No, the College has negotiated a competitive price for our families but we receive no commission on the devices.

In making this decision, the College has conducted extensive research and gathered data from other schools already using the iPad. "Like schools" have indicated that student use hovers just below the 16GB limit in the first year of iPad implementation. However, with increasing camera resolutions (and increasing file sizes), ability to capture a variety of multi-media files, Apps which require increasing data-capture services, and student's growing use of the device generally, it is desirable for us not to be restricted by the capacity of the device. In addition to this, we have 12 months experience with 100 iPads (v1), and this has shown that the average memory requirement is about 14GB, and this is on a device that does not have a camera. the next "lowest" incremental jump was to 32GB, as this will give us some space to work with graphic intensive Apps and produce work that is rich in multimedia.

In terms of use at Seymour, it will be the case that as curriculum areas explore the use of Apps appropriate to their subject area, these mobile devices will be required in a 'mobile' way - that is, on excursions, camps, outside the College etc. The College is exploring the idea of a 3G sim 'kit', so that groups of students can use their iPads whilst oustside the College and make use of the internet, e-mail, location services, maps and associated Apps. This has been the case at other schools, particularly in SOSE subject areas.

When we surveyed staff, parents and students (828 respondents), they indicated that sufficient memory and the option of 3G were highly desirable. Some families also indicated that they would like to have this option as it makes the device more flexible. As the iPad's cannot be "upgraded" with memory, if we under estimated this, we would be limited early on in the life of the product. While we understand that 3G and 32GB are additional costs at the outset, this functionality cannot be installed 'retrospectively'.

Having said all of this, if you do not wish to purchase a 32GB 3G device, we will leave this decision up to your family. As indicated in the FAQ's, we understand that some families already have an iPad and we do not require another to be purchased.

We consider the iPad to be a two-year (minimum) device. However, with a parent-purchased model comes some flexibility for parents who wish to get more time out of their child’s iPad.

The iPads are intended for use at school on a daily basis, although it will not replace the use of all the tools we currently use in class, such as all books, pen and paper. While the iPad will be able to handle most of a student’s digital needs, it is not intended to replace a computer. The College is, therefore, retaining its computer laboratories, as well, in 2012. The iPad is a companion device: the advantage of the iPad is its mobility and ease of use, so it is the perfect tool to take to class. When students require specialist computing software, the computer labs will continue to be used.

A list of Apps will be sent to families prior to the beginning of the 2012 academic year, and families will be asked to purchase these from the iTunes store and load them on to the iPad.

These Apps have been recommended by teachers and curriculum experts for their use in and out of the classroom. There will be an ongoing process for teachers to make occasional, additional recommendations for Apps purchases that align to their specific content areas. All purchasing and downloading of Apps will be managed at home.

In addition to the list of Apps we require on all iPads, we will issue a guide on how to use iTunes to load the Apps.

No. All students will have the same number of classes and the same class sizes as before. The iPad will enhance personal contact and communication between teachers and students, not reduce personal contact.

After extensive research, we have put the following package together for Year 5, 6 and 7 students and their teachers. The “Seymour package” includes:

• Apple iPad 2

32GB WiFi + 3G capability, Black  (Please note that 3G capability will not need to be enabled in the first instance, so no data plan needs to be purchased in 2012.)

• Screen Protector / Film

This high quality film protects the iPad screen from scratches and marks. It also provides UV protection and anti-glare properties.

• Kensington Key Folio Pro Performance Bluetooth Keyboard Case (K39357US)

Following research, we have chosen the Kensington KeyFolio because it not only protects your daughter’s iPad but also provides a wireless Bluetooth keyboard and handsfree stand. The rubberized keys cushion the iPad screen from bumps and scratches when the folio is closed.

Further features of the Kensington Folio include:

• durable synthetic leather cover protects the iPad
• provides full access to all iPad controls and 30-pin connector
• rubberised keys are spill-proof and also protect iPad screen from scratching when closed
• bluetooth keyboard delivers wireless operation and includes iPad specific keys
• adjustable stand securely holds the iPad in landscape mode

• 2 Year AppleCare Protection Plan

For up to two years from the original purchase date of your iPad, the AppleCare Protection Plan gives you direct, one-stop access to Apple's telephone technical support for questions about using your iPad.  This also covers hardware repair coverage — both parts and labour — on your iPad, its battery and included accessories.

• $50.00 iTunes Card

This will be required to purchase the specified educational Apps recommended by the College. (You may choose to buy your daughter additional iTunes cards if you are happy for her to purchase additional, personal Apps for music etc. These tend to be very popular Christmas presents!)

If you purchase the Seymour iPad package through the College’s weblink, the total cost will be $952 (exc GST) or $1047.20 inc GST.

Please note that prices listed on the purchasing portal include GST and 2% Administration Fee.

Parents can choose a leasing option, details of which are available on the weblink.

Seymour College has negotiated very competitive pricing with our supplier, so you may choose to purchase the Seymour package via the following weblink.

Purchase portal

However, if you choose to purchase elsewhere, we recommend that at a minimum you purchase: (i) an Apple iPad 2 32GB WiFi +3G capability; (ii) the Kensington Key Folio Pro Performance Bluetooth Keyboard Case (available at a range of online outlets); (iii) the AppleCare Protection Plan.

If you choose to purchase the iPad as part of the Seymour package, our purchase portal will be open from Friday, 18 November 2011 until Friday, 9 December 2011.

The devices will be delivered to the College for parents to collect.

We are told that iPads are very popular Christmas presents and that demand is high at this time of the year. Even so, our supplier aims to deliver the iPads to the College prior to Christmas, though this will depend on demand across Adelaide. The earlier you purchase, the greater the likelihood of the device being delivered prior to Christmas.

Once you have purchased via Seymour’s purchase portal, the College will advise you by SMS when the device has arrived. Devices can then be collected from the ICT Department, in the Hetzel Centre, at the following times:

• Wednesday, 21 December 2011, between 1.00pm and 4.00pm;

• Thursday, 22 December 2011, between 8.30am and 12.30pm.

You can access the College’s purchase portal via the College website.

Yes. Please speak to your insurance company about this.

Yes, there is an automatic warranty on the iPad when you purchase the Apple Protection Plan (see the weblink).

We consider the iPad to be a two-year (minimum) device. However, with a parent-purchased model comes some flexibility for parents who wish to get more time out of their child’s iPad.

Yes. If you already have an iPad 1 or iPad 2, your daughter can use it as her one-to-one device at school, although it will require the latest iOS (currently the iOS5) to be installed. (We will discuss this at our parent information sessions.)

You will also need to buy for her the Kensington Folio so that she has a keyboard and a case for the device.

No. For a variety of reasons, the College’s authorised model is the iPad.

Eligible parents, carers and legal guardians and independent students may be entitled to get 50% back on the cost of some education expenses, including such items as computers. Recipients of Family Tax Benefit Part A are generally eligible. This is not professional advice but if you think you may be eligible please consult your tax adviser or follow the link to the Australian Taxation Office for frequently asked questions.
www.ato.gov.au/individuals

Our Helpdesk personnel will be available to support iPad users. We will provide assistance with technical issues, such as ensuring that the student’s iPad connects to the wireless network and all available services such as email. While our ICT Department will not undertake mechanical repairs, all iPads will be under Apple’s warranty, so any technical faults will be addressed under this.

Parents of students in Years 5, 6 and 7 can organise a replacement or repair work through their chosen vendor. The Seymour package includes a 2 Year AppleCare Protection Plan.

When the device is not in use, students will keep their iPads securely locked in their lockers or classroom, while at school. Students should keep their iPads in a safe and secure place, as determined by their parents, while at home.

As with any tool or textbook, if students leave their iPad at home they are responsible for getting the work completed as if they had their iPad present.

iPads must be brought to school each day, fully charged. Students will therefore need to charge their iPads each evening. We recommend that your daughter take responsibility for placing her iPad (along with her mobile phone, if she has one) on charge in her parents’ bedroom, overnight.

While the iPad does not have a folder structure nor support a USB, your daughter can still easily manage and transfer files. The iPad’s file management interface is very user-friendly. You can:

• connect it to your home Windows PC or Mac to transfer files;
• email files;
• use free Cloud storage.

We see great benefits in moving away from a reliance on USBs and external hard drives for storing files, and files are actually more safely stored in the Cloud.

The iPad is a wireless device that is most effective when connected to the internet. We have wireless access for all students across the campus at Seymour. If you already have wireless internet at home, the iPad will easily connect to this. If you do not have wireless, you can still access iTunes from your PC, and then download Apps to your iPad. (We will discuss this at our parent information session.) Wireless routers are not overly expensive; you might consider talking to your internet service provider about options.

It is very important to check what type of internet plan you are on. Some plans charge you if you go over your monthly download allowance, others give unlimited downloads and slow your connection down if you go over your monthly limit. The unlimited plans are the safest and best value. We suggest you check with your ISP (Internet Service Provider): if they cannot offer you a competitive price, it is worth making inquiries to change to another provider.

Yes. Students must have an iTunes account to add or sync Apps. Each student may use her current account, if she has one. We will discuss the options for setting up an iTunes account in our parent information sessions.

An iTunes account can be created without a credit card. iTunes gift cards can be used to credit the account so that purchases can be made to buy Apps. Once the value of the gift card has been exhausted, no further purchases can be made until another gift card is added.

Parents do have the ability to control the installation of Apps and can set up an iPad to require a password to make any changes to the configuration of the iPad, including Apps or music purchases. We will assist parents with this at our information sessions.

Our ultimate goal is that the iPad will replace the need for students to carry textbooks. However, with textbook publishers still working hard to catch up with technology, we see 2012 as a transition year where some textbooks will be available on the iPad, while others will still be in the traditional textbook form.

This is another benefit of the iPad - it doesn't matter what you already have at home. The iPad will sync, backup and talk to either PC or Mac desktops or laptops. Again, we will cover this at our information session.

Yes, there wil be an introductory and ongoing sessions for all students.

Yes, we are offering parent information sessions.

While using the College wireless network, all online content will be filtered to prevent students accessing inappropriate content. Provision of internet security and appropriate use at home will continue to be the responsibility of families. The College encourages parents to discuss expectations with their child regarding appropriate use of the device.

Many parents (and the College's Boarding House) already require girls to ‘surrender’ their mobile phones during homework and at bedtime, and a similar approach with the iPad is recommended.

Further, the College will advise parents of Apps that assist with the monitoring and filtering of content.

Regarding viruses, the iPad is a very secure device for downloading apps and researching online. All Apps and updates are installed via iTunes and the Apps Store.

Yes. It is important that students use these devices responsibly, and we will be working with families to ensure this is the case. Parents can set various controls: again, we will cover these features during our parent information sessions.

As with all technical devices with backlit screens, it is important to manage and monitor daily 'screen time' and find a balance that works for each student. The iPad can be adjusted for brightness to suit personal preferences. Not all school related work will be completed on the iPad so there will always be a balance during the school day.