Wairarapa College...Wairarapa College oall ree atero 10 0 000 W}8 Á] }oXvÌ tWÁ] }oXvÌ Wairarapa College Prospectus 2021 Wairarapa College Prospectus 2021 WaiCol-Prospectus2021.indd

Wairarapa College

83 Pownall Street, Masterton 5810P: +64 6 370 0400E: [email protected]: waicol.nz

Wairarapa College

Prospectus 2021Wairarapa College

Prospectus 2021

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Wairarapa College


Wairarapa College


Welcome to Wairarapa CollegeA W E L C O M E F R O M T H E A C T I N G P R I N C I PA L O F WA I R A R A PA C O L L E G E PA M R E D PAT HWelcome – Nau Mai, Haere Mai. Greetings and welcome to Wairarapa CollegeYear Nine Enrolment for 2021At Wairarapa College we work hard to place all students at the centre of everything we do. Our co-educational college has all the advantages that come with being Wairarapa’s largest secondary school, yet we offer the warmth, encouragement and intimacy of a small school. We strive to develop well-rounded, confident young adults who are equipped for our modern and changing world.Our school has a culture where we work until every student in our care is engaged and achieving. We believe that every student, every day, in every class, deserves our very best effort and we make sure that we live up to this expectation.At Wairarapa College we are proud of our students, our staff and our facilities. We are excited about the new facilities that will be in operation by 2021. This will include a new Food and Hospitality Hub, Canteen, Supported Learning Centre and a bus bay for student safety. Wairarapa College is a vibrant, lively school. We know that student success can take many forms, and all of these are valuable. Some will shine in the classroom, some on the sports field and some in the Arts and a wide range of other areas. An emphasis on broad based education ensures that students at Wairarapa College can discover and follow their passion to experience success in any field.While providing outstanding academic education is our core business, our focus is also on developing strong citizens that will flourish in both the local community,

nationally and on the world stage. We are proud that families entrust us with the care and education of 1150 teens every day. Our school works hard to meet the expectations and deliver upon the aspirations of our community. We aspire to be the school of choice for every family in our community.We very much look forward to meeting each of you, to developing a successful partnership with you, and to working together in the common pursuit of success for every student. We welcome any questions that you may have to help support a positive transition into Wairarapa College for your son or daughter.

HEAD GIRL MOLLY DONALDMy name is Molly Donald, proud Head Girl of Wairarapa College and the Wairarapa College Hostel, Poto College House. When I first stepped foot on the grounds at the end of Year 9, I was totally mesmerised by the sheer size of the school and then again the capacity of students it carried. I can gladly say that the shift of schools at the beginning of Year 10 has had a huge impact on my life, not just moving from a different school, but to a different living environment as well. I was immediately sold on the number and quality of opportunities offered to all students, as well as the welcoming environment created by its people. Over the years, I have involved myself in various house competitions, as well as different groups and organisations within the school, such as the Student Council, Cultural Council, SADD, Junior Young Farmers, Peer Mediation, Duke of Edinburgh as well as hockey, summer netball and touch rugby. Here I’ve learnt that life is what you make it. In the classroom, we are taught independence, perseverance and teamwork which are such important skills to be equipped with on leaving school to properly enter the big wide world. There is no choice but to develop a high work ethic over time, and our students are testament to the solid learning foundation set right at the beginning of college life. Extracurricular activities are fully supported, and we have an array of very talented students who fly the flag for our school both nationally and internationally. I am humbled to be a part of a student body that is so motivated and kind towards one another, where not a day goes by without a smile from someone new, which motivates me to get out there and involve myself with our diverse group of students. This diversity is a reflection of the real world and how each of us is unique. This concept is nurtured at WaiCol, and I have seen over the years the development of myself and peers into independent, decisive young men and women. I am incredibly grateful to be given the opportunity to be a leader of both the college and its boarding house. The support I have received on my journey to this position has been immense. With backing from my parents, peers, hostel family and teaching staff alike, I have been able to push myself and strive to be the best I can be in all facets of school life. Here I’ve learnt that life is what you make it. Over the years, I have formed stable student/teacher relationships, and this has helped me and many other students learn to the best of our abilities. The warm, friendly environment in which

we learn is fostered by positive and encouraging staff who are dedicated to tailoring our learning experience to fit the needs of students, ensuring academic success across the board. For me, this has been rewarding as I have gained Excellence endorsements in both NCEA Levels One and Two. Another significant part of life at Wairarapa College is the values it and its students embody. Our prefects are protagonists for our L.E.A.D values, where we Learn with Purpose, Engage with Pride, Act with Respect and Dare to Succeed. Ever since I saw these values, I knew Wairarapa College was the place for me.

Hearing my name called out last year at the final assembly as 2020 Head Boy was one of the greatest things that has happened to me at WaiCol. Going up on stage that night was life-changing and was the start of something new. I am lucky enough to be part of such a great team, with the heads and deputies. Coming into this school as a little 13-year-old was scary at first, but by meeting a lot of Year 13’s that were in my group class made me feel very comfortable around school. Sports was everything coming into this school. Athletics was my passion and rugby was just a sport I did during winter. I’m sure if you love sports just as much as I do, then WaiCol is perfect for you. From Day One, you get so many opportunities to put your name down for something you admire; this could be a sport or even chess. Interhouse athletics has to be one of my favourite inter-house competitions. Being able to represent your house and try and get as many points as you can is a great feeling, and a feeling I have kept for five years. Ever since I walked through those gates for the first time, I’ve got myself involved in many things, like working backstage for the major production, student mentoring and so many sports I can’t even list them all. This year has been completely different from any other year at school. I’ve gotten myself involved in a varied mix of activities with a variety of different students and teachers. I’ve also put my name down for Pogonologists, which is a boys’ singing group, and that is definitely stepping out of my comfort zone. Wairarapa College has changed who I was five years ago. I have changed from a shy little Year 9 student to a confident leader with life-long friendships and incredible memories to look back on.

AND HEAD BOY TAMA BARTLETT

student voice

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Wairarapa College


Wairarapa College


How Do We Support Our Year 9 Students?Year 9 students are welcomed to the college on their first day by their new Vertical Group teacher and their trained Year 13 Peer Support mentors. On this first day, the Year 9’s and Year 13 buddies are the only students at college, giving our newest students the opportunity to find their feet before the rest of the students arrive. The Year 13 Peer Support mentors introduce our Year 9’s to the routines of the first few days and help them with anything they might need or answer any questions they might have. This support from a senior in his or her Group Class is ongoing throughout the year. The Year 9 students are given a Log Book. It contains a map of the college, a list of important staff and lots of pages for the students to record their homework. The Year 9 cohort is led and supported by Mr Aaron Perkins, Assistant Principal, Mrs Kate Murray and Mr Alistair Payne, Co-Deans at Year 9. Mr Perkins’ office is conveniently situated near the main office and the Year 9 Deans’ Office is in the English Corridor. Mr Perkins and the Deans are available at the Deans’ Office or at the main office throughout the day. Students are encouraged to make appointments if they would like to discuss something. Our Guidance Counsellor, Mr Paul Adamson, and Youth Health Provider, Shirley Swanson, have offices around the college. They are also happy to see our Year 9 students and help them

out with whatever they might need. Each Year 9 student is in a Core Class. Each Core Class travels together to English, Maths, Science, Social Studies, P.E. and Health. The students in these classes will get to know the students in their Core Class well. The students will be mixed up again for their Option Subjects, so that will add some variety to their day and give them the opportunity to widen their circle of friends. The Year 9 students have the rest of their Vertical Group class to support them too. All of the students are in the same House Group. They will be learning and having fun together for the next five years, so they will be getting to know their Group Teacher and each other really well. Eventually, it is a real pleasure to see our Year 9’s become the leaders of their Group Classes, their Houses and the school. Their Group Teacher will help them with setting goals and put them in touch with the right people to get them involved in the wider life of the college. At a Year Group Assembly early in the year the students will hear about musical and dramatic opportunities and how to get involved in a sport. We encourage all our Year 9’s to make the most of their time at Wairarapa College.

With Wisdom and Courage

Learning for the FutureW E H AV E H I G H E X P E C TAT I O N S O F A C A D E M I C S U C C E S S F O R E V E RY S T U D E N T. C O U R S E

S E L E C T I O N S A R E B R O A D A N D G E N E R A L I N T H E F I R S T T W O Y E A R S A N D T H E N B E C O M E

M O R E S P E C I A L I S E D , D E P E N D I N G O N T H E S T U D E N T S ’ C A R E E R PAT H WAY S .

Kaiarahi Akoranga is an academic mentoring programme, specifically designed for Wairarapa College students. Each student has a teacher mentor who works with them and their families to focus on their learning. Every student meets with their mentor every ten days and families/whānau have one person to

contact about any concerns they might have or to give information to regarding their child’s learning. The relationship between students, whānau and mentors is key to the success of this programme. The students’ learning and assessment results can be tracked via the Kamar portal.

How Do We Continue to Support Our Students As They Progress Through The College?

When it is time to choose subject options for the following year, we encourage students, in consultation with their families, to talk to their subject teachers, the Deans, Group Teachers and the Careers Advisor, Mrs Beth Pottinger, to help them make these important life decisions. Students have the chance to take up vocational, high-interest courses, including automotive, beauty and hairdressing, offered by outside providers. The college works hard to make links between our students and employers or the tertiary sector. Our Language Resource Department, led by Mrs Ella Kokx, gives academic support to those students who need it, helping students achieve their potential. Lunchtime tutorials are also available and tutoring for hostel students.

Our on-site Youth Health Clinic promotes student health and development. We provide appropriate and accessible primary health care and health promotion. Leadership opportunities are provided throughout the school to help our students grow into well-rounded, responsible and engaged citizens. These leadership opportunities include Junior School Leaders in Year 9s and 10, Junior and Senior House Leaders, Student Council officers, Peer Mediators and Prefects. Wairarapa College is also involved in community initiatives, such as World Vision’s 40 Hour Famine fundraiser and Students Against Dangerous Driving. Our students are encouraged to apply for these leadership positions and to take up the many sporting, cultural, academic and community service challenges that are offered by the college.

Kia Mātau Kia Māia


Wairarapa College


Wairarapa College


Making the Most of Every DayH O U S E C O M P E T I T I O N SWhen you come to Wairarapa College, you will be allocated a group class that is made up of junior and senior students. Each class belongs to one of the six houses, Aorangi (blue), Maungarake (red), Puketoi (yellow), Rangitumau (purple), Remutaka (orange) and Tararua (green).Every year we hold various school events where house points are allocated. These great events include school athletics, cross country and swimming. We also hold an inter house singing competition, Tug O War and many other activities.The house competition is a fantastic school event and the winning house receives the Pottinger Shield at our end of year prize giving.

Sport is a vital part of life at Wairarapa College. We offer a wide variey of sports, both summer and winter. If you are interested in sport, then we are able to find you a place, no matter what your level of ability may be.Many staff, parents and members of the community are involved in sport at the college. We have success on a local, regional and national level. Our top sporting codes compete in high level grades in Wellington and Palmerston North.We are strongly represented by many teams competing in local school grades and afternoon competitions.We encourage you to take part in sport, at any level. It is a great way to make friends and to show your pride in the college. We play hard, but we play fair, and we always represent Wairarapa College to the best of our abilities.

S P O RT

Making the Most of Every DayH O U S E C O M P E T I T I O N SWhen you come to Wairarapa College, you will be allocated a group class that is made up of junior and senior students. Each class belongs to one of the six houses, Aorangi (blue), Maungarake (red), Puketoi (yellow), Rangitumau (purple), Remutaka (orange) and Tararua (green).Every year we hold various school events where house points are allocated. These great events include school athletics, cross country and swimming. We also hold an inter house singing competition, Tug O War and many other activities.The house competition is a fantastic school event and the winning house receives the Pottinger Shield at our end of year prize giving.

Sport is a vital part of life at Wairarapa College. We offer a wide variey of sports, both summer and winter. If you are interested in sport, then we are able to find you a place, no matter what your level of ability may be.Many staff, parents and members of the community are involved in sport at the college. We have success on a local, regional and national level. Our top sporting codes compete in high level grades in Wellington and Palmerston North.We are strongly represented by many teams competing in local school grades and afternoon competitions.We encourage you to take part in sport, at any level. It is a great way to make friends and to show your pride in the college. We play hard, but we play fair, and we always represent Wairarapa College to the best of our abilities.

S P O RT

I am part of the Year 9 Digital Technology class at WaiCol. The Digi Class is great because you get the opportunity to explore and create with different devices and applications. The teachers are great as well. You also get to meet new people and connect with them in many different ways. I look forward to seeing you at WaiCol in 2021!

C H E S T E R T H AW L E Y Y E A R 9

Hi, I am in WaiCol On Stage (WOS) at Wairarapa College. WaiCol is a very interesting and fun place with lots of opportunities, one of which is WOS. WOS is a full year class for Year 9’s where you learn drama and film skills and perform to an audience. WOS gives opportunities to people wanting to be on stage and people wanting to work behind the scenes. When you come into class, there is barely any book work and there are lots of fun games to play to warm up your skills. WOS is a perfect opportunity for Year 9’s to see what Drama is like and to get a taster of performing on stage. You learn so many skills, with not only performing on stage but also public speaking and film skills too.

S A S H A WAT S O N Y E A R 9Hi, I am in Year 9 at Wairarapa College. I am in the Sports Academy which I really enjoy. It is a cool class where we focus on our sports skills, fitness and wellbeing, and some units in other subjects have a focus on sport. I have had a successful first half year being selected in the 1st XI and Colts cricket teams, playing against other schools outside of the Wairarapa. I am looking forward to playing rugby and basketball this winter. I really like WaiCol because of the sporting opportunities and the many different subjects I get to try.

Hi, I am a Year 9 student enrolled in Whātonga Group Class.I like it in Whātonga because you get to learn more about your ancestors and yourself and you get to do kapa haka. Whaea Huria is also very supportive.

WaiCol is full of different opportunities, like getting to be a Junior House Leader or getting into a sports team . My personal favourite is hockey. If you choose to come to WaiCol it will be a fun experience.

AWAT E A C A R S W E L L Y E A R 9

student voice

S A M U E L PAY N E Y E A R 9

C O L L E G E FA R MThe Wairarapa College School Farm is primarily a teaching facility. It allows students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to gain practical experience on a working dry stock farm and horticultural block. One of our aims is to promote land-based industries as a viable career pathway, both in New Zealand and internationally. Students study a range of topics,

including plant production, soil management practices, animal husbandry, marketing and agribusiness. Senior students have the opportunity to gain credits in both NCEA achievement standards and practical unit standards.An exciting intiative in 2020 was getting three Angus Friesian calves for breeding by Artificial Insemination in the future.


Wairarapa College


Wairarapa College


WA I C O L O N S TA G EWaiCol on Stage is a Year 9 option course designed for students who have a passion for the performing arts. The course covers the elements of music, drama and dance in a fun and interactive way. Students show their learning through performance throughout the year and are encouraged to participate in events such as the college’s Variety Show, Big Sing, New Zealand Music Month and Vocal Spectacular. The end of the year is celebrated with an in-class production. kapa

haka

drama

music

choirs bands

variety show

major production

backstage

W H Ā TO N G A G R O U P C L A S SThe Whātonga Group Class is an initiative to support the Ministry of Education’s strategy for Māori to suceed as Māori. It’s like every other group class at WaiCol that meets in the morning to do school admin and in the afternoons for SSR. The difference is that there is a Māori cultural focus and students have to apply to be a part of the Whātonga Group Class. We welcome students of all nationalities and ethnicities.

backstageD I G I TA L L E A R N I N GThe Digital Learning Core Class is a Year 9 initiative that began in 2018. It explores learning through the use of digital devices in Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Science and Health. The presence of 1:1 devices opens up a vast array of new ways both to learn and show evidence of learning while lifting engagement in the process.

Wairarapa College offers a Sports Academy at Years 9, 10, 11 and 12. The Academy takes a holistic approach towards athlete development, where we look to improve students’ abilities and knowledge in their chosen sports.P U R P O S E

C O N T E N T

• To cater for WaiCol’s sporting talent by providinga pathway that focuses on developing all-roundathletes.

• To improve WaiCol’s performance in sport.• To enable students the time and guidance to

excel as athletes and promote sport for WairarapaCollege.

• To instil and enhance the school values of LEADin each student.

• To develop lifelong learning opportunities througha challenging and stimulating environment.

• To promote ideals in our young athletes that willenable them to make informed decisions aboutfurthering their involvement in sport.

Students will develop an understanding of the following, with the aim of implementing these into their own sports:• Sports nutrition• Specialist skill training• Goal setting• Time management• Fitness testing and programmes• Training methods• Skill development• Measuring improvement• Sports psychology• Team and individual philosophy• Dealing with success and failure• Coaching• Sports leadership

S P O RT S A C A D E M Y


Wairarapa College


Wairarapa College



Wairarapa College


Wairarapa College


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Wairarapa College...Wairarapa College oall ree atero 10 0 000 W}8 Á] }oXvÌ tWÁ] }oXvÌ Wairarapa College Prospectus 2021 Wairarapa College Prospectus 2021 WaiCol-Prospectus2021.indd