Waimea College Prospectus

Welcome to Waimea College

Nga mihi nui kia koutou.

A special welcome to you all.

Waimea College is commited to providing a high quality education for its

students and emphasises the importance of achieving personal standards

of excellence in academic, sporting, cultural and recreational activities.

There are several key features of Waimea College that make it a successful

school as well as a busy and friendly community.

The CurriculumWe have the resources and staffing to provide a wide range of courses. At

junior level the curriculum has a number of compulsory subjects from the

eight learning areas of the National Curriculum. In addition students have

the opportunity to select from a range of option subjects to complete

their programme. In the senior school, students select more specialised

subjects in preparation for a career, further training or tertiary study.

We aim to have our students leave school with a nationally-recognised

qualification. We also cater for different individual abilities and needs

through our extension, support and special education programmes.

Student SupportWaimea College has established an excellent reputation for its

commitment to student support provided by teachers, tutors, guidance

and support staff. Every student has the opportunity to receive guidance

to plan their course of study, set short and long-term goals and receive

assistance in achieving them. The College adopts a firm, fair and

consistent approach to managing students’ behaviour, and emphasises

the importance of self-discipline, commonsense and respect for others.

Welcome02

Welcome

The StaffOur teachers and support staff are this school’s most valuable resource. It is

the quality of our staff that is the most important factor in determining that

successful learning takes place. At Waimea College we have professional,

well-qualified and trained staff with whom I am proud to be associated.

The FacilitiesWaimea College occupies attractive, park-like grounds that provide a

relaxed and spacious environment for our students and staff. The school

has excellent facilities and has developed a long-term programme to

maintain and enhance the buildings, equipment and environment as well

as allowing for expected roll growth in future years.

In recent years we have built a new gymnasium and eight new teaching

classrooms. In addition we have upgraded and expanded a number of

specialist facilities including Food Technology rooms, Science Laboratories,

our Special Education Unit, Music, Performing Arts and Visual Arts suites.

Our school also has extensive Information and Communication facilities

available to students and staff.

Co-Curricular OpportunitiesWe provide a wide range of co-curricular sporting, cultural and

recreational activities that create additional opportunities for all students

to experience success in individual and team pursuits.

At Waimea College we are proud of what we offer and of what our

students achieve. I invite you to join us.

Larry Ching

Principal

03Welcome

The Curriculum

Our aim is to encourage and assist our students to develop their academic

potential and to provide opportunities for them to enjoy success. This will

help them to develop positive attitudes that will encourage further study,

training and life-long learning.

The College offers all students a comprehensive range of subjects from Year

9 to Year 13 leading to the national qualifications of National Certificate of

Educational Achievement (NCEA) Levels One, Two and Three. Waimea College

students have a very good record of success in national qualifications.

The school places a strong emphasis on academic achievement and believes

it is our responsibility to provide every student with the opportunity to

reach their potential. Considerable emphasis is placed on ensuring that our

classrooms are stimulating, well-managed environments.

There are additional opportunities to accelerate and extend students with

special abilities. Students in need of additional assistance with their learning

are provided with specialised support through our guidance network.

A Broad, Balanced CurriculumStudents at Waimea College enjoy a broad, challenging and stimulating

curriculum. At junior level, all students are required to study in the

eight learning areas of the National Curriculum. In the senior school we

encourage more specialisation in preparation for national examinations

and qualifications.

The Curriculum - An Academic Focus

04

The Curriculum

In Year 9Students will be required to study English, Health and Physical Education,

Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. Students will also study a

number of other subjects in short courses (called units). These include Arts,

Languages and Technology units.

In Year 10Students continue with English, Health and Physical Education,

Mathematics, Science and Social Science. They will select two, three or

four optional subjects. Some options are half-year options.

In Year 11Students must study English, Mathematics, Science and Physical Education

and three other subjects earning credits towards NCEA.

In Year 12Students must study English, Resource and five other courses earning

credits towards NCEA. Our Headstart programme allows a reduced

number of subjects and provides work experience placements.

In Year 13Most students will select five subjects. Depending on their abilities and

goals, some students may wish to do a combination of academic courses

and others that lead to more vocationally-based qualifications. The

Headstart programme is also available at Year 13.

Multi-Level StudyMulti-Level study is encouraged, particularly for senior students, who may

select a combination of Year 11, 12 and 13 courses in any one year of study

provided they meet the necessary prerequisites to do this.

The Curriculum - An Academic Focus

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Co-Curricular Opportunities - Waimea College has strengths in a wide range of co-curricular activities

Visual and Performing ArtsEach year we aim to provide opportunities for a large number of students

to participate in acting, singing, dancing, instrumental music, drawing,

painting and design. Our students also play a key part in the technical

production of special events by assisting with stage make-up, lighting,

sound systems, set design, construction and stage crew. The College is

very active with students taking part in Stage Challenge, Shakespeare

festival, competitive drama, public speaking, and creative design

competitions.

A highlight of the school year is our Arts Festival Week which features

many of the creative talents of both students and staff.

Kapa HakaTama Tu Tama Ora, our Maori Culture Group performs at a variety of school

functions. It also represents the school at other events and has achieved

high performance standards, gaining several successes at both regional and

South Island competitions.

Co-Curricular Opportunities06

MusicThe school offers a variety of musical opportunities for students at all levels.

There is an excellent tuition programme available in a wide range of instruments

and there are opportunities to participate in a number of specific interest groups.

• vocal and instrumental

• specialist groups (concert band, solo vocals, rock and jazz groups)

• musical productions and tours

• orchestra

• nationally acclaimed choirs

Outdoor EducationThe College has made a major commitment to education outside the

classroom and has an outstanding Outdoor Education programme for Year

11, 12 and 13 students which includes a variety of outdoor pursuits such as

kayaking, rock-climbing, tramping, alpine skills and mountain biking.

Year 9 students have the opportunity to attend a five-day camp at Rotoiti

Lodge in Nelson Lakes. The focus of the camp is personal challenge and

working as a team and includes activities such as tramping, skiing or rafting,

canoeing or sea-kayaking and a confidence course.

Special Education and International Students also experience Outdoor Education

activities.

Co-Curricular Opportunities - Waimea College has strengths in a wide range of co-curricular activities

Co-Curricular Opportunities 07

We encourage students to take advantage of the wide range of

sporting activities that are available to them. Waimea College has

an excellent record of achievement at regional and national level

in a number of sports, and is represented by teams and individuals

in many codes including cricket, athletics, swimming, tennis, rugby,

soccer, golf, hockey, netball, volleyball, basketball, badminton, touch

rugby, bowls, squash, sailing, mountain-biking, cycling and multi-

sport. The school continues to build on its strength in these and other

sporting codes through a system of development squads.

Emphasis is placed on participation in sports for social as well as

competitive reasons. We have a very popular lunchtime sports

programme that includes inter-house and inter-form competitions.

There is a Sports Committee consisting of senior students who

promote sport within the school through involvement in such

activities as the inter-house sports. The school supports the Fairplay

Charter. A strong emphasis is placed on team loyalty and teams taking

pride in their appearance as well as their performance.

Our achievements in sport are the result of skilled coaching and

management by staff, parents and members of the wider community

and the energy, enthusiasm and support among the students.

Co-Curricular Opportunities08

Sport Student Development

Supp

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Student LeadershipThe development of leadership is regarded as very important at Waimea

College. An innovative programme that provides opportunities to gain

leadership skills and experience in a wide range of activities is available

across all year levels.

Board of Trustees Student Representative: Students elect a

representative to the Board of Trustees. The representative attends all

Board meetings and reports on student activities, achievements and

suggestions to improve the operation of the College.

Head Students: There are four senior student leaders who are selected

through a process involving their student peers, teachers and senior

management staff. They have a significant part to play in leading school

assemblies, representing the College in the community and as role

models to the wider school.

Each of the four Houses has two elected leaders who take an active role

in organising and supporting inter-house activities and competition.

There are also other leadership positions including academics, sports,

performing arts, culture, environment, international student support,

visual arts, community services and student welfare.

Peer Support: Senior students are selected and trained as student

contacts to assist junior students who have concerns and to act as

mentors where appropriate. Others provide assistance as peer tutors and

work in class or at other times helping junior students with their learning

and homework.

Support Systems 09

Sport Student Development

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Contact Between the College and ParentsThe College makes a special effort to provide a caring and supportive

environment which encourages the best possible achievement and

personal development for our students.

We place a strong emphasis on working with parents and believe that a

partnership between school and home is essential to creating a positive

and effective learning environment.

The tutors and teachers will generally initiate contact if there are

concerns about a student’s progress. At the same time the College

encourages parents to contact the appropriate tutor or form teacher if

either the parent or student has concerns about progress.

Student SupportGuidance is provided to help students choose which pathways to follow to

achieve their personal, educational and career goals.

Our support network is wide and includes guidance and counselling services

and extension opportunities, careers advice, remedial assistance, second

language support, a Special Education department and a Learning Support

Centre.

We have two tutors at each year level who provide excellent pastoral care

for our students.

Support Systems - A Partnership with Parents

Support Systems10

Special EducationWaimea College has a modern Special Education facility that is well

resourced and staffed by energetic, enthusiastic teachers and teacher

aides.

The curriculum is based on individual education plans that are developed

in consultation with students, caregivers, whanau, teachers and

specialists and where appropriate, students are included in mainstream

classes and activities.

Celebrating AchievementWe are proud of our students, their positive attitudes and of what they

achieve. The College acknowledges and celebrates their achievements in a

variety of ways. These include school assemblies, newsletters and special

prize-giving ceremonies that recognise academic attainment, leadership,

service to others, and success in sporting and cultural activities.

Support Systems - A Partnership with Parents

Support Systems 11

CareersCareers support for students begins at Year 9 and progresses each

year through to Year 13. Career concepts are integrated into classroom

programmes and students can receive individual assistance from the

Careers Advisors and Guidance Counsellors.

Parent Teacher Interviews and Student ReportsThe College runs interviews each year, during which parents and students

can meet with each of their teachers. Students are encouraged to attend

these interviews. Students are issued with two formal reports each year.

Junior Graduation reports are issued at the end of each term for Year 9 and

10 students. These reports cover such things as attitude, having the correct

equipment, use of class time, homework and attendance. Students need to

gain 75% to graduate to the next year level. Year 9 and 10 students receive

a report at the end of each term that records their progress towards junior

graduation.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)The Waimea College PTA is a very important group of parents and teachers

who meet on a monthly basis. Some of the areas within the school that

the PTA is involved in are fundraising and support for parent-teacher

information evenings. PTA meetings are published in the term calendars and

the College newsletter and participation by parents is welcomed.

Support Systems12

International StudentsWaimea College offers a limited number of places to overseas fee-

paying students who add another dimension to the diverse nature of our

school. Specialist teachers provide both an extensive English language

and academic support programme for these students who are fully

integrated into normal classes after a period of orientation.

Our International Programme provides:

• Experienced and committed staff dedicated to supporting our students

• Teacher assistants who support students in their mainstream classes

• High academic standards

• ESOL classes from elementary to upper intermediate

• A safe environment which allows our international students to reach

their full potential

• A wide range of sporting, cultural and recreational activities

Overseas ExchangesEach year the College accepts a limited number of exchange students

from overseas countries and offers its own students the opportunity

to participate in a number of internationally-recognised exchange

programmes.

International Students 13

International Education

We offer our students• A co-educational learning environment that is safe and supportive

• Enthusiastic, committed, caring teachers and support staff

• A strong academic focus

• An extensive leadership programme

• Challenging, diverse courses of study

• Modern facilities and resources

• Extensive landscaped grounds

Innovative programmes and approaches to learning that include:

• The development of modern thinking and learning techniques

• A Learning Support Centre

• Pre-employment training and personal development programmes

• Emphasis on information and communication technology skills

• Opportunities for students with special abilities

• A modern, well resourced Special Education Unit

• Guidance and support to set personal, educational and career goals

• A wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities

• Flexibility to study at different levels

Other documentation included with this enrolment folder:

• Application for Enrolment

• Enrolment Scheme Information Sheet

• Curriculum Information

• Student Handbook

So, what makes Waimea College special?

Why

Wai

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Col

lege

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Why Waimea College?14

Waimea College 15

Salisbury Road, Richmond 7020, Nelson, New Zealand

Phone: +64 3 544 6099 Fax: +64 3 544 1052

Email: inspire@waimea.school.nz www.waimea.school.nz