will be provided with school-managed Chromebooks, which will be made available to students in class and at home. A small annual fee of $85 will be charged to your school account to cover maintenance and insurance costs. This places some shared responsibility between PLC Sydney and the parents to ensure the devices are well looked after as the device travels between home and school
Year 7 from 2026: will be provided with a school-managed MacBook Air, which will be made available to students in class and at home.
Years 8–12: Compulsory BYO Device. Years 8–12 are recommended to bring a Mac or Windows laptop. You can purchase from our BYOD portal or elsewhere if you'd like.
Please note the minimum standards for Years 8–12 devices are:
256GB SSD, 16GB Memory, M4 MacBook or Core Ultra 5, Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax)
An English operating system
USB-C charging is highly desirable
A vendor with excellent support, such as Apple, HP, Dell or Lenovo, is HIGHLY recommended
Obtaining a three-year warranty is HIGHLY recommended
Accidental damage insurance is HIGHLY recommended
Purchasing a bag or cover to protect your device is HIGHLY recommended
If you expect the machine to last for a long time, upgrade memory, storage and processor as much as possible.
PLEASE NOTE: All parents and students are required to acknowledge that they have read and agreed to our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) before bringing a device to school. See the link below.