Technology & BYOD
Joseph Banks Secondary College has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program to add value to student learning.
Please see below for BYOD purchasing and configuration.
IT Support
The College has an on-site Technical Support Team that can assist students, staff and parents with a multitude of IT related problems and solutions. More information can be found below.
Joseph Banks Secondary College works with Winthrop Australia to secure discounted pricing on devices for the College’s BYOD program. Families that attend Joseph Banks Secondary College are welcome to purchase devices and accessories, including cases, smart pencils, and extended warranties through this purchase portal.
This portal has options for both the Middle School and Senior School BYOD Programs. This is an optional service available to Joseph Banks Secondary College families. It is not a requirement that students have a device that has been purchased through this service.
This supply and delivery of devices and accessories is provided by Winthrop Australia. Enquiries regarding orders after they are placed should be directed to Winthrop Australia as Joseph Banks Secondary College is unable to provide any updates associated with orders.
Benefits of ordering through the BYOD portal include:
- You can access education based pricing on a range of devices & accessories.
- Free shipping directly to your door.
- Repairs and servicing can be done directly through the College with very quick turn-around times.
- Access to support from the experts at Winthrop Australia
Middle School
In Middle School an Apple iPad is our supported BYOD.
Other devices are not supported in Middle School.
The minimum requirements for an iPad purchased for school are:
- 10th Generation Apple iPad – WiFi
Please note: iPads with Cellular functionality must not have a SIM card installed, as per our ICT Acceptable Use Agreement.
A protective case for all BYOD devices, including iPads, is strongly recommended. The College recommends a case that provides protective support to the device, and also protects and covers the screen when the device is not in use.
Senior School
In Senior School students can continue to use an Apple iPad. This device is appropriate for continued use.
If parents wish students to have an alternative laptop or notebook device, perhaps more suitable for their Senior School Courses, the options for such devices are outlined below.
We have found that all Apple devices and Windows 11 devices are compatible with our Network.
The IT Service Desk can be contacted to answer questions you may have about laptop or notebook devices. If you currently have a device at home that students may wish to use, we are happy to work with you to test the connectivity of these devices.
Network connectivity enables students to make full use of the device within the College and ensures that the appropriate protections are in place.
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| Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | No | No |
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Laptops are (optionally) available to purchase through Winthrop’s BYOD portal at education based prices.
iPad Configuration Dates 2026
All Middle School iPad devices require Jamf School to be installed. iPads that are already owned or that are not purchased through the Winthrop portal will need to be brought in to the College to be configured with Jamf School prior to the commencement of Term 1, 2026.
Jamf School is a mobile device management (MDM) software tool that is used by the College to enhance every day learning. Jamf School allows us to deploy apps, apply security policies and ensure the device is used as an educational tool while at school. It can also connect devices with Teachers and Parents through the companion apps Jamf Teacher and Jamf Parent. There are no restrictions on student’s devices outside of the College’s learning hours. Jamf School will never be able to view, access, collect, alter or store personal information.
During the summer school holidays the College IT Support team will be available in the Main Reception at the below times. The configuration process usually takes 20 minutes, and you are welcome to stay and wait, or come back to collect the iPad at another one of the available times. Devices must be dropped off by a parent or guardian of the student. Photo ID is required for anyone collecting a device.
What to do before dropping off the iPad:
To undertake this process, your child’s device will be reset. Documents and photos should be backed up through iCloud [Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup]. The device’s passcode will need to be removed and the Apple Account needs to be signed out.
Configuration Dates 2026
Tuesday 13th January 9am – 12pm
Wednesday 14th January 10am – 1pm
Wednesday 21st January 9am – 12pm
Thursday 22nd January 10am – 1pm
Please note: iPads purchased through the Winthrop BYOD Portal do not need to be brought in for configuration as they are pre-configured.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the IT Support Team.