Pakuranga College Prospectus

ENROL ONLINE

pakuranga.school.nz

PAKURANGA COLLEGE

prospectus

A FORWARD- THINKING, FUTURE-FOCUSED SCHOOL

our vision

TO EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE; EQUIPPED AND INSPIRED TO COURAGEOUSLY SHAPE TOMORROW’S WORLD.

our guiding principles

INCLUSIVITY: KOTAHITANGA

We are a community that celebrates diversity and individuality, where being yourself is encouraged and respected. We are dedicated to fostering an environment in which all members of our learning community can feel a sense of belonging. Our differences are our strength.

INTEGRITY: NGAKAU PONO

We hold true to our beliefs and have the courage to do the right thing, at the right time. We expect transparency at all levels. Being honest and building trust is at the heart of what we do.

CARE: MANAAKITANGA

We build positive relationships that reflect our empathy, respect and care for ourselves, others and the environment. We are always mindful of the wellbeing of each individual. Our learning community celebrates the joy of learning and personal discovery.

INNOVATION: AUAHATANGA

We are creative and have the courage to solve problems in new ways. We believe that curiosity when combined with critical thinking inspires innovation. Our futurefocused community actively seeks new learning to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

PARTNERSHIP: RANGAPU

We work better when we work together. We share the responsibility with whanau to grow well-rounded, happy and resilient young citizens. Open and honest communication is at the core of our relationships.

EXCELLENCE: HIRANGA

We believe there are lots of ways to excel. We inspire passion and pride in all members of our learning community, by providing a wide range of opportunities for them to be the best they can be. Success is the result of purposefully learning from failures and challenges.

At Pakuranga College we place an emphasis on ownership of learning and being actively involved, so that our students are well equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

The role of our teachers is to establish high-quality learning environments, in which students can discuss, share, and interact with new information, concepts, and ideas.

Engagement is developed through quality relationships with students and whanau, with teachers challenging students to think, reflect, and evaluate their own progress.

Students are encouraged to be interactive with teachers, technology, and their peers, to develop real understanding and apply their knowledge to problem-solving. Rather than being ‘repositories’ of knowledge, we expect students to explore, investigate, and create innovative solutions, using the many resources around them.

Pakuranga College places an emphasis on providing a caring, personal, and respectful environment, in which everyone is treated as an individual and afforded dignity at all times.

As you begin your educational journey with us, we hope you enjoy the incredible opportunities that are available and take advantage of our outstanding facilities, the wide range of co-curricular activities, and the exceptional teaching on offer.

We look forward to welcoming you into the Pakuranga College family.

PAKURANGA COLLEGE HAS ENCOURAGED BOTH MY CHILDREN TO STRIVE ACADEMICALLY, BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR TEACHERS WHO ARE ENGAGING AND CARING.

MY ELDEST FAVOURS MORE HANDS-ON SUBJECTS AND THE WIDE RANGE OF TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS HAS KEPT HIM ENGAGED IN HIS LEARNING JOURNEY.

WE’RE ALSO VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE VARIETY OF CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED TO STUDENTS.

BEING INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM HAS BUILT MY CHILDREN’S CONFIDENCE AND ENCOURAGED THEM TO GROW INTO THEIR BEST SELVES.

MELLISSA

PARENT OF YEAR 12 AND YEAR 9 STUDENTS

NCEA, RATHER THAN THE SINGLE FINAL HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION, IS IMMEASURABLY

SUPERIOR AT PREDICTING THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST YEAR (AT UNIVERSITY).

Pakuranga College offers an innovative and flexible curriculum, designed to provide both breadth and depth. Our philosophy is based on building learning programmes designed to meet the needs of every student.

JUNIOR CURRICULUM

In Years 9 and 10 the curriculum is designed to build a solid foundation across core (compulsory) subject areas such as English, Maths, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education/Health.

In addition, students are also able to choose from a wide variety of subjects within The Arts, Technology, and Languages. Each subject selected within these areas is studied for a minimum of half a year. This process allows students to experience a variety of options, enabling them to make more informed choices for NCEA.

Both core and option subjects are taught by specialist subject teachers.

SENIOR CURRICULUM

In Years 11-13, students complete their NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Acheivement). This qualification provides rigorous and relevant information about student achievement and enables students to access universities around the world.

NCEA is based on the principle of standards-based assessment. This means that a student’s achievement is assessed against agreed standards, rather than another’s performance. Most progressive countries are now moving towards this approach, because it

provides much more explicit information about individual achievement, rather than simply an overall percentage score.

There are three levels of NCEA. At each level students must achieve a certain number of credits, and these can be gained over more than one year. Students in the senior school meet with their subject teachers every day. This daily tuition helps to provide depth and academic rigor in all courses of study.

All students are encouraged to achieve Excellence, which is recognised through endorsement certificates awarded at each level and in each course.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

For those students who require additional support in their learning, the Optimal Learning Centre (OLC) runs core classes in Years 9 and 10. These have been modified in pace and content to ensure that students learn at the rate which enables them to succeed.

Students are in these classes to gain confidence, fill in their learning gaps, and receive extra support to prepare them for NCEA.

GIFTED & TALENTED

At Pakuranga College, we recognise students who may be gifted and talented in a range of ways and we aim to provide experiences which will extend and stretch them. These may include, for example, extension classes and multi-levelling, collaborative problem-solving events, academic conferences which challenge thinking, and a wide range of co-curricular activities on offer within the school community.

I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE LOVE OF LEARNING THAT PAKURANGA COLLEGE TEACHERS HAVE FOSTERED WITHIN ME. BEING GRANTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY ACROSS MULTIPLE LEVELS HELPED KEEP ME ENGAGED WITH MY EDUCATION THROUGH WORKING AT A LEVEL THAT CHALLENGED ME. COMPLETING MULTIPLE SUBJECTS EARLY ALSO ALLOWED ME TO TAKE ON EXTRA CLASSES AND BROADEN MY ACADEMIC HORIZONS, EXPLORING EACH OF MY INTERESTS TO A FULL EXTENT. IN EACH OF THESE SUBJECTS, I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT BY LOVELY TEACHERS WHO FURTHERED BOTH MY ABILITY AND PASSION FOR LEARNING.

HOLLY ROWSELL – YEAR 13

STUDENTS ENROLLED AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE ENGAGE IN A RANGE OF EOTC OPPORTUNITIES, THAT OFFER

AUTHENTIC, REAL-WORLD LEARNING CONTEXTS

.

EOTC or Education Outside the Classroom, is curriculum-based learning activities that go beyond the walls of the classroom. This includes any curriculum-based activity that takes place outside the school, ranging from a museum or marae visit, to a sports trip, field trip, or outdoor education camp.

Experiences outside the classroom reinforce learning by enabling students to make connections between what they have learned in school and the world beyond the classroom. EOTC experiences give students opportunities to develop their learning habits in a different context.

Pakuranga College offers a wealth of EOTC activities at a local, national, and global level. Groups of students have visited a range of locations in Auckland, in New Zealand and across the world, including Australia, Japan, Europe, and the US.

The world is changing, and technology is now a cornerstone of our lives. As a result, we have a duty to ensure that our students are lifelong learners who are prepared for the future, whatever changes technology brings. Being able to remember and repeat information is no longer the focus of a good education. Now, teaching and learning is less about the delivery of facts to students, and more about what they do with this information.

At Pakuranga College, we aim to grow and nurture skills in our students, such as creativity, innovation, problem-solving, communication, and the ability to work together in teams. These are all essential for the future.

WHAT IS ELEARNING?

Here at Pakuranga College, we are leaders in eLearning and are constantly approached by other schools to share our vision and practices around its use. eLearning doesn’t simply involve putting technology and devices into a classroom. It is a complete change in the way teachers approach teaching and learning. Technology has enabled lots of new learning opportunities that were never possible before. For example, we’ve used Skype to beam a NASA astronaut into the classroom, so that students can speak directly to them in Houston, Texas!

WHY BYOD?

We have an effective BYOD programme that requires all students to bring a device for learning. When every student in the school has their own device, this opens up a huge range of possibilities in the classroom. It enables teachers to personalise lessons for each student. It also enables students to explore and present their learning in a way that suits their learning style.

With a device students can access their learning 24/7. All of our teachers use Google Classroom, an online space where resources, instructions, tasks, and real-time conversations can take place.

At Pakuranga College, students are taught to use their device effectively and appropriately. They have the flexibility to choose the best tool for each task, and some lessons may require no device use at all.

We learned a lot from our time in lockdown. Although it was a disruptive time, we also saw teachers and students adopt new and successful approaches to teaching and learning. Technology enabled the effective delivery and interaction of new learning during this period. Teachers increased their capacity to deliver high quality online learning and Our students demonstrated their ability to take genuine ownership of their learning. We have seen our students gain some of our best ever NCEA results, as a direct result of our effective hybrid learning environment.

TECHNOLOGY & NCEA

NCEA exams for senior students are moving to an online environment. There are over 30 subject areas that now provide online examinations. Student feedback, both nationally and at our school, has been very positive regarding the use of devices, and doing examinations digitally has become the choice of most students.

SAFETY & SECURITY

At Pakuranga College, we provide access to our wireless network for all students. Our school network is extremely fast, stable, and secure. Students authenticate their device at the start of each day to access their learning.

Students are also taught how to make use of the internet and social media safely and responsibly. We believe that part of our role is to educate and grow good digital citizens who are respectful of others online.

WHILE LEARNING FROM HOME, USING ONLINE RESOURCES SUCH AS GOOGLE CLASSROOM HAS ALLOWED ME TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH MY TEACHERS AND KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS AS I WOULD USUALLY DO IN CLASS.

IT’S GREAT TO BE ABLE TO ACCESS ALL MY LEARNING AND GET THE SUPPORT OF MY TEACHERS IN ONE PLACE.

NELIA CARSTENS, YEAR 11

THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE IS DEEPLY EMBEDDED IN PRACTICE AND DRIVEN BY BETTER OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS. THE SCHOOL INVESTS IN DEVELOPING THE SKILLS AND INNOVATION OF ITS TEACHERS IN WAYS THAT MEAN MORE RELEVANT AND ENGAGING TEACHING.

QUITE SIMPLY, PAKURANGA COLLEGE EPITOMISES GOOD PRACTICE IN HOW TEACHERS AUTHENTICALLY INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY INTO PRACTICE. THE SCHOOL PROVIDES A SAFE, BUT AGILE, ENVIRONMENT WHERE OUTCOMES DRIVE THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY. STUDENTS USE MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO LEARN IN WAYS THAT ARE AUTHENTIC AND RELEVANT.

AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE, WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON PROVIDING A STUDENT CENTRED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.

The philosophy that underpins the curriculum and every part of daily life in the school places students at the centre of our thinking, and they are encouraged to be active participants in the learning process.

STRIVE STRIVE FOR OUR PERSONAL BEST NGANA

SET GOALS I SEEK CHALLENGE I NEVER GIVE UP

CONNECT

MAKE CONNECTIONS WHAKAWHANAUNGATANGA

WORK TOGETHER I PARTICIPATE & LEAD I DISCUSS WITH OTHERS

CREATE

BE CURIOUS AND DISCOVER WAIHANGA

EXPLORE I INNOVATE I PROBLEM SOLVE

REFLECT

VALUE STUDENT VOICE HIGHLY

All students are given the opportunity to provide feedback and direction on what happens in classrooms and around their school. As we have examined how young people learn, we have worked with students to identify a series of learning values.

QUESTION AND THINK HURITAO

ANALYSE I EVALUATE I ORGANISE

RESPECT

BUILD POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS MANAAKITANGA

EMPATHISE I COMMUNICATE I CARE FOR OURSELVES, OTHERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

THE HOUSE SYSTEM IS VERY SUPPORTIVE. HOUSES ARE ONE BIG FAMILY, AND YOU QUICKLY GET TO KNOW AND MAKE FRIENDS WITH OTHER STUDENTS IN YOUR HOUSE. OUR HOUSE DEANS AND TUTOR TEACHERS GET TO KNOW US WELL TOO, BECAUSE WE COME INTO THEIR CARE FROM DAY ONE. THEY KNOW IF WE’RE EXPERIENCING ISSUES AND NEED A BIT OF EXTRA ENCOURAGEMENT.

HAVING SIX HOUSES PROVIDES LOTS OF LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THAT CATER TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CONFIDENCE. IF YOU WANT TO WORK WITH OTHER STUDENTS THEN BECOMING A PEER SUPPORT LEADER IS A GREAT OPTION, OR IF YOU WANT TO LEAD IN A TEAM THEN HOUSE LEADER COULD BE FOR YOU. THERE’S LOTS OF OPTIONS, WHICH MAKES IT EASIER FOR STUDENTS TO LEAD AND CONTRIBUTE IN A WAY THAT FITS THEM.

ONE SCHOOL, SIX WHANAU

To encourage a sense of belonging, each student belongs to one of six Houses. This is your child’s school whanau.

Each House has a Dean and an Assistant Dean, who are responsible for the academic success and wellbeing of its students. Within each House, students belong to a tutor group with other students from Years 9 to 13. Tutor Teachers work closely with each student and their family to ensure their time at Pakuranga College is enjoyable and successful. Senior students also take an important role in supporting our junior students as Peer Support Leaders.

At the start of each year, Year 9 camp is held to help students settle into their new school and House. New students from each House, along with Peer Support Leaders, Deans, and Tutor Teachers spend three days at a variety of outdoor venues, establishing relationships with their teachers and peers. This is an excellent opportunity for students to make new friends and form bonds that will last throughout their time at Pakuranga College.

To build connections and a sense of belonging and ownership we organise various of inter-House sporting and arts events throughout the year. These are eagerly anticipated by the students and hotly contested between the six Houses.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The work of the Deans and Tutor Teachers is supported by our Guidance Counsellors, Youth Workers, and the Health Centre Manager. Students are able to access any of these support people during the school day.

Counsellors work with students on a confidential basis and can also provide referrals to other agencies, if appropriate.

Parents are welcome to contact the guidance team at any time if they have concerns about their child’s emotional wellbeing. Our Youth Workers provide another level of support to students through mentoring and friendship.

In addition, the Student Support Faculty runs a range of proactive programmes designed to meet students’ needs.

PARENT PARTNERSHIP

We believe that communication with parents and caregivers is essential to each student’s learning.

Students receive four progress reports throughout the year. There are also a number of Tutor Evenings, Group Conference Days, and Verbal Report Evenings, which provide an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and discuss their learning.

Parents have 24 / 7 access to their child’s progress, attendance, and academic reports at any time via our online Parent Portal. In addition, a digital newsletter is sent out every two weeks, to keep parents and caregivers up to date with what is happening.

We also make use of Facebook and Instagram to highlight upcoming events and celebrate student achievement, both inside and outside of school.

I BELIEVE THAT PAKURANGA COLLEGE’S WELLBEING AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMES HAVE HELPED ME DEVELOP AS A YOUNG ADULT, NOT JUST A STUDENT.

IT’S REASSURING TO KNOW THAT THERE’S ALWAYS A SAFE SPACE, WHERE WE STUDENTS CAN TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT WHATEVER’S ON OUR MINDS - NOT JUST ACADEMIC GOALS AND ACHIEVEMENTS - AND THAT IT’S EASY TO ACCESS.

At Pakuranga College, we are committed to providing a holistic education that includes opportunities for participation in a wide range of activities. We offer outstanding facilities and an extensive co-curricular programme, that enable students to excel and fulfil their potential outside the classroom.

PAKURANGA COLLEGE WAS AMAZING IN SUPPORTING ME IN MY SPORTING CAREER. WITH THE HELP OF THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT AND MY TEACHERS I WAS ABLE TO WORK AROUND MY CRICKET IN ORDER TO STAY ON TOP OF MY ACADEMIC STUDIES. I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE GUIDANCE I RECEIVED THROUGHOUT MY YEARS AT THE SCHOOL.

MARAMA DOWNES

NZ WOMEN’S INDOOR CRICKET TEAM, AUCKLAND A WOMEN’S CRICKET TEAM

SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES

Sport allows students to experience teamwork, develop their communication skills, and learn about commitment. The College offers all major codes, and employs several specialist coaches in a wide range of sports so that students are given the very best coaching available.

We encourage fair play, participation, and enjoyment, with a commitment to achieving excellence to the highest possible level. This includes competing at national tournaments and taking part in international sports tours.

We have access to excellent school and community facilities including an athletics track, indoor cricket facilities, hockey turf, netball and tennis courts, heated swimming pool, gymnasiums, weights rooms, and extensive rugby and soccer grounds.

THE ARTS

The co-curricular programme supports and extends the formal Arts curriculum by providing opportunities for all students to participate and learn.

In Music, students can sign up for individual instrument lessons from beginner through to advanced. We also offer a wide range of music opportunities in the form of organised groups; from orchestra, chamber music ensembles and quartets, through to the College jazz band, rock bands, and choirs. The emphasis is on performance, and we provide frequent opportunities for students to do this both at school and in external competitions.

Each year the College puts on a major musical production and we are also very proud of our annual Dance Showcase, for which tickets are always in high demand. In addition, students are involved in a wide range of activities and competitions from Stage Challenge to the College’s own Shakespeare players.

[CONTINUED OVER]

I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXPAND MY KNOWLEDGE IN THE ARTS THROUGH THE CO-CURRICULAR GROUPS AVAILABLE AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE. I HAVE PERFORMED IN HIP- HOP AND K-POP DANCE GROUPS, AND THE DANCE SHOWCASE, WHICH HIGHLIGHTS THE DIFFERENT DANCE STYLES WE HAVE AT SCHOOL. BECAUSE OF THIS, I HAVE TRIED DANCE STYLES SUCH AS CONTEMPORARY, JAZZ, MUSICAL THEATRE, AND BOLLYWOOD.

I’VE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS THROUGH DANCE AND BUILD UPON MY LEADERSHIP SKILLS. I AM FORTUNATE TO BE A LEADER IN THE K-POP AND HIP- HOP GROUPS, AND WITHIN MY HOUSE, WHERE I PUT MY DANCE SKILLS TO GOOD USE CHOREOGRAPHING FOR THE ANNUAL HOUSE ARTS CHALLENGE. THIS ALLOWS ME TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS, COLLABORATING AND CREATING WITH THEM.

TATE MILLER HOUSE LEADER, YEAR 13

All of these activities provide opportunities for students to be involved: on stage, backstage, through music, sound and lighting, and set construction. They are also a great way for them to take on authentic leadership roles. Another highlight in our co-curricular calendar is the House Arts Challenge, in which students from each House create and perform a piece or pieces from the disciplines of Dance, Drama, Music, and Visual Arts. As with our inter-House sporting events, the title and associated bragging rights are hotly contested each year.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

At Pakuranga College, we place considerable emphasis on the development and support of student leadership at all levels. To provide authentic opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, we have empowered our student councils, which cover every aspect of school life, to make a real difference both within the College and beyond.

The House Leader and House Captain roles also provide important opportunities for students to get involved and exercise leadership. These roles link closely with our Peer Support Programme, which aims to assist new students’ transitions into the College.

In all of our co-curricular activities, whether it is sport, The Arts, cultural groups, or student councils, we enable and expect our students to take on leadership roles that are critical to the team or group running successfully.

In the junior school (Years 9 and 10), students are also encouraged to be involved in the student councils, many of which have a junior leadership group within them.

In addition, we run a leadership training programme specifically for junior students. This is conducted by senior students (a leadership role for them), and aims to help our younger students think more explicitly about their leadership skills and how to develop them.

BEING PART OF WHANAU TUTOR AND CULTURAL GROUPS LIKE KAPA HAKA, HAS NOT ONLY ALLOWED ME TO CONNECT WITH MY MAORI HERITAGE, IT HAS GIVEN ME TRANSFERABLE LEADERSHIP SKILLS. I DIDN’T COME TO THE ROLE OF HEAD STUDENT ON A LINEAR PATH, WITH LOTS OF LEADERSHIP ROLES AS STEPPINGSTONES. INSTEAD, IT WAS BY OBSERVING THE TUAKANA TEINA (LEADER - LEARNER) RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN WHANAU TUTOR. OPEN CONVERSATION, APPRECIATION FOR DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, AND A FOCUS ON WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO ACHIEVE ARE ALL THINGS I’VE LEARNED THROUGH THE CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE, AND I’VE APPLIED THEM ALL IN MY ROLE AS HEAD STUDENT. I HAVEN’T JUST BEEN GIVEN LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, I’VE BEEN GIVEN THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED IN THEM.

CHARLOTTE TUKIRI - HEAD STUDENT, YEAR 13

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

The wide cultural diversity of the College is represented in a number of groups ranging from tangata whenua to the Pacific, Africa, Asia, and the Indian sub-continent.

Our diversity is a source of great pride, and it is celebrated and promoted with the help of the student Cultural Council. This group organises a range of activities throughout the year, including the Cultural Expo and the much-anticipated Cultural Evening, for which students spend several weeks creating musical performances that showcase their cultural heritage. In addition to the Cultural Council, we have a wide range of cultural groups which enhance and extend education and leadership opportunities for our students.

THE PAKURANGA COLLEGE BOARD KNOWS IT IS VITAL THAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE THE BEST POSSIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.

AS A RESULT, IT HAS INVESTED IN EXCESS OF $7 MILLION OF LOCALLY RAISED FUNDS IN RECENT YEARS TO PROVIDE UPGRADED FACILITIES.

THE PAKURANGA COLLEGE BOARD COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE FACILITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS HAS SEEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF:

• One of the best IT networks in the country

• Sports Precinct:

- Heated swimming pool

- Fitness centre

- Gymnasiums

- Astro turf

- All-weather sports field

• New 12 classroom teaching block, which is a Ministry of Education reference building

• Visual Arts Suite with kiln room, photography studio, and dark room

• Continual focus on upgrading teaching spaces and outdoor facilities

Our team of Careers Advisors helps students make decisions about their future, and supports their successful transition from school to further education or work. Our education programme encourages students to realise their full potential by helping them to develop self-awareness and foster their personal qualities. They learn to explore the world of work and training, and manage career decisions and opportunities for themselves.

Work experience and our Gateway programme provide students with opportunities to experience real life situations in different industries, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future education, training and employment.

I’ve always loved learning languages, so once I left Pakuranga College I pursued a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Japanese and Spanish at The University of Auckland. Learning Te Reo Maori has always been a dream of mine, so I also studied Te Reo at AUT, and have been on the waka ever since.

NATHAN MORTON JOURNALIST, STUFF.

I’ve always been a media fanatic - with a passion for filming, editing, news, and everything in between! When I was in my third year at Pakuranga College, I was given an internship opportunity at the local paper where I was able to begin building toward a future in news and broadcast.

THE CAREERS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN SO HELPFUL IN PROVIDING THE INFORMATION I NEED TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION ABOUT MY FUTURE. AFTER MULTI-LEVELLING IN YEAR 12, I WAS CONSIDERING DISCRETIONARY ENTRANCE TO START UNIVERSITY A YEAR EARLY.

ULTIMATELY, I DECIDED TO STAY FOR MY FINAL YEAR OF SCHOOL TO BE PART OF THE AWESOME STUDENT CULTURE AND WORK TOWARDS GAINING A UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP. THE CAREERS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN BEHIND ME ALL THE WAY AND DOES ALL THEY CAN TO HELP ME SUCCEED, THEY ARE FANTASTIC.

ETHAN GREEN - SPORTS COUNCIL CHAIR, YEAR 13

At the end of my studies, I applied for an internship for Maori students at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). It was an incredible experience, and I would encourage everyone to apply for internships, so you can get a taste of working life while you’re studying.

I’ve now returned to MFAT through the graduate programme, working in the team that works on New Zealand’s relationships with Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu, and I’m loving it! In the future, I hope to make a positive difference for all New Zealanders, stay on the Te Reo Maori journey, and keep learning new things every day.

One thing led to another and my small steps taken in college led to being accepted into the New Zealand Broadcasting School. I was offered a job as a video journalist for the New Zealand Herald (Local Focus) after only a year of study, I’m now working at Stuff NZ covering Auckland crime and breaking news.

I even had the honour of being nominated for a national award, only months after starting my job at the Herald! It all started from simply taking each opportunity at Pakuranga College as it came. The rest just fell into place.

KATRINA SANTILLAN

After finishing at Pakuranga College, I pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), majoring in Mechatronics with Massey University. It was a challenging four years, but it was filled with many exciting opportunities and experiences that improved my technical, professional, and leadership development.

This led me to become an Electrical Design Engineer at Babcock NZ which is the Design Authority for the Royal New Zealand Navy. This was a unique and rewarding work experience, especially knowing my output directly helped the Navy.

After two years at Babcock, I moved on to Rakon and recently started a new role as a Process Development / New Product Introduction Engineer. I’m thrilled to be working with a company leading the electronics innovation for cutting-edge technology like 5G communication, space, and defence.

BENNY SHEN DENTAL HOUSE SURGEON, CAPTIAL & COAST DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD.

I left Pakuranga College with a love for science, health, and a willingness to help others. I have since found a passion in dentistry - a career that can make significant changes to a person’s quality of life, whether that be getting them out of pain or transforming their smile.

I studied at the University of Otago, where I enjoyed developing my independence and being part of a tight-knit student community. Since graduating, I have found myself in the incredibly humbling role of a dental house surgeon at Capital & Coast District Health Board in Wellington. I largely treat patients presenting to the hospital for emergency/acute care but also provide routine dental treatment to hospital inpatients. There is a lot to be done in the space of oral health in New Zealand and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.

PARIS GRAY

PROJECT

After I left Pakuranga College, I went on to study at Te Whare Wananga o Waikato and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Te Reo Maori and Maori and Indigenous Studies.

My time at Waikato University was a journey. It was a time in my life when I wanted change, and so I sought to do this. I learnt how to speak Te Reo Maori, which was the gateway to Te Ao Maori for me. Over my years at university, I was very fortunate to become quickly involved in all kaupapa Maori. After graduation, I got an internship back home in Turangi working for my iwi, Ngati Tuwharetoa. This opportunity, although out of my comfort zone at first, has opened so many doors for me and my career. Fast forward two years, and I am now a Project Co-ordinator and lead our Ringa Raupa Marae Renovation project. In this role, I get to travel all around the Tuwharetoa rohe, reconnecting and rekindling that connection that was once lost.

NATHAN ROBERTS ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE, ETCO AND DALTON ELECTRICAL.

I’ve always been a hands-on person and sitting at a desk doesn’t appeal to me, so I chose to do an apprenticeship rather than going on to tertiary study. The great thing about having a trade is that it gives you the option of running your own company in the future, plus you don’t get into debt while you are training.

I love the mental and physical challenges of what I do, and I recently represented the companies that I work for at the national finals of the ECANZ Challenge, which is an electrical skills competition.

In the future I’d like to have my own business and I’m also interested in working in the TV production industry. Fortunately, I’ll have lots of options!

We value the diversity and vibrancy that international students bring to our school.

Our students come from a wide range of countries including France, Mexico, Spain, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, South Korea, Solomon Islands, Switzerland, Tahiti, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

International students are integrated into regular classes with local students. They can choose from a wide range of subjects and are able to mix with a variety of other students.

ESOL classes are provided at all levels, where required. International students are encouraged to enter NCEA, New Zealand’s internationally recognised secondary school qualification.

International students should bring digital devices to New Zealand to use in their lessons. A digital translator is also encouraged for students who require language assistance. Our online Parent Portal is especially useful for parents overseas who can use this to access their children’s attendance and NCEA results.

Our international students live with families in the Pakuranga College area. These families are carefully selected by our dedicated and experienced homestay staff, who regularly interview both students and families.

STUDYING AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE IS AS JOYFUL AS IT IS EXCITING. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE A 2020 POHUTUKAWA PEER SUPPORT LEADER, SCIENCE CLUB EXECUTIVE, AS WELL AS ONE OF THE INTERNATIONAL HEAD STUDENTS FOR 2020. THROUGH EACH OF THESE ROLES, MY LEADERSHIP SKILLS HAVE IMPROVED AND I’VE BEEN ABLE TO ENLARGE MY SOCIAL CIRCLE. IT IS EASY TO GAIN CONFIDENCE AND MAKE DECENT PROGRESS IN ENGLISH WITH THE HELP OF MY CLASSMATES AND TEACHERS. HERE AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE, I’M ABLE TO DO STUDY COURSES SUCH AS BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, AND PHYSICS. AFTER LEAVING COLLEGE, I WOULD LIKE TO STUDY DENTAL SURGERY OR DENTISTRY AS MY MAJOR AT UNIVERSITY.

LEO LIU, CHINA

HEAD STUDENT 2020, CURRENTLY STUDYING A BSc IN DENTISTRY AT UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO