Technology in Learning (BYOD)
Melbourne Girls’ College offers families a choice between a managed device purchased through the MGC Order Portal and a non-managed device purchased from a retailer of their choice.
Both options can be used within the College’s BYOD program, provided the device meets the relevant requirements.
This page provides general guidance for families choosing a device for use at Melbourne Girls’ College. Device specifications, availability, pricing, warranty options and supplier arrangements may change. Families purchasing through the MGC Order Portal should refer to the portal for current product, pricing, and warranty information. Families purchasing a non-managed device should ensure it meets Melbourne Girls’ College’s published minimum requirements.
Families may choose either:
- A managed device option, purchased through Learning With Technologies (LWT) via the MGC Order Portal; or
- A non-managed device option, purchased from a retailer or supplier of the family’s choice.
The MGC Order Portal is available at: https://mgc.orderportal.com.au/
The portal provides current information about managed device options, pricing, warranty choices, accessories, and supplier terms. Families should refer to the portal before placing an order, as product availability, specifications, pricing, and warranty options may change.
Devices ordered through the MGC Order Portal are delivered to Melbourne Girls’ College for collection by students. Delivery, availability, and collection timeframes remain subject to supplier arrangements, stock availability, and operational requirements.
Families purchasing a non-managed device should ensure it meets MGC’s published minimum requirements. MGC IT can assist students with access to MGC-provided software and services where possible, including Microsoft 365, Teams, OneDrive, school Wi-Fi, PaperCut printing, Vivi and ClickView.
Managed devices available through the MGC Order Portal are selected by MGC for compatibility with the school’s current learning, software, and technical environment.
Depending on the model and option selected, managed devices may include:
- Windows 11 Pro
- A touchscreen, 360-degree hinge and built-in/garaged stylus
- The device is supplied through the MGC managed-device process, helping students complete initial setup and access MGC software and services
- Access to the MGC IT and LWT support and repair process
- Optional Education Warranty arrangements, including accidental damage cover where selected and subject to the relevant supplier terms
Students using managed and non-managed devices may be able to access MGC-provided services, including Microsoft 365, Teams, OneDrive, Adobe Creative Cloud, PaperCut printing, Vivi, ClickView and Google Chrome, provided their device meets the relevant technical requirements and the services remain available.
Families choosing a non-managed device should ensure it meets the following minimum requirements at the time of purchase. These requirements have been selected to support students’ learning and access to Melbourne Girls’ College software, wireless network, and printing services.
Minimum device requirements
- Windows laptops: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, or better
- Mac laptops: Apple Silicon processor, or better
- Memory: At least 8 GB RAM
- Storage: At least 256 GB SSD storage
- Operating system: Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Education, or macOS Sequoia (macOS 15) or later
- Not suitable: Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 in S Mode, Chromebooks, iPads and Android tablets
- Screen and keyboard: At least an 11-inch screen and a sturdy physical keyboard suitable for daily school use
- Battery: At least 6 hours of advertised battery life
- Wireless connectivity: Modern dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz support
- Video and audio: Built-in camera, microphone and speakers, or access to suitable headphones
- Ports: USB-A access, either built into the device or provided through a suitable USB-C adapter or hub
A device with 128 GB of storage may be suitable in limited circumstances. Families considering this option are encouraged to contact the MGC IT Helpdesk for advice before purchasing.
Important information for Windows laptops
Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 in S Mode are not suitable for the MGC BYOD program. Windows 11 Home does not support all MGC services, including PaperCut printing.
Families purchasing a Windows laptop should select a device supplied with Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Education.
In limited circumstances, MGC IT may be able to assist with an upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Education for an eligible device. This is assessed individually, depends on technical and licensing requirements, is not guaranteed, and should not be relied upon before purchasing a device.
Highly recommended features
- A durable and lightweight design suitable for daily transport to and from school
- A protective case and/or screen protection
- Warranty and accidental-damage, loss and theft cover that is appropriate for the family’s circumstances
- Current operating-system and security updates
- A touchscreen and stylus for families choosing a 2-in-1 device
- Useful ports, including USB-A, USB-C and a 3.5 mm headphone jack where required
- Regular use of OneDrive or another suitable backup method for schoolwork
MGC IT can assist students with access to MGC-provided software and services where possible, including Microsoft 365, Teams, OneDrive, school Wi-Fi, PaperCut printing, Vivi and ClickView.
Managed devices
For managed devices purchased through the MGC Order Portal, MGC IT provides initial troubleshooting and assists families with the LWT support, warranty and repair process.
Non-managed devices
For non-managed devices, MGC IT can assist with MGC-provided software and services, including school Wi-Fi, Microsoft 365, and PaperCut printing.
Parents and carers are responsible for hardware faults, physical damage, operating-system issues, non-school software, warranty claims, repairs, and replacement of non-managed devices.
For questions about MGC technology services, families can contact the MGC IT Helpdesk at:
mgc_helpdesk@mgc.vic.edu.au
The lower-cost managed device option currently includes a standard one-year return-to-base warranty. This option does not include accidental-damage cover or insurance.
Melbourne Girls’ College strongly recommends that families consider the three-year Education Warranty with accidental-damage cover when purchasing a managed device. This provides additional protection for a laptop that will be used at school and at home each day.
Families can review the available warranty options, inclusions, and current pricing in the MGC Order Portal before placing an order.
For non-managed devices, families are responsible for the device warranty, insurance, repairs, and replacement. Families may wish to consider accidental-damage and loss cover when purchasing a device.
A well-maintained laptop is generally expected to provide approximately three to five years of effective use. Actual device lifespan will depend on the model, specifications, daily use, care, battery condition, operating-system support, accidental damage, and repair history.
Families planning to use the same laptop throughout secondary school should consider a durable device with suitable specifications, warranty, and accidental-damage cover.