School Provided Technology Program
Parent User Experience
Key Support Criteria for Parents
Simplified Device Selection: Parents will no longer need to be experts in selecting technology devices. The chosen devices are aligned with both future technology needs and the school curriculum. Each child will receive a new device every two years.
Service fees and deductibles at a glance - Service fees are listed for the latest iPad models. For more details on the latest iPad models, see apple.com/au/ipad.
Incidents covered:
Accessories - A$45
iPad, iPad mini - Accidental damage A$65
iPad Pro, iPad Air - Screen damage A$45
Other accidental damage - A$149
Note: multiple lost or stolen devices attract insurance excess of $500 to replace the device.
Managed Apps and Curriculum Setup: The school manages apps and sets up the curriculum on the devices.
We understand that the transition to a school provided technology program may raise questions, especially for families accustomed to using their own devices.
The decision to implement this program and switch to iPads has been made to ensure uniformity and enhance the educational experience for all students. The integrated learning features and comprehensive support provided with the iPads are designed to foster student growth and digital literacy.
We recognise that transitioning from laptops to iPads may be challenging for some students. To support this change, we will offer training sessions and resources to help students and parents become familiar with the new devices. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible and to ensure that all students can take full advantage of the iPads' capabilities.
Why devices go home each night.
At Guildford Grammar School, the use of technology is not just about learning in the classroom—it’s also about helping students develop the everyday skills they need to use devices safely, responsibly, and effectively at home. The Australian Curriculum’s ICT General Capabilities highlight that children build these skills through real-world practice both at school and at home.
For our younger students, this means recognising the difference between school and home rules, learning to ask permission before sharing information, building routines around charging and packing their device, and beginning to use programs like OneDrive, Sketches School and Clips. These foundations are best developed when school and home work together.
As they move into the upper primary years, students begin to investigate information more critically, create their own projects using a wider range of tools, and engage in discussions about online safety and digital routines with their families. To make this possible, devices need to go home so students can practise these skills in authentic settings with your support.
In short, taking devices home in Years 3 and 4 is not about extra screen time—it’s about developing the social, ethical, creative, and practical habits that prepare students for the digital world ahead.
Specifc examples of this are
1. Applying Social and Ethical Protocols and Practices
In younger years this looks like:
- Recognising the differences between school and home rules about using digital information
- Understanding the different ways devices may be used at home to at school
- Understanding they need to get consent to take photos or videos of people
- Asking for parental permission to share information with other people
In older years this also looks like:
- Discussing use of devices at home to create an appropriate family use policy
- Setting up a routine to complete digital home learning tasks
- Understanding how extensive use limited social interaction with some family and friends or provide connection to others
2. Investigating with ICT
In younger years this looks like:
- Understanding that they should not copy home learning activities from the internet
- Explaining where images and information were found
- Finding and recording real world examples of learning tasks
In older years this also looks like:
- Listing sources of information and the URLs the information was found in
- Discussing with family members to clarify if information they have found is true
- Using appropriate apps to record information they have found
3. Creating with ICT
In younger years this also looks like:
- Saving work in their OneDrive using their school login and password
- Using creative programs like Sketches School, FreeForm and Clips to create based on their areas of interest.
- Appropriately edit photographs or videos they have taken using simple programs
In older years, this also looks like:
- Watching online tutorials to further develop their skills in areas of interest
- Choosing appropriate apps to complete their creative projects
- Seeking permission to share their projects with a wider audience
4. Communicating with ICT
In younger years this looks like:
- Only messaging people they know with permission from their family
- Only sharing personal photographs on SeeSaw if required for home learning and the photos approved by parents
- Understanding how to use polite and appropriate language when communicating online
In older years, this also looks like:
- Having family discussions about what online safety looks like
- Discussing how to recognise and report cyberbullying
- Asking for permission from the original sender to forward information
- Contributing to discussions in certain platforms, like SeeSaw
5. Managing and Operating ICT
In younger years this looks like:
- Creating a home routine about charging and cleaning devices
- Creating a home routine to remember to pack devices
- Knowing how to type their email and password to log in to a program
- Understanding that they should not share their password or use someone else’s password, including siblings
In older years this also looks like:
- Checking security settings to see who can access their information
- Checking their Passwords app to make sure they are using safe passwords
- Troubleshooting common IT problems for themselves independently
Uniform Devices: All students will have the same device, fostering equality and consistency in the classroom.
Progression of Responsibility: The device fosters student growth by promoting responsible use of technology.
Schoolwork Focused: The iPad is intended primarily for schoolwork, minimising distractions from other activities.
Integrated Learning: Students will participate in courses on device management and strategies for avoiding distractions.
Handwriting: iPads do not replace handwriting. In the Middle and Senior Schools, the mode of communication used will depend on the learning activity, where keyboards may be used.
Extended Guidance: The iPads provide an extended opportunity for the school to guide your child to become a responsible digital citizen through programs run with students.
Long Battery Life: A charged iPad will last the entire school day on constant use.
Educational Apps: Plenty of educational apps will be available from our Self Service Portal.
Included Accessories: Accessories provided include cases, keyboards, and pencils.
One of the key benefits of the new SPTP program for parents of Guildford Grammar students is the peace of mind provided by our comprehensive at-home filtering service. Since the devices are owned by the school, we can equip them with the same robust protections used on campus. These filters safeguard families from inappropriate content and protect school accounts from potential hacking or misuse, ensuring a secure online environment for students both at school and home.