Primary school ākonga profile example
An example of an Aotearoa New Zealand primary school ākonga profile, developed by the adults around her.
Get to know ākonga | Te mōhio ki ngā ākonga
Getting to know your ākonga means including their voice, vision, strengths, and interests in all transition decision-making. Transitions need to be mana-enhancing for ākonga and show visible evidence of their voice in decision-making.
On this page:
On this page:
Current page section: Get to know ākonga | Te mōhio ki ngā ākonga
Go to top of current page: Get to know ākonga | Te mōhio ki ngā ākonga
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Go to top of current page: Get to know ākonga | Te mōhio ki ngā ākonga
Go to top of current page: Get to know ākonga | Te mōhio ki ngā ākonga
"He mokopuna, he taonga"
Children are our greatest treasure.
Why this matters | Te take
Why this matters | Te take
Understanding ākonga strengths, needs, and preferences before their transition ensures a smoother adjustment, fosters a sense of belonging for them and their whānau, and supports their success in the new school environment.
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Innovate with ākonga profiles | Te āhua o te ākonga
Innovate with ākonga profiles | Te āhua o te ākonga
A transition profile is a summary of ākonga strengths, needs, interests, and goals specific to the transition process from one setting to the next.
Talk with current kaiako about ākonga in their environment. What is needed to ensure the transition is successful? What are ākonga strengths? What resources do they prefer? What type of transition profile would work best?
Some innovative profiles could include:
- Videos about ākonga, their interests and hopes, co-created by them, including whānau voice or captions.
- Visual social stories that include photos and videos of routines they like, people they trust, and tools that help.
- Whānau and student hui that focus on mana-enhancing practices, connecting them to what is important to them.
- A personalised timeline with steps, visits, and goals co-created with whānau.
Personalise ākonga profiles | Whaiaro ākonga
Personalise ākonga profiles | Whaiaro ākonga
Personalising ākonga profiles enables transitions to become a dynamic, evolving tool that guides learning and provides a comprehensive understanding of ākonga journeys.
Personalise ākonga profiles using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines:
Representation – visual supports (photos, symbols, diagrams) alongside text:
- Include audio or video clips of ākonga introducing themselves in the format and language of their choice.
- Add a whānau voice section – written, recorded, or visual.
- Use language that reflects ākonga identity (examples: te reo Māori, home language).
- Include sensory preferences (example: noise, lighting, textures they enjoy or avoid).
Action and expression – show how ākonga work best:
- Include examples of how they like to communicate and learn.
- Capture how they express emotions or signal for help.
- Describe any preferred learning tools.
Engagement – ask:
- What excites or motivates ākonga?
- What helps them feel calm and safe?
- What are their social and communication preferences?
Consider learning maps:
Learning maps are another practical approach for kaiako and parents to support learners in fun and energising ways to analyse and improve their learning. You can read more about this here: Infinity learning maps.
Useful resources | He rauemi
Useful resources | He rauemi
Holistic models of learner profiles using Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
This holistic approach focuses on asking about the purpose of the information gathered about the learner to inform planning. It also seeks whānau engagement.
Publisher: Barbara Bray
Secondary school ākonga profile
An example of an Aotearoa New Zealand secondary school ākonga profile.
Download PNG (655 KB)
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Develop ākonga partnerships | Te mahi tahi me ngā ākonga”:
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Current page Get to know ākonga | Te mōhio ki ngā ākonga
Return to the guide “Te Ara Ako – Learning pathways in times of change”
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Te Ara Ako – Learning pathways in times of change
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Nurture whānau partnerships | WhanaungatangaShow suggestions for Nurture whānau partnerships | Whanaungatanga
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Develop ākonga partnerships | Te mahi tahi me ngā ākongaShow suggestions for Develop ākonga partnerships | Te mahi tahi me ngā ākonga
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Prepare your environment | Te whakarite wāhi akoShow suggestions for Prepare your environment | Te whakarite wāhi ako
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Working as a team | He whānau kotahi tātouShow suggestions for Working as a team | He whānau kotahi tātou
