Preparing Students for a Digital Future
At Birkdale South State School, we are committed to preparing students for success in an increasingly digital world. Our Student Laptop Program (Bring Your Own Device – BYOD) provides students with access to powerful learning tools that support creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication.
Commencing from Year 4, students use a personal laptop as part of their everyday learning. The program has been designed to ensure students develop the digital literacy skills, technological confidence and independent learning habits required for success in upper primary school, secondary school and beyond.
Why Laptops?
Birkdale South has transitioned from tablets to laptops because laptops better support the demands of contemporary learning and the Australian Curriculum.
Students should be creators of technology, not just consumers of technology.
Through the use of laptops, students are able to:
Read, write and communicate effectively
Develop strong typing and digital communication skills
Conduct research and evaluate information
Create presentations, videos and digital products
Collaborate with peers in real time
Solve problems and think critically
Access learning resources both at school and at home
Develop digital citizenship and cyber safety skills
Importantly, laptops help prepare students for the technology-rich environments they will experience throughout secondary schooling and future workplaces.
Typing, Not Swiping
At Birkdale South, we believe students need to be equipped with practical digital skills that extend beyond touch-screen devices.
Our laptop program places a strong emphasis on:
Keyboarding and typing proficiency
Digital productivity tools
Online collaboration
Information literacy
Responsible technology use
By learning to work effectively with a laptop, students develop skills that are directly transferable to high school, tertiary education and future employment opportunities.
Technology Supporting Learning
Technology does not replace great teaching—it enhances it.
Our teachers use laptops as one tool within our evidence-based teaching approach. Through explicit instruction, structured literacy, retrieval practice and visible learning strategies, technology is integrated purposefully to support student learning outcomes.
Laptops allow students to:
Access differentiated learning materials
Receive timely feedback
Track their learning goals
Create and share learning products
Engage with interactive learning experiences
The focus is always on learning first and technology second.
Program Rollout
The Student Laptop Program has been introduced in stages to support students as they move through the upper primary years.
Current implementation includes:
Year 4 students
Year 5 students
The program will continue to expand over time, with the long-term vision of supporting students across Years 3–6.
Equity and Access
We recognise that every family situation is different. Birkdale South State School is committed to ensuring all students can participate in digital learning opportunities.
Families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the school confidentially. Equity devices and support options may be available to ensure all students have access to learning.
To find out more about the BYOD Program Click on the 2026 BYOD Charter. Students complete this form and parents sign to indicate they are approving their child to participate in the program.
Device Requirements and How To Join The Program
To ensure devices operate effectively within the Department of Education network and support classroom learning requirements, laptops must meet the school's minimum specifications.
When selecting a device, families should consider:
Durability and build quality
Battery life
Performance specifications
Protective carry case
Suitability for future secondary schooling
The school provides recommended purchasing options through approved education suppliers, although families are welcome to source devices independently provided they meet minimum specifications.