At Orewa College, we want every ākonga to feel safe, focused, and ready to learn.
Orewa College follows a bell to bell approach to mobile phones. From 8:50 am to 3:15 pm, phones must be turned off and kept in bags at all times, including during intervals and lunch. This helps students stay present, connected with their friends, and engaged in their learning throughout the day.
Where phones cannot be used
Phones must not be used in the following places at any time during the school day:
- At the canteen
- In the library
- While waiting in the guidance centre or the health centre
What happens if a phone is seen or used
If a phone is seen or used during the bell to bell period, it will be confiscated. The consequences increase with each offence:
First offence: The student collects their phone from reception at the end of the day.
Second offence: A caregiver must collect the phone.
Third offence: A meeting is held with senior leadership and parents to discuss the ongoing defiance. The consequences depend on the student's pastoral record.
Fourth offence: The student is removed from all classes until a meeting with the Principal is held.
Refusing to hand over a phone
We expect students to hand their phone to a teacher when asked. Any refusal to do so, or any situation that requires a Dean or a senior leadership member to step in, results in an extra strike. Refusing to hand a phone to a senior leadership member is treated as a third strike offence of defiance and may lead to a stand-down.
Orewa College's Annual Implementation Plan sets a clear goal of leveraging digital and AI technologies to enhance learning outcomes and support our ongoing curriculum refresh. We want students to build the skills and judgement they need to use these tools safely, ethically, and well.
AI Traffic Light System
Teachers use an AI Traffic Light System to give students clear boundaries on when and how they can use AI for specific tasks. The system uses three simple signals:
- Red: No AI use is permitted. All work must be the student's own.
- Amber: Restricted use. AI can be used for specific tasks such as brainstorming or outlining, but not for the final product.
- Green: Full AI use. Students are encouraged to use AI tools to complete the task, provided they cite their use.
Digital Citizenship Agreement
All students sign a Digital Citizenship Agreement when they enrol. This agreement sets out our expectations for the responsible and ethical use of the school's digital systems, and it underpins how AI and other technologies are used across the school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours does the phone ban cover?
The bell to bell ban runs from 8:50 am to 3:15 pm. During this time phones must be turned off and kept in bags, including at intervals and lunch.
Where are students not allowed to use phones?
Phones must not be used at the canteen, in the library, or while waiting in the guidance or health centres.
What happens if my child's phone is confiscated?
On a first offence the student collects it from reception at the end of the day. On a second offence a caregiver must collect it. Further offences involve meetings with senior leadership, parents, and the Principal.
What happens if a student refuses to hand over their phone?
Refusing results in an extra strike. Refusing to hand a phone to a senior leadership member is treated as a third strike offence of defiance and may lead to a stand-down.
Can students use AI for their schoolwork?
It depends on the task. Teachers use the AI Traffic Light System to show when AI use is not permitted, when it is restricted, and when it is encouraged with a citation.
Contact
Find out more about our phone and digital technology expectations. For more information about these policies, please contact your student's dean.