Being Ready to Learn
Being prepared for class is an important part of making progress and being ready to learn. Students are expected to be organised and to bring what they need to support their learning each day.
The basics include:
- A school bag
- Required stationery
- A learning device (highly recommended)
Please refer below for stationery requirements at each year level.
Minimum recommended device specifications are also outlined in this information.
Student Laptops | Rorohiko ā-Ākonga
BYOD – Bring Your Own Device (for learning)
Tauira | Students are welcome to bring and use their own laptop for learning at school.
Device Requirements
Personal devices should meet the following minimum specifications:
- Screen size: 11.6” or larger
- Connectivity: Able to connect to the school Wi-Fi (N4L – Network for Learning)
- Battery: Capable of lasting a full school day (devices should be charged at home)
All personal devices must be registered to access the school network.
Registration is completed at the Student Support Office and is limited to one device per student.
School-Provided and Personal Devices
Devices for learning are supplied by the school; however, there are many advantages to students having access to a personal learning device, particularly a laptop.
Learning and teaching at Te Kura Tuarua o Te Kauaeranga | Thames High School uses a blended e-learning approach. This combines:
- Face-to-face teaching
- Paper-based learning and recording
- The purposeful use of digital technologies
Once enrolled, students have access to the Google Suite, including:
- Google Classroom (online learning space)
- Google Mail (communication)
- Google Calendar (organisation and task management)
- Google Meet (video conferencing)
- Google Docs, Slides and Sheets
Students also have access to Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Digital technologies are widely used in workplaces. Developing confidence with tools such as Google and Microsoft applications supports learning now and prepares students for future employment and study. Students are encouraged to use devices to organise their learning, including tracking homework, assessments and deadlines.
Why BYOD?
Learning is enhanced when students have access to a device they can use consistently and independently, both at school and at home.
Having a personal device:
- Increases access to learning tools across different settings
- Allows students to use a device they are comfortable with
- Supports growing independence and organisation
- Builds familiarity with digital formats, including those used for assessment
As NZQA continues to move towards digital assessment formats, confidence and competence in digital environments provide a clear advantage. Regular device use also supports the development of typing skills, efficiency and digital capability, which are increasingly important for future pathways.
Benefits of e-Learning
e-Learning supports students by enabling:
- Improved motivation and engagement
- Greater independence and personalised learning
- Development of critical thinking and multi-literacies, including digital literacy
- Increased access to information, resources and expertise
- Opportunities for collaboration in a range of contexts, including international ones
Source: Noeline Wright, “Looking at e-Learning and implications for New Zealand schools” (University of Waikato).
Device Care and Responsibility
Students who bring personal devices to school are expected to use them responsibly and appropriately as part of their learning.
This includes:
- Taking reasonable care of their device, including safe storage and transport
- Ensuring devices are charged and ready for learning each day
- Using devices only for learning-related purposes during class time
- Respecting the privacy, safety and wellbeing of others when using digital technologies
Students are responsible for the care and security of their own devices. The school is not able to accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal devices.
Acceptable Use and Cybersafety
All students are expected to comply with the school’s Acceptable Use and Cybersafety Policy when using digital devices and online services at school.
This applies to:
- Personal (BYOD) devices
- School-owned devices
- Use of the school network, platforms and digital tools
The policy outlines expectations for:
- Safe, respectful and responsible online behaviour
- Appropriate use of devices and digital resources
- Protection of personal information and privacy
- Consequences for misuse
Students and whānau are required to agree to this policy as part of enrolment and ongoing use of digital technologies at Te Kura Tuarua o Te Kauaeranga | Thames High School.
Stationery requirements for each year level (pdf)
Parents, caregivers and students are strongly encouraged to purchase stationery requirements at the start of the year, as Back to School pricing typically offers the best value for money.
If families need support with stationery or learning resources, assistance may be available through the Student Support Trust. Enquiries or applications can be made through the Student Support Office, or by speaking with a Rōpū/Whānau Kaitiaki or Kaiāwhina.
