BYO iPad @ Birkdale
In 2023 Birkdale State School is a BYO iPad school for students in Years 3-6.
Vision
Our Vision at Birkdale State School is to develop critical and creative learners that have access to all the tools necessary for the 21st Century, whilst also valuing and engaging our learners into deep thinking, problem solving and solution focused real world activities that explore the array of possibilities not just what has been done before.
Birkdale State School 1:1 iPad program will:
- Provide a greater opportunity to individualise learning
- Allow for a collaborative approach to learning
- Enhance communication skills
- Facilitate the development of 21st century knowledge and skills
- Provide an engaging, interactive learning environment
- Improved digital literacies skills
- strengthen links between home and school
Usage expectations
iPad school usage is managed by teachers to ensure:
- posture is appropriate
- usage is balanced, educational and primarily targeted at learning opportunities that would not be possible without the technology
- students are responsible, respectful and appropriate in their usage of online environments.
- screen time is not excessive.
Minimum device specifications
iPad 6th - 10th Generation
iPad Air (4rd Generation)
iPad Air (5rd Generation)
iPad Pro (11-inch) (12.9-inch) (1nd Generation)
iPad Pro (11-inch) (12.9-inch) (2nd Generation)
iPad Pro (11-inch) (12.9-inch) (3nd Generation)
iPad Pro (11-inch) (12.9-inch) (4nd Generation)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (5nd Generation)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (6nd Generation)
*The life span of an iPad is approximately 3-4 years.
Accessories
Parents will need to also purchase over the ear headphones with microphone & a protective case. A waterproof carry case and screen protector is also recommended. Apple Pens/keyboards are optional.
Apps
The BYO iPad program will require necessary apps to be installed onto the iPad device. App Lists are provided on our school website. Please ensure that all apps on the list are loaded. The majority of apps are free, but some are paid. It is a requirement of participation in the program that the paid apps are to be purchased. Please do not substitute the free version of the app as it will not offer the functions required.
Purchasing
iPads and accessories can be purchased from a variety of resellers and we do not recommend one over another. A Birkdale SS BYO Portal with very competitive process has been set up on our website for JB-HI-FI. The Apple store provides a 5% discount for school purchased iPads.
Insurance
All devices are monitored by teachers at school and rules are in place to prevent foreseeable problems and damage; however, from time to time, accidents may occur. Parents are encouraged to provide personal insurance for their devices. Check with your preferred insurance company about personal insurance. You may want to investigate an extended Apple Care+. Please note that the school does not provide insurance coverage for the student owned devices.
Acceptable usage
Students and Parents will be required to sign and return the iPad Personal Device Agreement Form. This clearly outlines the school routines and expectations of the use of iPads as an educational tool.
Students without BYO iPad
Students unable to a provide a BYO iPad will have shared access to a school purchased iPads. These iPads will remain at school.