Advice from our ICT Operations Manager

In a hurry? Download the full printable pdf version below!

Laptop/Tablet requirements

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware that the Microsoft Surface Go 3 mentioned in the guidance is currently only available as a refurbished device. The Surface Laptop Go 3 is a completely different product with a very similar name that is available on the Microsoft store but does not have a detachable keyboard and does not flip 360 degrees- Please check this carefully before purchasing. if you are unsure or require clarification on this please do not hesitate to get in touch via Digital@wim.gdst.net

You have the freedom to choose whatever Windows device fits your daughter’s needs, but it must meet the following as a minimum in terms of functionality:

  • Windows 10 or 11 device (so the laptop must be compatible)
  • Touch Screen of 9.7 inch or greater
  • Detachable or flip screen to enable flat writing using a stylus
  • Keyboard
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Minimum 6GB of RAM
  • Minimum 128GB hard drive/SSD
  • A camera for video and still photos
  • The ability to play and record audio
  • Web browser for access to Firefly and other online learning resources
  • The ability to install and access OneDrive and other Microsoft Office applications such as OneNote, Word, Excel etc 
  • A stylus
  • Small in-ear headphones

We hearing from some families that it is becoming difficult to find a suitable device with front and rear facing cameras. In terms of the need in the classroom, the request for the double camera was to ensure that students can  participate in a video call or make a short video of themselves (e.g. a club with a remote visiting speaker or make a self-reflection video on a piece of work); and take a photograph or video of something in the classroom (e.g. a science experiment, work written on a whiteboard) So any device which suits these purposes will work for your daughter.

You do not need to purchase a subscription to Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 as this is provided free by us for the duration of your daughters time at Wimbledon High School). Your daughter will also be able to download and use the apps from the Adobe Creative Suite during her school years.  

Anti-Virus software must be installed on the laptop. We recommend Avast Free Anti-Virus software. We recommend that files of importance are backed up to your daughter’s school OneDrive account, which has unlimited storage. This will mean everything is backed up and if the device was lost or the hard drive became corrupted, no critical school work would be lost. Documents and other files should never be stored only on the laptop with no backup copy.

We strongly recommend that you use family management/parental controls on the device. You can read more on our E-safety at home page.

For more explanation about specifications and example devices, please download the PDF file above.

Apple iPads, MacBooks and Chromebooks

If you have older daughters or friends at WHS then you may know that early on in the BYOD programme we allowed students to bring any device, including Apple and Chromebooks. It has become very clear to us that a Windows device works best for the students.

  • The device must run the Microsoft apps – OneNote, Teams and OneDrive. This is only available on Windows and Apple devices and we find that that the iOS apps are not as developed as the Windows ones. Although the apps can be used in the browser on a Chromebook, again, we find that the online version does not always work in exactly the same way, or as effectively as the Windows app. Class time also runs more smoothly when everyone is using the same app.
  • The touch screen is important for intuitive working and the use of a stylus for writing and drawing. MacBooks do not have a touch screen.
  • In 2023 - For the first time, Oxbridge Entry Exams required users to join online calls with a touchscreen enabled device for annotation work as part of the assessment - This is currently only achievable on a laptop device with Windows.
  • Microsoft Excel is not fully functional in the iPad version, and this software is used in Science, Maths and indeed other subjects throughout the school.
  • Websites with some kinds of animation do not work on an iPad. We find that many maths and modern languages resources use this technology and your daughter’s experience in lessons will be compromised.

Therefore we ask that students only bring Windows devices, in order to ensure they have the best experience of BYOD as an effective tool for learning. If you wish to discuss this further, please contact Rachel Evans, the Director of Digital Learning & Innovation via digital@wim.gdst.net

Where to buy

You do not have to purchase devices from any particular supplier. However, we do recommend that you purchase from a retailer that offers good warranty and insurance packages and have someone available to speak to face-to-face regarding any claims or repairs. The IT Support Team at Wimbledon High School will endeavour to assist with internet and school system related queries, but devices with hardware and software faults will generally need to go back to the place of purchase. The IT team at school are always happy to assist where possible and advise, but cannot carry out repairs due to warranty conditions and BYOD agreements in place.