Why Waitakere?
We have a vision for every student
- Our motto is 'Achievement for All', so we aim for each student to achieve.
- We aim for our graduates to be recognised as thinkers, contributors and participants in the local, national and global community.
The Waitakere Way: learning, caring and respect
- We are all here to learn.
- We all care for each other.
- We treat everyone with respect.
These three values are essential prerequisites for our goal of raising student achievement.
Teachers who believe every student can achieve
- highly qualified, well-trained, skilled and enthusiastic staff, with high expectations of every student.
- teachers who enjoy working with young people and who go the extra mile.
- teachers willing to learn new skills in order to make a difference for our students.
Connecting with families and community
- Special events to connect with families include: Year 9 parents' welcome evening, NCEA Achievers' assemblies, Maori parents' hui, Pasifika parents' fono, Shine enrichment celebration, Waipuna celebration, Performing Arts Variety Night.
- Weekly report cards for Year 9 and 10 students.
- Parents are welcome to contact the school about your child at any time.
Achievement for All: meeting diverse learning needs
- Shine - our challenging programme for Gifted and Talented students.
- Performing Arts programme for those with a passion for performance.
- Thinking skills - part of the curriculum for every student.
- Learning Support: extra classes to boost reading levels to national standards for those who need it.
- Inclusions Support Centre for students with learning and physical disabilities.
- English for speakers of other languages.
- Tracking of individual students, with target groups for those who need an extra push to succeed.
- 3.05 Hive, our busy homework centre.
Strong support systems
- Year 9 and 10 Deans to ensure a smooth transition into secondary school.
- Every student has a homegroup teacher who care about the individual.
- House Leaders provide care and support for the students in their house.
- House cards offer recognition for achievement as well as friendly competition.
- Strong support services include Counsellors, Careers Advisors, Youth Workers and a Nurse.
- Trained students offer support as peer supporters, mediators, tutors and Kiwi-buddies.
Sports and Leadership
- Variety of sporting codes on offer each season, with high levels of participation.
- Football Academy provides specialist tutoring for talented soccer players.
- Sports Award Dinner - our annual celebration of sporting achievement.
- Many different opportunities for leadership, as prefects, ambassadors, peer supporters, peer sexuality contact, Kiwi-buddies and tutors.
Arts and Culture
- Our achievements in the performing arts have been recognised by the Education Review Office (2007).
- Our culture groups are well represented in the ASB Cultural Festival: Kapa Haka, Samoan, Cook Island, Tongan, Indian, Korean and Thai groups.
- Annual School Musical and Talent Quest are packed-out highlights.
- Arts and Culture Week is an annual celebration of the artistic talents and many different cultures within the College, followed by the Arts and Cultural Awards Ceremony.
- Our Performing Arts class won the 2007 Fair Go Award Competition.
Transition to Work
- Our Gateway Programme is recognised nation-wide as a leading example for providing structure work-place learning opportunities for senior students.
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