At Awahono School, we are proud to be a digital school and part of the Toki Pounamu Cluster. We use digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning, offering more interactive experiences, greater flexibility, and access to a wide range of learning resources
What devices will my child use at school?
At Awahono School, we use a range of devices to support learning, depending on the age and needs of the student.
Years 1–3: iPads are used to support early learning through interactive, hands-on apps to practice their learning. It is a tool used to support home school communications.
Years 4–8: Chromebooks are used to help students develop digital skills and access a wider range of learning tools.
The devices are carefully chosen to match the learning style and developmental stage of each age group. They are used as tools to enhance learning—not to replace traditional teaching methods.
Will my child be staring at a screen all day?
While we are a digital school and actively integrate digital learning into our programmes, this does not mean your child will be fixed to a screen all day. Students continue to learn in a variety of ways: working in small groups with their teacher, collaborating with peers, engaging in hands-on activities, and completing written work in books.
We still value and teach skills like handwriting, drawing, painting, running, throwing, and face-to-face communication. Devices are used thoughtfully and only when they enhance or support learning. They are one of many tools in the classroom, not a replacement for traditional learning.
Our teachers are very mindful of screen time and ensure students are not engaged in long, sustained periods in front of a screen. Balance is key.
How will my child be kept safe when using the internet?
We take internet safety seriously. Our school operates on a secure network with filters that block inappropriate websites and track user activity. We receive reports on any attempts to bypass our filtering, as well as alerts for cyberbullying, inappropriate use, or offensive language. These incidents are followed up by staff when necessary.
While no filtering system is 100% foolproof, we strengthen our safety approach with ongoing, teacher-led cyber safety education. All students participate in Rob Cope’s Our Kids Online programme and our Toki Pounamu Cybersmart programme. These initiatives teach students how to be responsible digital citizens and how to stay safe online.
How can I keep my child safe on their device at home?
While our school has strong internet safety measures in place, these don’t extend to devices used at home. That’s why it’s important to set up your own internet safety tools, such as parental controls, firewalls, and safe browsing settings.
Research shows that the most effective way to keep children safe online is to make sure they use devices under adult supervision—not alone in bedrooms or behind closed doors. Keeping screens in shared spaces helps avoid most common issues.
You can also adjust settings on devices to limit access to inappropriate content. Rob Cope’s Our Kids Online programme is a great resource for practical tips and tools to help your family stay safe online.