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Mernda Central College is dedicated to shaping a bright future for our students and their families. Our students from Year 5 to Year 12 participate in a 1:1 Open BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program, a testament to our commitment to integrating modern technology into our learning environment.
Even as we adapt to the digital age, we understand and value the importance of traditional learning tools. Pen and paper activities still hold a significant place in our classrooms today and will continue to do so in the future. Our approach ensures the use of digital devices only when they serve to enhance learning outcomes and not as a replacement for face-to-face interactions and traditional learning methods. Students will engage in real-time discussions and collaborative activities, maintaining the essence of interpersonal communication in the classroom.
The 1:1 Open BYOD program has proven its worth in enhancing student learning experiences. We've seen firsthand how it broadens learning horizons, boosts digital skills, fosters greater student choice, and personalizes learning for our students. As we navigate the future of education, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering a balanced, effective, and engaging learning environment.
The recommendations for the Open BYOD Program are as follows:
The recommendations for the Open BYOD Program are as follows:
Device age: Must be no more than 4 years old at the start of use.
Accepted device types: Windows Laptop, Apple MacBook, Google Chromebook, Apple iPad, or Android Tablet.
Operating systems (minimums & what we recommend now)
Operating systems (minimums & what we recommend now)
Windows laptops:
Minimum: Windows 11 (we no longer accept Windows 10 as it reaches end of support on 14 Oct 2025).
Recommended: Windows 11 24H2 or later
Apple MacBooks:
Minimum: macOS 15 “Sequoia” or later.
Recommended: On the latest macOS (Apple’s current major release line is macOS 26)
Google Chromebooks:
NOTE: Chromebooks are not compatable with NAPLAN testing and we would recommend Windows, Mac or iPad over them at present for this reason.
Age be within Google’s Auto Update (AUE) window — Chromebooks now receive up to 10 years of automatic updates (from the platform’s release).
Android tablets:
NOTE: Android tablets are not compatable with NAPLAN testing and we would recommend Windows, Mac or iPad over them at present for this reason.
Minimum: Android 12 or later (Android 15 is the current stable Android line).
Apple iPads (BYOD iPad Program):
Minimum: iPadOS 17 or later (previous versions are unsupported by NAPLAN)
Recommended: On the latest iPadOS (current major line is iPadOS 26).
iPad model guidance (if choosing iPad)
iPad model guidance (if choosing iPad)
Recommended model: iPad (11th generation, 2025) or newer.
OS support: Must run iPadOS 16+ (latest iPadOS strongly recommended).
Not recommended: Older iPads that cannot update to iPadOS 16 or later, as required learning apps may not install or run reliably.
JB Hi-Fi Education
JB Hi-Fi Education
Mernda Central College have worked with JB Hi-Fi to provide a BYOD Device Portal that will provides parents with access to a wide range of Education specific laptops, tablets, accessories and insurance.
All orders will be delivered to your nominated JB Hi-Fi store. You will receive both an email and an SMS notifying you once your order is available for collection.
Online ordering can be done using the below link and entering the school code which is MERNDACC2026
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