Wednesday 30 July 2025

Since starting the iPad Programme over twelve years ago, we have undertaken a longitudinal survey of each year group to give a broad overview of students’ perceptions of the programme and to assist with our strategic planning. The results have continued to be increasingly positive as the survey continues. On the advice of statisticians in the Maths Department, we removed the ‘neutral’ option in the survey, thereby forcing respondents to take a position either way, and not allowing them to sit on the fence.

Students also offered their thoughts on how the iPad had improved their learning, citing efficiency in organising and note-taking:

• “[By] helping me take clearer and more detailed notes using the Apple Pencil”;
• “It helps making notes quicker and more efficient in rubbing out and writing”;
• “Because of my organisation, my iPad is able to help with my learning from previous session just by clicking one tab”;
• “It is more accurate sometimes and also is easier to have all your documents on one platform like notability”;
• “Because it’s more efficient”.

They also noted advantages the iPad over a laptop, with observations that “It’s the same as a laptop but easier to carry around”, or that it is “portable and versatile”. Many said that learning was easier and that having everything accessible on the one device made doing homework and studying easier.

The Year 9 and 10 cohorts were surveyed during their Ngā Tuāpapa sessions in the last week of last term: the response rate was 65% and 51% respectively (10 June were on camp).