The Waitakere Way: learning, caring and respect

• We are all here to learn.
• We all care for each other.
• We treat everyone with respect.

These three values are essential prerequisites for our goal of raising student achievement. We have a vision for every student: 'Achievement for All'. Our teachers believe every student can achieve.

We have strong connections with families and community, including:

• Year 9 Parents' welcome evening, NCEA Achievers' assemblies, Maori parents' hui, Pasifika parents' fono, Shine enrichment celebration, Waipuna celebration, Performing Arts Variety Night.
• Weekly report cards for Year 9 and 10 students.

We meet the diverse learning needs of our students by offering:

• Shine - our challenging programme for Gifted and Talented students.
• A Performing Arts programme for those with a passion for performance.
• Thinking skills - part of the curriculum for every student.
• Learning Support: extra classes to boost reading levels to national standards for those who need it.
• Inclusion Support Centre for students with learning and physical disabilities.
• English for speakers of other languages.
• Tracking of individual students, with target groups for those who need an extra push to succeed.
• 3.05 Hive, our busy homework centre.

We have strong support systems:

• Year 9 and 10 Deans to ensure a smooth transition into secondary school.
• Homegroup teachers who care about the individual.
• House Leaders provide care and support for the students in their house.
• House cards offer recognition for achievement as well as friendly competition.
• An holistic Student Support Centre with Counsellors, Careers Advisors, Youth Workers and a Nurse.
• Trained students offer support as peer supporters, mediators, tutors and Kiwi-buddies.

We Offer:

SPORTS AND LEADERSHIP

• Variety of sporting codes on offer each season, with high levels of participation.
• Football Academy provides specialist tutoring for talented soccer players.
• Sports Award Dinner - our annual celebration of sporting achievement.
• Many different opportunities for leadership, as prefects, ambassadors, peer supporters, peer sexuality contact, Kiwi-buddies and tutors.

ARTS AND CULTURE

• Our achievements in the performing arts have been recognised by the Education Review Office (2007).
• Our culture groups are well represented in the ASB Cultural Festival: Kapa Haka, Samoan, Cook Island, Tongan, Indian, Korean and Thai groups.
• Annual School Musical and Talent Quest are packed-out highlights.
• Arts and Culture Week is an annual celebration of the artistic talents and many different cultures within the College, followed by the Arts and Cultural Awards Ceremony.
• Our Performing Arts class won the 2007 Fair Go Award Competition.

TRANSITION TO WORK

• Our Gateway Programme is recognised nation-wide as a leading example for providing structure work-place learning opportunities for senior students.
• Our Services Academy is one of a few in the country that offers another pathway to future employment in the armed forces, police or other service roles.

Waitakere College students have a right to learn in a safe environment. Our School Rules and Expectations can be found HERE.