Enrolment
Blended
learning
& BYOD
Darfield High School, together with the primary schools in the Malvern cluster, has partnered with Cyclone Computers as its ICT provider, an initiative designed to strengthen learning, teaching, and overall ICT resilience. An on-site ICT technician, supported by Cyclone (a Christchurch-based education-specialist company with national coverage), now partnered with most of the primary schools.
We encourage every student to own a suitable device, a Chromebook or a laptop, as it serves as the modern-day equivalent of pen, paper, and textbooks, especially vital for learning from home. Smartphones, however, are not accepted as they lack the functionality required. To simplify device selection, Cyclone offers a custom online sales portal tied to the school. While using Cyclone isn’t mandatory, there are clear advantages: pre-configured devices specifically set up for Darfield High, three-year warranties, local repairs supported by the school’s ICT technician, and competitive education prices.
Device preferences vary by year level.
- Years 7–10: Chromebooks are strongly preferred due to their consistent interface (which makes teacher support easier), robustness, long battery life, and simplicity—perfect for younger learners.
- Year 10 (transition year): Flexibility increases—you may choose a Chromebook, Windows laptop, or Apple laptop to help prepare for senior study.
- Years 11–13: Windows laptops are recommended unless students study subjects such as visual arts, music, or design, where Apple laptops offer specific advantages.
Blended learning at Darfield means using digital tools in harmony with traditional teaching methods—choosing the right tool for the task. While digital devices facilitate tasks such as word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, multimedia projects, research, and accessing online lesson resources, traditional tools like paper, group work, and textbooks remain integral. In cases where a family cannot provide a device, the school offers a limited supply of devices for on-site use.
As a precaution, students should ensure their devices via household policies and use protective cases. Lockers are available on campus, and tracking software is encouraged to aid in locating missing devices. If a device goes missing at school, staff will assist in retracing steps, consulting peers, and engaging in reasonable inquiries, following Ministry of Education guidelines. Parents will be kept informed and may be advised to contact the police if theft is suspected.
Physical safety for devices is also emphasised—students are urged to use protective, water-resistant, hard-shell cases; label their devices; apply password protection; back up files regularly; and store devices securely (e.g. in lockers or locked classrooms). More laptop storage and charging lockers are planned for future installation.
