The following information is provided as a guide for parents at PHCS regarding technology at school. K-6 students are provided a school supplied iPad. 7-12 students are required to bring their own laptop. While no brands or models are mandated by the school, the following requirements and recommendations will assist when deciding on a device and the software required.
Please note: All students are provided a Microsoft O365 subscription which gives access to apps such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint - available from the start of the school year.
K-6 Technology Requirements
Pacific Hills provides K-6 students with a school supplied iPad per student. The iPads are used for technology requirements in the classroom and always remain at school. All apps and software are provided by the school.
7-12 Technology Requirements
Software Requirements
All software required by PHCS students will be available free of charge. Information regarding how to access these packages will be given to students at the start of the year and will be linked to the student’s email account.
We strongly recommend that all student computers be kept up to date with the most recent security updates.
Productivity Software
Students will be provided with an Office 365 login at the start of the year which will allow them to download Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, for Mac and Windows.
Web-Based Software
Please be aware that there can be differences in experience viewing websites depending on the type of Internet browser used. We require and only support the latest Microsoft Edge web browser which is available for Mac and Windows PC's here >>.
An example of a web-based platform used at Pacific Hills is Canvas by Instructure. Canvas is our Student Learning Management System accessible both at school and at home. Students will use the Canvas platform for accessing coursework, submitting assignments and blended learning activities.
Virus Protection
Please ensure an up-to-date virus protection package is installed on your child’s laptop.
Hardware Requirements
Microsoft Windows Laptops / Apple MacBooks are essential for our BYOD program (not iPads, tablets or Chromebooks).
The following specifications detail the minimum and recommended specifications for Laptops in the 7-12 BYOD program:
Minimum Specification Requirements
Windows:
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home or Pro (note: do not purchase a device Windows 11 S Mode)
- Battery Life - 3 hours (may require re-charging during the day)
- Wi-Fi that supports 5GHz connections (PHCS only accepts 5GHz connections).
If unsure, please check with the manufacturer or retailer. This USB Mini Wi-Fi adaptor has been tested to work for under $10 if required.
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB HDD or SSD Storage (SSD highly recommended)
Macintosh
- Operating System: MacOS Monterey (12)
- Battery Life - 3 hours (may require re-charging during the day)
- Wi-Fi that supports 5GHz connections (PHCS only accepts 5GHz connections)
- If unsure, please check with the manufacturer or retailer.
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB HDD or SSD Storage (SSD highly recommended)
Recommended Specifications
Windows:
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home or Pro (note: do not purchase a device Windows 11 S Mode)
- Battery Life of around 6 hours
- Dual Band Wireless AC or Wifi 6. Capable of connecting to 5Ghz Wi-Fi (PHCS only accepts 5GHz connections).
- 16GB RAM
- 256GB Solid State Drive
- Weight and size. Consider how heavy and how large a laptop will be inside your child’s backpack. A screen size between 12” and 14” and a weight of around 1.5kg is ideal
- Manufacturer Extended Warranty
Macintosh:
- Operating System: MacOS Sequoia (15)
- Battery Life of around 6 hours
- Capable of connecting to 5Ghz Wi-Fi (PHCS only accepts 5GHz connections)
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB Solid State Drive
- Any recent Macintosh such as a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro will be suitable for use at PHCS
- Apple Care Extended Warranty
