Wilston State School offers a BYOD iPad program for students in Years 3 to 6. Below are the details of our program and setup instructions for 2025.
Why Join the BYOD Program?
- Enhanced Learning Experience: Joining the BYOD program allows students to engage in interactive and enriching learning experiences through educational apps, videos, and interactive content, making learning more enjoyable and effective.
- Individualised Learning: BYOD enables personalised learning, allowing students to access tailored educational resources and progress at their own pace, catering to their unique learning styles and needs.
- Real-World Preparedness: Participating in the BYOD program prepares students for the digital world they will encounter in their future careers and daily lives, equipping them with essential technology skills.
Why Only iPads?
- Compatibility and Consistency: iPads are the designated devices for the BYOD Program at Wilston State School, ensuring compatibility with school hardware and applications, creating a consistent learning environment for all students.
- Educational Ecosystem: Apple iPads offer a diverse range of educational apps and tools that enhance learning, creativity, and collaboration, fostering a conducive educational ecosystem within the school.
- Longevity and Durability: iPads are durable and built to last, ensuring that the device remains functional and effective throughout a student's primary school education, minimising the need for frequent replacements.
- Accessibility and Versatility: iPads accommodate students with diverse learning abilities, providing accessibility features and versatile tools that support inclusive learning experiences for all students.
- Seamless Integration: Using iPads streamlines classroom activities and digital workflows, facilitating seamless integration of technology into various subjects and learning tasks.
- Parental Control and Management: With iPads, parents can exercise control over the content and usage of the device, ensuring a balanced approach to educational and leisure activities.
We hope this information clarifies the benefits of joining the BYOD program and the importance of using iPads as the designated devices at Wilston State School.
New Purchase
If purchasing a new iPad, we recommend the standard size iPad 10th Gen WiFi 64GB. We have completed some quick internet searches and compiled a list of reference points for purchase. Please note that we are not recommending any specific suppliers over others.
JB HIFI Education Portal
https://byod.jbhifi.education
School Code: WILSTONSSBYOD2025
Officeworks
iPad (10th Gen) 10.9" WiFi 64GB Silver | Officeworks
Apple – (Free Engraving)
Buy iPad 10.9-inch - Apple (AU)
Harvey Norman
Apple iPad 10.9-inch Wi-Fi (10th Generation) | Harvey Norman
If a new iPad is purchased when your child begins Year 3, it should be usable for the duration of their primary school education. When choosing the capacity of your device, parents should also consider the intended use beyond school and potential future use. For example, will you allow your child to have entertainment or games apps on the device? Do you intend to use the device into high school?
Use of Existing iPad
Students who already have an iPad may use this as part of BYOD at school. While the standard size (9.7-inch – 10.5 inch) is preferred, you may use the larger iPad models available. The iPad mini is the only iPad not suitable for use due to the small screen size. A 64GB capacity is preferred to manage the storage of school and non-school apps, videos, and photos, however, if your device is 32GB, it can still be used. Any iPad used at Wilston State School needs to have the capacity to run at least iPad OS 18.
iPads are available as Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi/Cellular models. For school, we recommend the Wi-Fi only model. If you have a model with cellular capability, you will need to ensure that a SIM card is not installed, or cellular access is not enabled. 3G/4G/5G access by students at school is strictly not allowed.
Students who do not have a BYOD device will have access to school-owned iPads for lessons during the week. Students will not be able to take school-owned devices home.
What other accessories are required for the iPad?
A case with a Bluetooth keyboard is required. We highly recommend a sturdy case that will protect your child's iPad from accidental damage. Headphones, corded or Bluetooth, are also required. Below is a list of options that we have discovered, but please note that this is not an exhaustive list as the options available are endless.
Bluetooth Keyboard & Case
JB HIFI Education Portal
https://byod.jbhifi.education
School Code: WILSTONSSBYOD2025
Officeworks
Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case iPad 10th Gen Grey | Officeworks
Logitech Rugged Keyboard Folio iPad 10th Gen Grey | Officeworks
Harvey Norman
Logitech Slim Folio for iPad 10th Generation - Grey | Harvey Norman
Logitech Combo Touch for iPad 10th Generation - Oxford Grey | Harvey Norman
Apple
iPad (10th generation) - Keyboards - iPad Accessories - Apple (AU)
Apart from the Bluetooth keyboard case and headphones, additional accessories are not required. Accessories such as an Apple Pencil are optional.
Setup Instructions
In order to ensure that your child is ready for the first day, it is advisable to set them up with their own Apple ID through family sharing. It is important that the student knows their password as it allows them to reconnect if they are signed out of their account. We understand that there are safety concerns regarding allowing young people open access to purchasing apps and content. This is why we suggest using Apple Family sharing. Through this free service, students have the ability to log into their account through their own password but the parent/guardian maintains ultimate control over the purchasing of apps. Family sharing also gives parents the ability to see how students have spent their 'screen time' on their device.
Please email Byod_Questions@wilstonss.eq.edu.au if you have any questions about the device requirements or setup instructions for this program.