Prospectus PAKURANGA COLLEGE AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND - A FORWARD-THINKING, FUTURE-FOCUSED SCHOOL
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2021
prospectus PA K U R A NG A CO L L EG E
AUCKLAND • NEW ZEALAND
A F O R W A R D -T H I N K I N G , F U T U R E - F O C U S E D S C H O O L
our vision IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE YOU
TO THE PAKURANGA COLLEGE LEARNING
COMMUNITY.
I look forward to sharing an outstanding
learning partnership with you, that will be
problem-solving. Rather than being
‘repositories’ of knowledge, we expect
them to explore, investigate and
create innovative solutions, using the
many resources around them. These
are the skills that we believe our
supportive and successful for your child.
students will need for knowledge-
TO EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE; At Pakuranga College we place an emphasis based societies of the future.
on ownership of learning and being actively
EQUIPPED AND INSPIRED TO COURAGEOUSLY SHAPE TOMORROW’S WORLD. involved, so that our students are well equipped
Pakuranga College is an
exceptional school because
to succeed both now and in the future.
there is a balance between
our guiding principles
The role of our teachers is to establish high demanding the highest academic
quality learning environments, in which and behavioural standards, and
students can discuss and share existing the expectation that students, staff
knowledge and interact with new information, and parents are accountable for
their actions. There is also
INCLUSIVITY: INTEGRITY: CARE: INNOVATION: PARTNERSHIP: EXCELLENCE: emphasis on providing
KOTAHITANGA NGAKAU PONO MANAAKITANGA AUAHATANGA RANGAPU HIRANGA a caring, personal and
respectful environment, in
We are a We hold We build We are We work We believe
community true to our positive creative and better when there are which everyone is treated as an
that beliefs and relationships have the we work lots of ways individual and afforded respect
celebrates have the that reflect courage to together. to excel. We and dignity at all times.
diversity and courage to do our empathy, solve problems We share the inspire passion and As you begin your educational
individuality, where the right thing, at the respect and care for in new ways. We responsibility with pride in all members of journey with us, we hope you enjoy the
concepts and ideas. This level of engagement
being yourself is right time. We expect ourselves, others and believe that curiosity whanau to grow our learning community, incredible opportunities that are available, and
is developed through quality relationships
encouraged and transparency at all the environment. We when combined with well-rounded, happy by providing a wide take advantage of our outstanding facilities, the
with students, families and whanau. Teachers
respected. We are levels. Being honest are always mindful of critical thinking inspires and resilient young range of opportunities wide range of co-curricular activities, and the
dedicated to fostering and building trust is the wellbeing of each innovation. Our future citizens. Open and for them to be the challenge students to think, reflect and
exceptional teaching and support staff. We look
PAKURANGA COLLEGE PROVIDES
an environment in at the heart of what individual. Our learning focused community honest communication best they can be. evaluate their own progress.
which all members we do. community celebrates actively seeks new is the core of our Success is the result of Students are also encouraged to be interactive
forward to welcoming you into the Pakuranga A VERY SPECIAL LEARNING
College family.
of our learning
community can feel
the joy of learning and
personal discovery.
learning to meet
tomorrow’s challenges.
relationships. purposefully learning
from failures and
with teachers, technology and their peers,
Michael Williams
ENVIRONMENT. IT IS FOCUSED ON
to develop real understanding and, most
a sense of belonging. challenges. importantly, to apply their knowledge to Principal DEVELOPING OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
Our differences are our
strength. WHO ARE MORAL AND RESPECTFUL.
PAKURANGA COLLEGE OFFERS AN NCEA is based on the principle of ‘standards-based
INNOVATIVE AND FLEXIBLE CURRICULUM, assessment’. This means that a student’s achievement
DESIGNED TO PROVIDE BOTH BREADTH is assessed against agreed standards, rather than
AND DEPTH. OUR PHILOSOPHY IS BASED another’s performance. Most progressive countries
ON BUILDING LEARNING PROGRAMMES are now moving towards this approach, because
DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EVERY it provides much more explicit information about
STUDENT. individual achievement, rather than simply an overall
percentage score.
JUNIOR CURRICULUM
There are three levels of NCEA. At each level
In Years 9 and 10 the curriculum is designed for students must achieve a certain number of credits,
students to build a solid foundation across core and these can be gained over more than one year.
(compulsory) subject areas as English, Maths,
Science, Social Studies and Physical Students in the Senior school meet with their
Education/Health. subject teachers every day for one hour. This
significant amount of daily tuition helps to provide
However, students are also depth and academic rigor in all courses of study.
able to choose from a wide
variety of subjects within All students are encouraged to achieve Excellence,
the faculties of The Arts, which is now recognised through endorsement
Technology and Languages. certificates awarded at each level and in each course.
Each subject selected within ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
these areas is studied for
a minimum of half a year. For those students who require additional
This process allows students support in their learning, the Optimal Learning
to experience a variety of Centre (OLC) runs core classes in Years 9 and 10.
options, enabling them to make These have been modified in pace and content to
more informed choices for NCEA. ensure that students learn at the rate which enables
Both core and option subjects are
them to succeed. STUDENTS SHOULD FEEL POSITIVE
Students are in these classes to gain confidence, fill
taught by specialist subject teachers.
in their learning gaps, and receive extra support to THAT WHAT THEY LEARN TODAY WILL
SENIOR CURRICULUM prepare them for NCEA. [CONTINUED OVER]
In Years 11-13, students complete their NCEA
BE RELEVANT TO THEM AND HELP
(National Certificate of Educational Acheivement). THEM TO GROW INTO WHO AND WHAT
This qualification provides rigorous and relevant
information about student achievement and enables
THEY WANT TO BE IN THE FUTURE.
students to access universities around the world.
NCEA, RATHER THAN THE SINGLE FINAL HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION IS IMMEASURABLY
SUPERIOR AT PREDICTING THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST YEAR (AT UNIVERSITY). PROF JOHN HATTIE, UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
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 both in
and outside of the classroom which will extend PAKURANGA COLLEGE OFFERS
and stretch them. A WEALTH OF EOTC ACTIVITIES
These may include, for example, extension
classes and multi-levelling, collaborative AT A LOCAL, NATIONAL AND
problem-solving events, academic conferences
which challenge thinking and a wide range of
GLOBAL LEVEL. GROUPS OF
co-curricular activities on offer within the STUDENTS HAVE VISITED
school community.
A RANGE OF LOCATIONS IN
AUCKLAND, IN NEW ZEALAND
AND ACROSS THE WORLD,
INCLUDING JAPAN AND EUROPE.
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.
CLASSICS TRIP 2019
DUKE OF EDINBURGH 2019
STUDENTS ARE TAUGHT HOW TO MAKE USE OF
The world is changing, and schools have had to change Technology has enabled lots of new learning real world learning in authentic scenarios via a digital THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA SAFELY AND
too. Technology has flooded our lives, and there are opportunities that were never possible before. For device has also been shown to improve student
now very few jobs that don’t require us to interact example, we’ve used Skype to beam a NASA astronaut engagement. We know that when students are RESPONSIBLY. WE BELIEVE THAT PART OF OUR ROLE
with it at some level. As a result, we have a duty to into the classroom, so that students can speak directly engaged and motivated to learn, this leads to better
ensure that our students are lifelong learners who are to them in Houston, Texas! educational outcomes. IS TO EDUCATE AND GROW GOOD DIGITAL CITIZENS
prepared for the future.
This is obviously far more exciting than reading about At Pakuranga College, students are taught to use their WHO ARE RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS ONLINE.
Being able to remember and repeat information is space in a book. Students are now able to share their device effectively and appropriately. They have the
no longer the focus of a good education. Now, work and ideas with a worldwide audience, making flexibility to choose the best tool for each task, and
teaching and learning is less about the delivery of learning more authentic and relevant. some lessons may require no device use at all.
facts to students, and more about what they do
with this information.
WHY BYOD? TECHNOLOGY & NCEA
We have an effective BYOD programme at the College NCEA exams for senior students are moving to an
At Pakuranga College, we aim to grow and nurture that has been in place since 2011. This programme online environment. There are over 30 subject areas
skills in our students, such as creativity, innovation, requires all students to bring a device for learning. that now provide online examinations at the end of
problem solving, communication, and the ability to When every student in the school has their own the year. Student feedback, both nationally and at our
work together in teams. These are all essential for device, this opens up a huge range of possibilities school, has been very positive regarding the use of
the future. in the classroom. It enables teachers to personalise devices, and doing examinations digitally has become
CLIVE FRANCIS
WHAT IS ELEARNING? lessons for each student. It also enables students to the choice of most students. FACILITATOR, CORE EDUCATION
explore and present their learning in a way that suits
Here at Pakuranga College, we
their learning style.
SAFETY & SECURITY PAKURANGA COLLEGE HAS A LONG HISTORY OF
are leaders in eLearning and At Pakuranga College, we provide access to our
are constantly approached Another huge benefit of a student having their own
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN ELEARNING AND THE
wireless network for all students. We have one of the
by other schools to share device is that they can access their learning 24/7. INNOVATIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION.
best school networks in the country. It is extremely
our vision and practices Students no longer learn just at school during the day; fast, stable and secure. Students authenticate their
around its use. they can be learning and accessing resources at any WHAT STANDS OUT FOR ME IS THE SUPPORT GIVEN
device at the start of each day and we can track an
eLearning doesn’t
time from our online environments. All of our individual’s activity on our network 24/7. TO TEACHERS TO ADOPT INNOVATIVE PRACTICES
teachers use Google Classroom, which is an online THAT INCORPORATE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
simply involve
space where resources, instructions, tasks and
putting technology USE, AS WELL AS THE INVOLVEMENT OF STUDENTS
real-time conversations can take place.
and devices into
a classroom. It is a Evidence regarding digital devices used in schools
AS PARTNERS TO CO-CONSTRUCT WHAT THAT
complete change in the indicates that students are more engaged in PRACTICE LOOKS LIKE FOR THEM SO THAT IT IS
way teachers approach their learning when using a device, due to the TRULY EFFECTIVE TO ENHANCE THEIR LEARNING
teaching and learning. personalisation that it provides. Being able to provide
AND UNDERSTANDING.
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
STRIVE CONNECT CREATE REFLECT RESPECT
encouraged to be active participants in
STRIVE FOR OUR MAKE CONNECTIONS BE CURIOUS QUESTION AND THINK BUILD POSITIVE
the learning process. PERSONAL BEST WHAKAWHANAUNGATANGA AND DISCOVER HURITAO RELATIONSHIPS
NGANA - WORK TOGETHER WAIHANGA - ANALYSE MANAAKITANGA
- PARTICIPATE AND LEAD - EVALUATE
- SET GOALS - EXPLORE - EMPATHISE
- DISCUSS WITH OTHERS - ORGANISE
- SEEK CHALLENGE - INNOVATE - COMMUNICATE
- NEVER GIVE UP Connecting with others and working - PROBLEM SOLVE Reflecting on the quality of our - CARE FOR OURSELVES, OTHERS
together makes our learning more learning is key to understanding AND THE ENVIRONMENT
We aim for the best possible Curiosity leads to the discovery of
fun and engaging. obstacles recognising what we can
outcome in everything we do, new and innovative ideas. By respecting those around us,
SHAVON CLAASSEN, do to progress.
aiming for excellence in everything. SIMON MENEZES, and creating a positive atmosphere,
We value student voice highly. YEAR 10 CHARLOTTE TUKIRI,
ANAHITA MISTRY, YEAR 13 our learning and educational
All students are given the opportunity YEAR 11
YEAR 13 experiences will thrive.
to provide feedback and direction
IMANI RANASINGHE,
on what happens in classrooms and YEAR 13
around their school. As we have
examined how young people learn, we
have worked with students to identify
a series of learning values.
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’.
PAKURANGA COLLEGE HAS A Each House has a Dean and an Assistant Dean,
who are responsible for the academic success
RICH LEGACY OF ENSURING and wellbeing of its students. Within each House,
AN INCLUSIVE AND CARING students belong to a tutor group with other
students from Years 9 to 13. Tutor teachers work
ENVIRONMENT, IN WHICH closely with each student and their parent(s) or
caregiver(s) to ensure their time at Pakuranga College
EVERY STUDENT FEELS VALUED is enjoyable and successful. Senior students also take
an important role in supporting our junior students
AND DEVELOPS A STRONG as Peer Support Leaders.
SENSE OF BELONGING. 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 In addition, the Student Support Faculty runs a We also make use of Facebook and Instagram to
range of proactive programmes designed to meet highlight upcoming events and celebrate student
The work of the Deans and tutors is supported
students’ needs. achievement, both inside and outside of school.
by our Guidance Counsellors, youth
workers and the school nurse. Students PARENT PARTNERSHIP THE INCREDIBLE PEER-SUPPORT
are able to access any of these We believe that communication with PROGRAMME THAT WE HAVE HERE
support people during the parents and caregivers is essential to HELPS STUDENTS TO BOND AND
school day. each student’s learning as it supports FORGE RELATIONSHIPS, WHICH
Counsellors work with the learning partnership between the LAST THROUGH THEIR YEARS
students on a confidential student, caregivers and the College. AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE AND
basis and can also provide Students receive four progress reports BEYOND. ON THE FIRST DAY,
referrals to other agencies, throughout the year. There are also EVERYONE IS A BIT NERVOUS, BUT
if appropriate. a number of Tutor Evenings, Group IT BECOMES A SHARED EXPERIENCE
Parents are welcome to Conference Days and Verbal Report Evenings, BETWEEN STUDENTS THAT KINDLES THE
contact the guidance team which provide an opportunity to meet your child’s FLAMES OF LONG-LASTING FRIENDSHIPS. OUR
at any time if they have teachers and discuss their learning. HOUSES BECOME OUR FAMILY AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE.
concerns about their child’s Parents have access to their child’s progress, YOUR DEANS WILL SUPPORT YOU WHOLEHEARTEDLY
emotional wellbeing. Our youth attendance and academic reports at any time via our THROUGHOUT YOUR TIME HERE, AND THE MEMORIES MADE
workers provide another level of online Parent Portal. In addition, a digital newsletter AT INTER-HOUSE EVENTS WILL LAST A LIFETIME.
support to students through mentoring is sent out every two weeks, to keep parents and ANAHITA MISTRY
and friendship. caregivers up to date with what is happening. YEAR 13, HOUSE CAPTAIN
SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES We have access to excellent school and
community facilities including an athletics track,
Sport is a great opportunity for students
indoor cricket facilities, hockey turf, netball and
to experience teamwork, to develop their
tennis courts, large year-round heated swimming
communication skills and to learn about
pool, gymnasiums, weights rooms, and extensive
commitment. The College employs three full time
rugby and soccer grounds.
AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE, WE
sports staff and offers all major codes. We also
employ specialist coaches in a wide range of sports THE ARTS ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING
so that students are given the very best coaching
available. A large number of teachers and parents
The co-curricular programme supports and A HOLISTIC EDUCATION THAT
extends the formal Arts curriculum by providing
also offer assistance in the various sporting events. opportunities for all students to participate INCLUDES OPPORTUNITIES
We encourage fair play, participation and enjoyment, and learn.
with a commitment to achieving excellence to the FOR PARTICIPATION IN A WIDE
In Music, students can sign up for individual
highest possible level. This includes competing
at national tournaments and taking part in
instrument lessons regardless of the level – beginner RANGE OF ACTIVITIES. WE OFFER
through to advanced.
international sports tours.
We also offer a wide range of music opportunities
OUTSTANDING FACILITIES AND
PAKURANGA COLLEGE UNDERSTANDS HOW in the form of organised groups; from orchestra, AN EXTENSIVE CO-CURRICULAR
IMPORTANT MY CRICKET IS TO ME AND MY chamber music ensembles and quartets, through
TEACHERS WERE REALLY SUPPORTIVE IN to the College jazz band, rock bands and choirs. PROGRAMME, THAT ENABLE
The emphasis is on performance, and we provide
HELPING ME TO BALANCE ACADEMIC STUDY
AND MY SPORTING CAREER. WITH THEIR HELP frequent opportunities for students to do this both
STUDENTS TO EXCEL AND FULFIL
I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN GOOD RESULTS IN MY at school and in external competitions. THEIR POTENTIAL OUTSIDE THE
STUDIES, AT THE SAME TIME AS ACHIEVING MY Each year the College puts on a major musical
SPORTING GOALS. I’M REALLY EXCITED TO BE production; most recently Guys & Dolls and High CLASSROOM.
GOING TO AUT TO STUDY PHYSIOTHERAPY School Musical. We are also very proud of our
NEXT YEAR. annual Dance Showcase event, for which tickets
SKYE BOWDEN are always in high demand. In addition, students
NZ WOMEN’S INDOOR CRICKET TEAM, are involved in a wide range of activities and
NZA WOMEN’S CRICKET DEVELOPMENT SQUAD competitions from Stage Challenge to the College’s
own Shakespeare players. [CONTINUED OVER]
THE ARTS [CONTINUED] In the Junior school (Years 9 and 10), students are creating musical performances that showcase
All of these activities provide opportunities also encouraged to be involved in the student their cultural heritage. In addition to the Cultural
for students to be involved: on stage, backstage, councils, many of which have a junior leadership Council, we have a wide range of culture groups
through music, sound & lighting and set group within them. which enhance and extend education
construction. They are also a great way for them and leadership opportunities
In addition, we run a leadership training programme
to take on authentic leadership roles, as well as for our students.
specifically for junior students. This is conducted
just helping out. by senior students, (a leadership role for them),
Another highlight in our co-curricular calendar and aims to help our younger students think more
is the House Arts Challenge, in which students explicitly about their leadership skills and how to
from each House create and perform a piece develop them.
or pieces from disciplines of Dance,
LEADERSHIP ENTAILS HELPING EVERYONE
Drama, Music and Visual Arts. As with
REALISE AND MAXIMISING THEIR
our inter-House sporting events,
the title and associated bragging INNER LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL. AT
rights are hotly contested PAKURANGA COLLEGE, LEADERSHIP
each year. SKILLS ARE DEVELOPED THROUGH
EVERYDAY ACTIONS AND SMALL ACTS
STUDENT LEADERSHIP OF KINDNESS AS WELL AS TAKING
At Pakuranga College, we place INITIATIVE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE
considerable emphasis on the WIDER COMMUNITY. OUR SCHOOL
development and support of student STRONGLY VALUES THE PRACTICE OF
leadership at all levels. To provide SELF-LEADERSHIP, NOT ONLY TO BECOME
authentic opportunities for students to develop
BETTER VERSIONS OF OURSELVES, BUT TO DEVELOP
their leadership skills, we have empowered our
A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN A COLLECTIVE VISION.
student councils, which cover every aspect of
JASON PENG
school life, to make a real difference both within YEAR 13, HEAD STUDENT
the College and beyond.
The House Leader and House Captain roles also
CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES
provide important opportunities for students to The wide cultural diversity of the College is
get involved and exercise leadership. These roles represented in a number of groups ranging from
link closely with our Peer Support Programme, tangata whenua to the Pacific, Africa, Asia, and the
which aims to assist in new students’ transition Indian sub-continent.
into the College. Our diversity is a source of great pride, and it is
In all of our co-curricular activities, whether it is celebrated and promoted with the help of the
sport, the arts, cultural groups or student councils, student Cultural Council. This group organises a
we enable and expect our students to take on range of activities throughout the year, including the
leadership roles that are critical to the team or Cultural Expo and the much-anticipated Cultural
group running successfully. Evening, for which students spend several weeksSPORTS
HEATED COMPLEX
POOL GYM
PLAYING
FIELDS
IN RECENT YEARS, THESE FACILITIES HAVE INCLUDED:
LIBRARY
• New sports complex with gymnasium • Classroom upgrades
VISUAL
ARTS
SITE OF OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES FEELS IT IS VITAL and classrooms • Additional car parking for staff and
NEW
• Sports fields upgrade community members who use our
BUILDING THAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE THE BEST POSSIBLE facilities after hours
- 2021 ASTRO • Swimming pool upgrade
COLLEGE
TURF LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. AS RESULT, IT HAS • Fitness centre Our most recent project is a new
HALL INVESTED IN EXCESS OF $6 MILLION OF LOCALLY • Creation of Visual Arts suite building containing 12 classrooms, which
is due to be completed in April 2021.
• New astro-turf
RAISED FUNDS OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS IN • Cricket practice wickets
Construction is currently underway
adjacent to the Pakuranga Highway.
PROVIDING UPGRADED FACILITIES. • IT infrastructure (this is now one of This is a joint venture with the Ministry
the best in the country) of Education, with the College
• Construction of exterior decking and contributing almost $1M to the project
shelter areas to ensure it goes ahead.Through careers education and guidance, our team of
NATHAN ROBERTS NATHAN MORTON LINDSAY DANIELS BENNY SHEN JESSICA WILLIS SIONE MAAMA
Careers Advisors helps students to make decisions about ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE, VIDEO JOURNALIST, PROFESSIONAL ACTRESS. BDS DENTISTRY, MARKETING & CO-OWNER,
their future, and supports their successful transition ETCO AND DALTON ELECTRICAL. NEW ZEALAND HERALD. UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO. PRODUCTION COORDINATOR, GI RISE BASKETBALL ACADEMY.
After attending Pakuranga College,
from school to further education or work. Our
education programme encourages students to I’ve always been a hands-on person I’ve always been a media fanatic - with I went on to The University of Auckland I chose Dentistry because I wanted OXYGEN EVENTWORKS, After studying Business at AUT, I am
and sitting at a desk doesn’t appeal to a passion for filming, editing, news and and gained a Bachelor of Arts, majoring to combine my love for science, NEW YORK. now running GI Rise – a basketball
realise their full potential by helping them to
me, so I chose to do an apprenticeship everything in between! When I was in in Drama and minoring in English. During coaching academy that I started with
develop self-awareness and foster their personal health and interpersonal relations.
rather than going on to tertiary study. my third year at Pakuranga College, this time, I was represented by an acting After studying for a Bachelor of Arts in my brother while still at university.
qualities. They learn to explore the world of work It’s extremely exciting for me because
The great thing about having a trade is I was given an internship opportunity agency. Event Management at AUT, I applied We work with individual athletes from
and training and manage career decisions and I get to use my own hands to make
that it gives you the option of running at the local paper where I was able to for the AUT Internz International amateur to professional level and even
opportunities for themselves. I’ve done a variety of projects such as quite dramatic improvements to a
your own company in the future, plus begin building towards a future in news Scholarship Programme to live and sell our own merchandise online.
TV commercials, short films and guest patient’s wellbeing.
Work experience and our Gateway programme you don’t get into debt while you and broadcast. work in New York City for a year.
appearances. However, my career I have also started a junior Tongan
provide students with opportunities to experience are training. I love the tight-knit student
One thing led to another and my highlights so far have been securing a No two days are the same – from basketball academy here in Auckland,
‘real life’ situations in different industries, to enable community and culture here at
I love the mental and physical small steps taken in college led to role on Shortland Street in 2016, as well weddings to concerts to marketing which is funded by a Pacific community
them to make informed decisions about their future Otago University, and living away
challenges of what I do, and I recently being accepting into the New Zealand as a leading role (Malika) in drama series launches to fancy cocktail parties. I company. In addition, I run the ‘Pak
education, training and employment. from home is definitely a bonus. It’s
represented the companies that I work Broadcasting School. A year on I’m ‘Alibi’ in 2018 (TVNZ on demand). get to work with and meet amazing Basketball Academy’. This targets all
also a fantastic way to transition people. We’ve organised events for
for at the national finals of the ECANZ working as a video journalist for the To make it in this industry you have to be development players, (those who don’t
into being a more independent adult. Maybelline, NYFW, Google, Mini
Challenge, which is an electrical skills New Zealand Herald (Local Focus). talented, hard-working and thick skinned. make top teams) and helps them to
Cooper, Mont Blanc and Ray Ban.
competition. I was once told, “Auditioning is the work. I hope to work as a dental house develop their skills and confidence
I’ve even had the honor of being
Work is the perk”, and this is a quote I live surgeon in hospital after I graduate, What I love about event management both on and off the court.
In the future I’d like to have my own nominated for a national award,
business and I’m also interested in only months after starting my job! It by. The NZ film industry is really starting and then move into private practice. are the people, the music, networking As far as studying goes, I’m currently
AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE WE PROVIDE working in the TV production industry. all started from simply taking each to boom and there is so much more and the upbeat atmosphere. It’s such in the middle of a Tongan language
opportunity for young NZ talent coming a fast-paced industry and each day is
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL STUDENTS TO REALISE Fortunately, I’ll have lots of options! opportunity at Pakuranga College as it
came. The rest just fell into place. from both American and Australia. My different. I didn’t want to settle for a
course at Manukau Institute of
Technology. This is important to me
job where money was the focus, and it
THEIR OWN PERSONAL VISION OF SUCCESS. future goal is to become successful
internationally and I am working hard to has proven to be more than worth it.
as I’ve grown up around the Tongan
culture, and not being able to speak
achieve this by continuing to train and Not a day feels like work! the language fluently has been
develop my skills. something I knew needed to change to
enable me to push Tonga basketball to
where it needs to be.We value the diversity and
vibrancy that international
students have been
bringing to our school
for more than 20 years.
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. ESOL classes are provided at all levels, where STUDYING AT PAKURANGA
required. International students are encouraged COLLEGE IS AS JOYFUL AS IT
to enter NCEA, New Zealand’s internationally IS EXCITING. I HAVE BEEN
recognised secondary school qualification. LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE A
International students should bring digital devices 2020 POHUTUKAWA PEER
to New Zealand, e.g. laptops or iPads, to use in their SUPPORT LEADER, SCIENCE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS lessons. A digital translator is also encouraged for CLUB EXECUTIVE, AS WELL
students who require language assistance. Our online AS ONE OF THE INTERNATIONAL
ARE INTEGRATED INTO REGULAR Parent Portal is especially useful for parents overseas HEAD STUDENTS FOR 2020.
who can use this facility to access their children’s
CLASSES WITH LOCAL STUDENTS. attendance and NCEA results.
THROUGH EACH OF THESE ROLES, MY LEADERSHIP
SKILLS HAVE IMPROVED AND I’VE BEEN ABLE TO
THEY CAN CHOOSE FROM A WIDE Our international students live with families in the ENLARGE MY SOCIAL CIRCLE. IT IS SUPER EASY TO GAIN
Pakuranga College area. These families are carefully
RANGE OF SUBJECTS AND ARE selected by our dedicated and experienced
CONFIDENCE AND MAKE DECENT PROGRESS IN ENGLISH
WITH THE HELP OF MY CLASSMATES AND TEACHERS.
homestay staff, who regularly interview both
ABLE TO MIX WITH A VARIETY OF students and families. HERE AT PAKURANGA COLLEGE, I’M ABLE TO DO STUDY
COURSES SUCH AS BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS,
OTHER STUDENTS. THAT I PARTICULARLY ENJOY DOING. AFTER LEAVING
COLLEGE, I WOULD LIKE TO STUDY DENTAL SURGERY OR
DENTISTRY AS MY MAJOR AT UNIVERSITY.
LEO LIU, CHINA
YEAR 13, INTERNATIONAL HEAD STUDENTPAKURANGA COLLEGE
Pigeon Mountain Road I Half Moon Bay I Auckland 2012 New Zealand
PO Box 82090 I Highland Park I Auckland 2143 New Zealand
T: (09) 534 7159 I www.facebook.com/PakurangaCollege I www.pakuranga.school.nzYou can also read
