In an ever-evolving digital world, it is essential that students develop the skills needed to navigate and thrive in future workplaces and everyday life. Technology is no longer just an option—it is a vital tool for learning, communicating, problem-solving, and creating. By embedding the use of digital devices and platforms into everyday learning, we help students become confident, capable users of technology. These skills empower them to think critically, work collaboratively, and adapt to new challenges—setting them up for success in a future we can't yet fully imagine.
As a school, we continue to explore ways to enhance student learning through the use of technology. Currently, as a school we have Year 4 – 6 students participate in a computer for student's program using laptops. This is a user pay system where the school loans a device for students to use at school and at home at a cost of $100 a term over 3 years. The total cost of participating in this program amounts to $1200 which includes the device and protective case, accidental damage warranty, tech support for repairs and servicing.
Over the past year, the school has undertaken an in-depth review of our current Computer for Students model. This process included examining device use, repair and maintenance costs, student engagement, and the effectiveness of technology in enhancing learning.
In addition, the school consulted with school staff, Education Qld IT Manager, Real Bytes IT Systems Support Manager and other schools who have successfully implemented BYOD iPad programs.
Following this review and consideration of all information gathered by the school, it became clear that a transition to iPads would better support our students in several key areas:
Continuity of learning: The school has recently updated and invested in a fleet of iPads for our Prep to Year 3 students. Introducing a BYOD iPad program from Year 4 onwards will ensure a seamless transition and consistency in learning platforms, applications, and digital skills across the school.
Student engagement and accessibility: iPads offer a highly interactive and intuitive platform that supports creativity and active learning. Students can demonstrate their understanding through photos, drawings, voice recordings, videos, and annotations, which helps maintain engagement and cater to diverse learning styles.
Differentiated learning: A wide range of educational and accessibility apps allow teachers to tailor learning experiences to meet each child's needs. This supports students requiring extension, additional help, or adjustments to access the curriculum.
Timely feedback and collaboration: The iPad platform enables teachers to provide real-time feedback through various tools such as Seesaw. This strengthens communication between students and teachers, promotes reflection, and supports ongoing improvement.
Future alignment: Our feeder high school, Shailer Park State High School, has also adopted an iPad model. This means students will enter high school confident and capable in using the same device and learning tools, easing their transition into Year 7.
Operational convenience and reliability: Furthermore, the Computer for Students program has become increasingly costly to maintain due to high repair bills, breaches in appropriate use, and the significant amount of time required to manage devices and parent payments. We were advised that iPads require far less maintenance as there are fewer moving parts (particularly keys and hinges), which means reduces the time students may be without a device while awaiting repair. Transitioning to a BYOD iPad model allows the school to focus our resources more effectively on teaching and learning.
This BYOD iPad program was discussed at a P&C meeting on Tuesday 5 August, 2025 and was endorsed as a preferred program moving forward.
Please find attached the following documents for the BYOD iPad program:
BYOD iPad Program Handbook.pdf
3rd party consent 4-6.pdf
iPad Quick Set Up Guide.pdf