HP NZ joins forces with Avondale College in the name of innovation

Avondale College and HP New Zealand have announced a strategic partnership which will see them collaborate to transform Avondale College from a legacy-based education paradigm to a new, digitally-enabled, learning and innovation model.

The partnership signals a commitment by Avondale College to incorporate innovative, design and critical thinking into its curriculum and expose students and teachers to the potential of technology, so that they may actively contribute to the fast-changing world around them.

“In addition to the overhaul of our ICT infrastructure, this partnership represents our greater strategic focus on introducing innovation practices into the school and driving positive change in the curriculum,” says Brent Lewis, Principal, Avondale College.

“We recognise success in the world is increasingly influenced by new knowledge, industries, and technical advances.

“Our ability to develop capability and the talent of those who will become our future generators of intellectual property, products and services is critical to how we will compete in the global marketplace as a nation.

“New Zealand’s ICT skills shortage is well-documented so we are delighted to be partnering with HP New Zealand to address this challenge and help our students to gain real-world success.”

According to Lewis, the initiative will see the full redesign and update of Avondale College’s technology environment, including its systems architecture, digital software and tools – from an administrative level right through to curriculum delivery.

Students involved in the college’s Innovation Programme will also have the opportunity to add HP’s Accredited Technical Associate qualifications to their already impressive portfolios.

Avondale College and HP New Zealand also intend to establish an Incubation Hub for the identification, testing and implementation of innovative ideas and solutions.

“Avondale College has long positioned itself as a leader in the education space,” adds Keith Watson, Managing Director, HP New Zealand.

“We are pleased to be able to support its innovative vision and collaborate to create a 21st Century learning environment, leveraging the combination of our local and global capability and experience.

“It is important for HP as a representative of industry to take a leadership role in promoting ICT as a career and providing Kiwi kids with the tools and skills they will need to succeed into the future.”

Avondale College is one of New Zealand’s largest secondary schools with over 2600 students, including 150 international students, 160+ staff and provides an outstanding and broad academic curriculum, sporting and community services.

Source: computerworld.co.nz