Hornby High School is a 1:1 Chromebook School

When a student at any level 7-13 enrols at Hornby High we require them to have their own digital device for learning. For students in Years 7-11 the preferred device is a chromebook. Senior students in Years 12 & 13 may prefer to bring a laptop. It is important that the device has its own keyboard and for this reason phones or tablets are not so suitable for day-to-day use at school.

Here are the options open to you when buying a chromebook (no particular order)

1. Buy an ex-lease HP chromebook from Hornby High School. At the start of 2018 we will have approx. 20 chromebooks which we can on sell to families. They are two years old but still have lots of life left in them. They will come with a carry case & charger

· Price c.$150. This can be paid in instalments to the office. When the full price is paid the sale can be completed. (like layby)

· No warranty can be provided but the device will be in good working order.

· Already loaded with the Google Management Console. (GMC) Value $55.00.

· Ask at the office (NOW!) if you would like to do this.

2. Buy from Cyclone Computers Ltd – a very reputable NZ company. The chromebook is bought on-line and will be delivered to school for pick up. Total price $548.00.

· The chromebook comes in a bundle which includes everything - there is nothing else to worry about. The bundle includes ACER Chromebook 11” N7 C731 with 4GB RAM, 3yr Warranty, 3yr loss & damage insurance, carry case and the GMC.

· There is a time payment option available. Ask at school for details.

· Purchase online at https://www.cyclone.co.nz/byod/ . Choose Hornby High from the dropdown list. The password is hhbyod

3. Buy from another provider – PB Tech, Noel Leeming, Harvey Norman, etc.

Many shops sell chromebooks (ACER N7 C731 4GB RAM is our preferred model but other makes are quite OK. When comparing prices make sure you consider the total deal including warranty, insurance & carry case. Cheap deals are not always cheap!

· Minimum specifications are minimum processor speed 1.83GHz and 4GB RAM.

· The GMC must be added to all chromebooks – payable at school $55.00. This can be arranged through school.

4. WINZ. If you would like to arrange a loan through WINZ to purchase the Chromebook please ask at the office for a quote and letter of support to take to WINZ. Once approved, WINZ will pay the money to school and then we will order your chromebook and advise you when it arrives.

Why do chromebooks at Hornby HS need the Google (Chrome) Management Console (GMC)

All chromebooks at Hornby High School are required to have the GMC loaded. This requirement must be met before the chromebook can be used at school.

With the GMC:

· We can monitor usage thus keeping your child safer on line.

· We can automatically load extensions and apps as required.

· We can automatically load operating system upgrades.

· Security – we can see who is logged on and is using the chromebook.

· A GMC licence costs $55.00 to purchase and install. This can be arranged through school if it is not loaded by the retailer.

Broadband at home.

If a chromebook is to be effective then it must also be used at home. This means there must be a reliable broadband internet connection provided at home. Most families (over 90% in Hornby) already have their own broadband connection set up by the provider of their choice. However, if the budget is tight, Hornby HS can provide a very economical deal through the Spark Jump programme. Features of this programme are:

· Hornby HS will organise setting up a ‘Skinny’ account and check that your home can receive the 4G network signal.

· You will receive a free wireless modem which plugs into power but does not need a phone line. It works like a cell phone.

· You will need to pay $15.00 up front to set up the account then you top up the account on prepay just like a cellphone. Each $15.00 buys 30GB of internet which lasts for 30 days. You can top up as often as you wish.

· You can connect your other devices to the modem too – desktop computers, cellphones, tablets & ipads, etc – perhaps saving you data in other ways.

· This is a VERY CHEAP deal. Ask at the school office for details on how to sign up.

If you require more information on any of these topics please ask at the office or contact Mr Rogers (rg@hornby.school.nz or extension 820 at school)