Assistant principal Judy Maw said the school wanted to let parents see what a 21st-century classroom looked like, and how it created more interactive and independent learners."We all think we know what schools do because we all went to school.
"But the idea is to let them see what’s different and what’s the same.
"I think parents sometimes worry that everything is so different that they can’t help their children at all."
Mrs Maw said about 15 parents and one grandparent accepted the offer to join classes yesterday.
After being told they needed to make sure their mobile phones were on silent, they sat at desks with pupils and were expected to engage in the classroom activities.
Grandparent Margie Rog-ers, of the Manawatu, was visiting family in Dunedin and decided to take part in the open day to experience a day in the life of her granddaughter who is boarding at the school.
"It’s quite exciting. I’m absolutely amazed at what’s on offer.
"If only school was like this in my day. I might have stayed longer."
It was hoped the day would become an annual event at the school and continue to grow, Mrs Maw said.
