BYOD @ ENPS in 2027

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement at Essendon North Primary School, we are continually reviewing our Digital Technologies curriculum in line with updated Department of Education policy. This year we made a notable change with Year Three no longer implementing the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, and only remaining in Years Four to Six  We can now confirm that in 2027, the BYOD program will only continue for Years Five and Six. 

In 2027 students are not required to buy or bring devices from home for Years Three to Six. The existing program will only remain in Years Five and Six (continuing only in Year Six in 2028 and phased out by 2029). 

Please note the following key points:

• BYOD in Years Three and Four will cease in 2027. 

• BYOD in Years Five and Six will continue in 2027, with students' existing devices. Families are advised not purchase a new device for school use.

• Device requirements for 2027: As a result of these changes, current Year Two or Year Three families are not required to purchase a digital device (eg iPad) for school use next year. The school will provide alternate devices for student use during the school day.

As a school we are currently navigating our transition to new practices in accordance with updated Department of Education policy (excerpt below):

From 2027, schools with primary students:

• must not invite or allow families to purchase or bring their own student digital devices for primary students to use at school in Years F – 6

• are expected to limit student use of digital devices and tools across Levels F – 6, other than where the Victorian Curriculum F – 10 Version 2.0 requires use.

   

We acknowledge that these changes will have an impact on some classroom practices that currently support accessible, engaging, and targeted learning experiences. As a staff, we are committed to working collaboratively to understand the implications of this decision in greater detail and to develop a plan that ensures we continue delivering high-quality teaching and learning.

In preparation, our school will continue to purchase additional banks of devices to ensure students have adequate access to essential online assessment platforms (including NAPLAN) and learning tools. This will have both short and long term budget implications. For example, under the new system, platforms such as Google Classroom may be more challenging to use effectively, as banks of devices will need to be timetabled and may not be readily available when required.

Please note that students with disabilities who use a digital device as a reasonable adjustment are exempt from these changes.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to ensure the best outcomes for all our students.

You can read more about the changes on the department’s website: Digital Learning: Policy.