At HKIS, we believe technology is a powerful means of learning, creating, and connecting. We use it to support meaningful, creative, and responsible work that reflects our mission and values, guided by a simple principle: technology should reduce barriers to learning, not the effort of learning. Used well, it extends learning, supports inquiry, and enables collaboration. It does not replace human connection, productive struggle, critical thinking, or ethical decision-making.
In the Secondary School, technology becomes integral to daily life, shaping how students interact, access information, and pursue future opportunities. Our program develops advanced technology skills, digital ethics, and innovation, preparing students for higher education and a rapidly evolving workforce. Anchored in our Technology Standards, Technology helps students grow as creative communicators and global collaborators who contribute meaningfully and responsibly to the digital world.
Bring Your Own Mac (BYOM) - Device Requirements
HKIS students participate in a Bring Your Own MacBook (BYOM) program.
All Grade 6-12 students are required to bring an Apple MacBook to school each day.
To support student learning, we outline two device tiers below:
A minimum allowed specification, and
a recommended specification that supports all learning pathways and offers longer usable life.
Note: MacBook Neo ships with macOS 26 (Tahoe) and cannot be downgraded. Other supported MacBook models may run MacOS 15 (Sequoia) or later.
Minimum Allowed Specification (MacBook Neo only)
(Device will work for general academic use by may have limitations over time)
Device: MacBook Neo
Apple Silicon chip: A18 Pro
Memory (RAM): 8GB RAM
Storage: 256GB or above
Operating System: macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later
Important: While the MacBook Neo meets our minimum requirements, it is not recommended for students who may pursue courses involving art, design, video production, or other resource intensive applications.
Recommended Specifications (MacBook Air or MacBook Pro)
(Supports all courses, activities, and learning pathways through Middle and High School)
Device: MacBook Air or MacBook Pro
Apple Silicon chip: M2 or above
Memory (RAM): 16GB RAM or higher
Storage: 256GB or above
Operating System: macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later
A MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with 16GB Ram is strongly recommended for families seeking maximum flexibility, performance, and device longevity.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the MacBook, students will need:
A USB-C to USB-A adapter (for compatibility with some classroom peripherals)
Access to a personal Apple ID, which is required to install updates and keep required software current
Technology Agreements
How we use technology at HKIS is guided by a shared commitment to learning, safety, and respect. Students, families, faculty, and the school acknowledge the Technology Responsible Use Agreement at the start of each academic year via PowerSchool. This agreement ensures that technology serves as a powerful tool to extend learning, support inquiry, and enable collaboration - without replacing human connection, productive struggle, critical thinking, or ethical decision-making.
Students are expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to all school policies. Key expectations include:
- Emerging Technologies (including AI): Students should engage with new and emerging tools, including artificial intelligence, when they genuinely enhance learning, creativity, or connection, and put them aside when they do not.
- Academic Integrity: The same high standards of honesty, attribution, and original work apply everything you create, regardless of the digital tools utilized.
- Privacy & Security: Students must protect their accounts, respect others' privacy, and ask permission before sharing media of others. To ensure safeguarding and community safety, school-issued accounts may be monitored. Personal data is strictly handled in accordance with Hong Kong's Personal Data Ordinance (PDPO).
Campus Phone Restrictions
- Secondary 6-8 (Middle School): To help students build focus and balance, phone must be kept away for the entire school day.
- Secondary 9-12 (High School): Reflecting growing independence and self-management, phone restrictions apply primarily during instructional time rather than the whole day.
For full details a specific disciplinary guidelines, please review the complete policy documents available on the school portal:
- Social Media Guidelines
- Social Media Policy
- Data Privacy Policy
- Harassment Policy (formerly Promoting a Culture of Respect)
- Technology Responsible Use Agreement
DragonNet
The HKIS community website, DragonNet, is a password-protected information site that serves as a primary hub for communicating information for students and parents. DragonNet is used by students to access Student, Academic and Interim Handbooks as well as School Policies and Procedures.
Microsoft 365
School M365 Accounts are used as a single sign-on (SSO) solution for the majority of internal and external education systems. Faculty and Administration also heavily rely on M365 tools for learning activities which require communication, collaboration and creation. These tools include:
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Microsoft Teams
Apple ID
In addition to their school provided Google Account, students are also expected to have a personal Apple ID to ensure they can install necessary software, backup and maintain their devices. Parent(s) are encouraged to create an AppleID for students so they can monitor screen time and application usage at home.
Schoology
Schoology is crucial only learning environment for students and teachers. It is both an academic tool and information about Clubs, Sports and internal announcements.
PowerSchool
PowerSchool utilised for the management of student records including attendance, aptitude and attainment data, as well as, timetabling, enrolment and other services necessary for the running of the school.