​​​​​​​​​​​What is Bring Y​​our Own Device? 

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a term used to describe a digital device ownership model where students use their personally owned devices to access the departmental networks and information management systems in an educational setting. BYO iPad at WESS require students to have their own iPad for use at school and home.    

Why B​​YOD? ​

Central to our WESS 2024-2027 Strategic Plan is a commitment to Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and Engagement, Belonging and Wellbeing for all of our students. BYOD seeks to incorporate digital technologies for learning to ensure students develop both the cognitive and social-emotional skills they need to succeed.  ​

​ 

Apps w​e use i​n BYOD

At WESS, we use iPads across different curriculum areas and in different ways.

​Essential ​​​Apps

These apps will be used daily across most subjects and classes. Please download these before bringing your iPad to school.

Microsoft Teams	Learning Management System
Microsoft Word​	Word Processor
Microsoft Excel	Create and edit spreadsheets
Microsoft PowerPoint	Create Presentations
Microsoft OneNote	Digital Notebook
Microsoft OneDrive	Online file storage
Microsoft Whiteboard	Digital Whiteboard
Seesaw	Learning Management System
Switch4Schools	Student Wellbeing

​​​Additional Apps

These apps will be downloaded if your teacher requires it. They are not required to be installed before school starts

​Google Translate	Communication App - Additional Support for EAL/D Students​
​Kahoot!	Interactive Real-time Quizzes​
Kana School: Japanese Letters	Japanese Language Practice – For Japanese Language Students Only
Microsoft Clipchamp	Video Editor​
​Sora	​Free eBook and Audio Book Reader
​WhoAmI? (Weblink - Not on App Store)	Allows students to Troubleshoot Internet Issues at School

BYOD Minim​​um Device Specifications

​Requ​​ired 

• iPad (10th Gen), iPad Air 11-in, and iPad Pro 11-in are suitable.  

• ​​iPad Minis and 13 Inch iPad Air or iPad Pros are not recommended as some apps do not support these screen sizes. 

• WiFi Compatible Only – If the iPad has Cellular Capabilities, SIM or eSIMs need to be removed before the device can be used at school.  

• Protective case and Screen Protector. 

• iPad and accessories labelled/engraved with student name and school.  ​

Recommended Additi​​ons

• AppleCare and Device Insurance. BYO devices are not covered by the school's insurances in the case of damage, loss or theft.  
• Headphones that are compatible with your iPad (required for NAPLAN in Year 5 and Multimedia assessments in both Years 5 and 6). 
• Stylus – While an Apple Pencil or Stylus isn't required, its helpful for digital worksheets and annotations.  ​
• ​Keyboard Case – makes writing assignments and general classwork a lot easier than using the on-screen keyboard.  ​

2025 BYOD iPad Purchasing

​It is recommended to begin looking to purchase an iPad earlier than the Back to School period as certain models can be in short supply during that time. It should also be noted that there is no major difference in the quality of learning between a Base Model 10th Gen iPad and a top spec iPad Pro. 

​Purchasing Portals

The below portals list recommended iPad models as well as several accessories that will be compatible with the device you are purchasing. ​Please Note: ​It is not a requirement to purchase your BYO iPad through these portals.

JBHiFi Education: https://byod.jbhifi.education/

Access Code: WESSBYOD2025

QLD Computers: https://edu.queenslandcomputers.com.au/collections/west-end-state-school

Access Code: Weallsmile2024

Equity 

If you have difficulty meeting the costs involved in this program, please contact your student’s classroom teacher to discuss the matter. As a public school we are committed to ensuring every child has access to a device regardless of the family's financial position.  

Communication and Feedback 

We encourage a learning partnership and open communication.  All enquiries can be addressed to byod@westendss.eq.edu.au ​​​