Student Laptop Program

All students in Years 7–12 at The Essington School are required to use a dedicated laptop and bring it to school each day, fully charged for learning. Teaching and assessment across these year levels is designed around consistent access to a student laptop, with classwork, homework, digital textbooks, online platforms, and learning resources delivered in digital formats.

A laptop program is essential to supporting the Australian Curriculum (ACARA v9), where ICT capability is embedded across all learning areas. Regular access to a laptop enables students to develop key skills to create, manage, communicate, and investigate information, as well as solve problems using contemporary digital tools.

Consistent access to technology supports student-centred and independent learning, increases engagement and motivation, and allows students to demonstrate their learning in a variety of formats. Digital learning environments also expand classroom resources, support the use of digital textbooks and rich learning platforms, and connect seamlessly with the Essington Connect learning portal.

Laptop Provision Options

Student laptops are provided through one of two approved methods:

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Families may supply an existing or new laptop that meets the school’s minimum technical requirements. Parents are responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and repairing the device.

School-Owned Laptop Program: The school provides and maintains a standardised student laptop. An annual technology levy of $600 per year (payable in 10 monthly instalments) covers the device, required software, warranty and accidental damage protection, and access to a pool of loan laptops if required.

Transition to School-Owned Devices

From 2026, The Essington School will transition to school-owned laptops, commencing with Year 7 students. In 2026, students in Year 8 and Year 9 may opt in to the school-owned program or remain in the BYOD program, with the school-owned program becoming mandatory for Years 7–9 from 2027. The BYOD program will continue for students in Years 10–12.

Details of the program are available HERE