And it’s also one of the most diverse. Currently, the college has around 2,700 students from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. However, Avondale College is committed to ensuring academic excellence for all students.
The Covid pandemic has fast-tracked a shift towards digital learning at Avondale College. The weeks in lockdown saw online learning take off for schools across Auckland.
According to Associate Principal Terry Brown, Avondale College is a bring-your-own-device school in the second year of a comprehensive digital strategy. ‘We believe all students should have access to a digital device to enhance their learning inside and outside the classroom,’ says Terry.
However, the college recognised that buying a device is a significant challenge for some students. Thanks to the Your West Support Fund, more Avondale College tamariki have access to high-quality devices. The funding of $5,000 has been invested in 11 new laptops.
Terry says some are being loaned to students to use at home or school. Many of these young people wouldn’t otherwise have access to technology. The remaining laptops are kept in the library. They are readily available to those whose devices are being repaired or have been accidentally left at home.
Avondale College has an excellent academic record, not least in IT. Technology is a core part of the curriculum at all year levels. And the college has an outstanding track record in the Microsoft Office Specialist New Zealand Championships. The nationwide competition tests students’ knowledge and creative thinking skills in different Microsoft Office applications. This year, Avondale College students took out the top spots for Office, PowerPoint and Excel. What an incredible achievement.
Before Covid struck, New Zealand champions were eligible to compete in the world championships held in the US. And Avondale College has proven it can take on the best in the world. Former pupil Tristan Mona was crowned Microsoft PowerPoint world champion in 2018.
Avondale College is justifiably proud of its successes. And with 11 new laptops on board, it looks certain the college's achievements will continue.