Technology at TAS

Since 1996 TAS has had a notebook (laptop) computer programme where parents have borne the full cost of computers purchased for their child from Year 5. At the commencement of 2009 this was lifted to Year 6. We are also in an environment where there are increasing and significant ICT infrastructure needs to support the growing requirement of technology in the curriculum. This is an essential step needed to meet the requirements of the future. We are being driven by technological development and need the flexibility to be able to anticipate and to respond to the demands that the school will face.

These needs extend from Kindergarten to Year 12 and include:

  • Desktop laboratories at each campus for P to 5
  • Interactive White Boards (IWB) from P to 5
  • Desktop computers for CAD and Music
  • Desktop computers in each classroom P to 5
  • Desktop computers in each workroom WRS
  • Tablet devices
  • Front Row assistive audio equipment
  • Network Servers
  • Wireless Networking covering both TAS White Rock and TAS Kewarra Beach
  • Data Projectors and screens in every classroom
  • Networked copiers
  • High Speed data link between TAS White Rock and TAS Kewarra Beach
  • Audio links

These costs, as well as a host of other hardware peripherals and software, have historically been budgeted within the school's fee structure which are all designed to enhance the learning environment at TAS.

• The Federal Government's 'Digital Education Revolution' grant expires at the end of 2011. The grant was offered to bring student computer ratio to 1:1 in Years 9-12. To date there has been no information regarding continuation of any funding for renewal of these computers.

• Since 2010, students in years 9-12 at TAS have accessed government provided computers and their parents have paid a small levy towards peripherals but not for servicing and maintenance. The school has carried these additional costs.

• From the beginning of 2012, the Information Technology Levy (separate from fees) for all students helps meet the costs of supplying an up to date efficient ICT infrastructure. This annual figure is divided over four terms. In calculating the amount of the levy, capital costs normally applied to ICT have first been deducted from the budget and therefore from fees. The ICT levy has an effect of:

  • Reducing cost to parents, as they will no longer have to purchase notebook computers
  • Creating greater efficiencies in terms of having uniform equipment available to all students
  • Ensuring all laptops and tablets are owned by the school and replaced regularly
  • Facilitating the structured replacement of all ICT infrastructure and ancillary equipment in a systematic manner

In the transitionary phase, the levy will NOT apply to parents of continuing TAS students in Years 7 and 8 in 2012 and those in Year 8 in 2013. This is in clear recognition of the fact that these families have only recently had to purchase laptops and software.

This decision to exempt Years 7 and 8 as indicated until the end of 2013, will apply too in the full knowledge that the technology levy is designed to cover total ICT needs for the whole school and not simply notebooks. The school will bear the costs of the shortfall and ICT Human resource costs are not covered by the levy.

For more information please contact the TAS I.T. Department on 4036 8111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .