1. Can my child not purchase the device?

Every student is required to have a device for teaching and learning purposes and is encouraged to purchase one through the school via MOE’s bulk tender. Students are encouraged to use the device model prescribed by the school, as the uniformity of systems and software would ensure a smooth learning experience for everyone. The device purchased through the school will come with the necessary warranty and insurance as well. 

Students who do not wish to purchase a device because they already have their own devices will have to check with the school to ascertain whether the specifications of their existing devices meet the schools’ requirements. These existing devices must also be installed with a Device Management Application (DMA) software to manage the student’s access and usage. 

2. Can my child use their own device?

Existing student-owned iPad must meet school required form factor and minimum technical requirements to support school programmatic needs.

To ensure that your child’s/ward’s device is able to support his/her participation in the school’s teaching and learning programme, the school will conduct an assessment on the suitability of the device should you plan to use your own device.

The school will assess the device for the following:

• device should not be older than 4 years from manufacturing date; 

• battery health more than 80%;

• comparable storage capacity to school's bulk tender device (i.e. 64 GB storage)

• comparable form factor to school’s bulk tender devices (e.g. touchscreen, physical keyboard); 

• comparable features to school’s bulk tender device (e.g.  Apple Pencil for inking);

• comparable performance to school’s bulk tender device (i.e. iPad)

3. Does the school provide name engraving service to identify their iPad from classmates’ iPad?

No. Engraving is not provided.

4. Will PLD be collected by teachers?

No. The iPad will be kept by the students at all times. When not in use, students can store their iPads under their desk drawer (and locked).

5. Will the devices and SLS resources replace textbooks?

With the devices, students can now access curriculum-aligned resources in the SLS both in and outside of class at their own pace, to complement their learning. The devices and SLS resources will not replace textbooks, as textbooks are currently designed as curriculum-aligned reference for students.

6. My child is taking a third language, will he also get support for internet access at the language centre?

MOE Language Centres will have their own internet network for students to access. For more details about network support, kindly find out more from language centres.

7. If we use our own devices, will the school install their applications onto the device just like the iPads bought from school?

Yes. Student-owned iPads will have DMA and school-prescribed Apps installed.

8. Does my child/ward get to keep the PLD after graduation?

Yes. DMA will also be removed from your child's/ward's PLD.

9. Can a Sec 1 child/ward share PLD with his/her siblings studying in the same school?

No. This is to ensure that each student has his/her own PLD for in-class learning experience with technology.  

1. Will my child need to purchase software for their devices?

The school will prescribe software that support the teaching and learning requirements.

2. Some software applications don’t work well in iPad browser.  Is the school ensure that the material is supported by iPad browser?

We have tested and piloted the use of main learning portals (Student Learning Space), supporting learning portals (Google G-Suite, Microsoft 365 and Apple Apps) and other learning tools/Apps to ensure they are compatible with iPad.

1. What happens to the device after my child graduates? 

The school will uninstall the DMA from the devices upon students’ graduation, and students will have full control and personal ownership over their devices afterwards. If the student’s device needs to be installed with DMA in JC/MI, it can be reinstated. 

2. If we use our own device, will DMA be installed into the device?

Yes. DMA will be installed.

1.  Can we top up to get a higher memory model for the iPad?

The school will provide 200GB of cloud storage, this is in addition to the 64GB of storage in the iPad.

2. Upon checking in apple store, the cost seems to be lesser than the cost quoted by your school. Why is there a difference in cost?

The device bundle price is lower through the MOE bulk tender.  The bundle includes the device, accessories or peripherals, software (with relevant licences) as well as the enhanced 3-year AppleCare+ warranty and insurance coverage.  Edusave funds can only be used for purchases facilitated by the school through MOE’s bulk tender.  For SC students, the usage of Edusave to purchase the device bundle will minimize their out of pocket cash outlay.  There is also a funding framework to support SC and non-SC students from lower-income families in this bulk purchase arrangement.  

3. For Sec 3 students, they left 1 year of usage by the time they receive the PLD. Can they opt out and use their own laptop?

Students are encouraged to use the device model prescribed by the school, as the uniformity of systems and software would ensure a smooth learning experience. The device purchased through the school will come with the necessary warranty and insurance as well.  Students who wish to consider using their own iPad device instead of purchasing the PLD bundle through the school may arrange for the device to be brought to the school on 2 Jan for an assessment on its compatibility.