PROSPECTUS - Western Springs College
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WELCOME TO WESTERN SPRINGS COLLEGE Western Springs College is on the journey to become graduates who gain the academic a new school. The opportunity to construct new qualifications required for competitive access to sought-after tertiary buildings and facilities for 80% of the school presents level courses. the community with a state of the art, modern and innovative secondary school learning environment We have also reaffirmed our identity as a school distinctive for nurturing which will further enhance the delivery of an already individuality, creativity and critical outstanding education. thinking. Accordingly, we seek to offer an increasingly personalised All successful educational institutions the ways we need to change in education which recognises and benefit from self-review and self- order to future-proof the educational caters for the unique individual renewal. Planning for the new school experiences through which our interests and strengths of each of has sharpened our thinking both young people will thrive and develop. our students and in doing so opens about the essence of a Western We emphasise our commitment to up a range of challenging pathways Springs College education and about WSC’s core business of producing beyond school.
We retain our mission to develop For parents, membership of well-rounded young adults who our school community means hold sound values, including, ready access to, and direct above all, self-respect and respect communication with relevant staff for others. We celebrate our and the chance to belong to a coeducational and bi-cultural very active and supportive parent identity and the opportunities network with clear links to staff presented to establish healthy and trustees. friendships and to become at ease living and working with Ivan Davis, Principal people from the diverse range of backgrounds which is Auckland today. www.westernsprings.school.nz
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Western Springs College WSC NCEA PASS RATES has a well-earned NATIONAL AND SAME DECILE COMPARISON reputation for outstanding % Roll Achieving Qualifications WSC NZ Decile 8-10 National academic achievement Level 1 (Year 11) 92% 91% 85% within a safe, nurturing learning environment. Level 2 (Year 12) 96% 93% 89% Level 3 (Year 13) 90% 88% 82% Western Springs College provides students and families with the • Western Springs College: Top NZ Decile 8 state secondary school opportunity to experience a for seven consecutive years. secondary education within a school community that • Western Springs College: Top (first or second ranking) Auckland accurately reflects the diverse region state secondary for seven consecutive years. character of 21st century Auckland. Source for all statistics: www.nzqa.govt.nz For whanau of Maori students, the College provides the opportunity to be educated within the rumaki – Nga Puna O Waiorea – the Te Reo Maori immersion kura "They're doing something within the College. With a roll of 1600 students right out there by the zoo." Metro, July/August 2016 p51 Springs remains small enough to enable us to cater at a personal level for the individual needs of our students, but large enough A CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP to offer a comprehensive range WHERE GIRLS EXCEL...AND Last year, 31 Springs students gained BOYS DO TOO! NZ Scholarships. Extraordinarily, 16 of subjects and extra-curricula In their "Best Schools in Auckland" of these were from History – three experiences. feature of July/August 2016, Metro at an Outstanding level. Art Design 1% magazine states that: students gained six Scholarships, 7% OTHER PASIFIKA one at Outstanding level. "The top-ranked school for both girls 14% and boys is Western Springs College, The other subject areas in which ASIAN a decile 8 school with a strong kura students won Scholarships are: kaupapa unit." Biology, Dance, Economics, English, Media Studies, Music, Painting and Their story on gender achievement Physical Education. "shows the mainstream school that recorded the best results for girls... Two of our Pasifika students gained was not a Catholic school or any kind three Scholarships, one in Art of single sex school. but Western Design and two in History, one at Springs College and the same story Outstanding level and two students from Ngā Puna O Waiōrea also shows, the mainstream school that gained scholarships in History, achieved the same feat for boys was one at Outstanding level. also Western Springs." Metro Magazine, July/August 2016 23% 55% p56 and p51 MAORI NZ/EUROPEAN
COMING TO COLLEGE ENROLMENTS SCHOOL DONATIONS course fees to cover costs such as Parents/caregivers are asked to materials and write-on work books. Enrolments are governed by the make an annual contribution to the Ministry of Education enrolment scheme. Details are available on College’s funds to help provide for DRESS AND the college website and from the educational, cultural, social activities APPEARANCE and health services not covered by school office. Western Springs College has no government funding. Enrolments begin after Open Week formal uniform. The development of THE SCHOOL DONATION IS: sensible attitudes towards matters of in April. Parents/caregivers who live $500 if there is one student in the in-zone should contact the school dress and appearance is seen as part family; or $600 if there are two or office to arrange an enrolment of the education process. more students from a family. interview time with the deputy Dress should be neat and appropriate principal. School donations should be paid for all school related occasions. at the time of enrolment, or at The Board of Trustees has decided the beginning of the school year. It is not acceptable to wear to accept no out-of-zone enrolments Payment can be made by cash, clothing that is immodest or has for 2020. cheque or credit card. Arrangements offensive messages. In questions of SCHOOL DAY for automatic payment by instalment acceptability of dress, the College’s The school day begins at 9:00 a.m. can be made with the staff in the decision will be final. Parent support and ends at 3:15 p.m. school office. There are also subject is expected and appreciated. MISSION STATEMENT All students and staff, inspired by a love of learning, are challenged to discover and develop their unique personal strengths so that they are well equipped to share in the building of a just and sustainable society.
CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT PUTTING CRITICAL, EVALUATIVE of very few secondary schools to competitions, sporting activities, AND CREATIVE THINKING have introduced a compulsory Maori social and environmental activism, CENTRE STAGE Studies course in our junior school. performances and exhibitions are At Western Springs College we We were one of the first schools integrated into learning programmes design our curriculum so that to develop a strong, thriving Media and essential to the way Springs opportunities for higher-level thinking Studies presence across all year students learn. Making connections are part of normal tasks and students levels, and we are perhaps the across and beyond subject are actively involved in their learning. only NZ state school to have boundaries gives meaning From Health to Dance, and from Arts introduced Philosophy as an to learning. to Statistics, we expect our students elective for all year levels. to be leading the debate, posing new Accelerated students have the CONNECTING WITH OUR opportunity to take a university paper questions, and generating solutions. COMMUNITY AND RESPONDING under the auspices of the University DIVERSE PATHWAYS TO STUDENT NEEDS of Auckland Young Scholars Our curriculum structure is designed Our Education for Sustainability programme or as a distance learner to keep the doors open for all course connects students with Waikato University. students to University Entrance (U.E.), directly with sustaining our local while also providing opportunities for environment. The strong focus of the PERSONALISING ASSESSMENT direct connections with the world of History Department on New Zealand The College’s most recent work. Performing Arts Technology, history develops students’ awareness external reviews have affirmed our Hospitality and Catering Courses are of their bicultural identity, rooted in insistence that assessment should examples of these opportunities, as a sense of place. The introduction reflect rather than drive learning. are First Aid and Diving qualifications. of Digital Technology and Chinese These reviews have applauded High student uptake in English and across all year levels is a recent our attempts to personalise Mathematics courses, right through instance of the college responding to assessment by allowing and to Year 13, helps to ensure our student and parental interest encouraging alternative forms of outstanding U.E. pass rate. and demand. assessment; assessing students when they are ready; developing AT THE FOREFRONT OF BEYOND THE CLASSROOM acceleration programmes; and CURRICULUM INNOVATION Our curriculum does not stop developing multiple pathways The College has led the way in at the classroom door. Trips though NCEA courses. curriculum innovation. We are one and visits, cultural events and
STUDENT SUPPORT The college is organised and peer mentoring programmes, individual and group learning – how- into five houses – Atea, to-learn interventions, study skills and Kapura, Moana, Oranga examination technique workshops, and Whenua. Each has its and programmes for gifted and own Head of House who is talented students. responsible for the support CANTEEN and guidance of the Western Springs College encourages healthy eating habits amongst students in the form our students. There is available a classes in that house. selection of hot and cold food and drinks from breakfast time through to If you have a concern about any sports practice time in the afternoon. aspect of your child’s education, your There is a courtyard adjacent to the initial point of contact should be with canteen with picnic tables and sun the form teacher or with the head umbrellas for the students, making it by multi-levelling whereby students of your child's house. Support staff a real hub of the school. are able to study at a level suited to will call, or email, home if there are their ability. any concerns about student progress INDIVIDUALISED or attendance. CAREERS CENTRE PATHWAYS Career education is about developing Form classes consist of students Our overriding concern at Springs each student’s career management from all year levels. This ‘vertical’ is that all students receive an skills through self-awareness, organisation of students encourages education which meets their needs. exploring possibilities, decision- friendships across ages and enables Whatever a student’s future, Western making and taking action. Given us to build a family atmosphere. Springs College strives to provide ever-changing work trends and the GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING a successful pathway. need for career flexibility, students Our goal is to support students are prepared for the current work so that they are fit and able to In the junior school (Years 9 and situation and also ongoing education learn. Three counsellors provide a 10), students move in core classes and life role changes. It also facilitates confidential, easy-to-access service through the compulsory curriculum. links between the College and the which caters for all students. This Core classes give students stability of community, employers, industry is a self-referral process, although relationships. At Springs, year 9 and and tertiary institutions. heads of houses and families may 10 classes are relatively small and recommend an appointment with a consist of students of mixed ability. The Centre’s range counsellor. of services includes: There is a strong commitment to HEALTH CENTRE (WAIORA) mixed ability teaching at all levels in • 1:1 career counselling Within a specialist adolescent health the school. Our philosophy is that it is • Gateway – work-based learning care service, this centre delivers important to have high expectations • Years 9 – 12 career programmes high quality nursing care. The nurse of all students, all of whom we liaises with colleagues, families and believe to be intelligent in various • An extensive library of career outside health providers, as well ways. In our view it is indefensible resources for students exploring as carrying out a significant health and irresponsible to prematurely and future options education role. The school-based inaccurately label students’ ability • Regular career focus seminars physiotherapist provides treatment levels. • Facilitating attendance at for students each day of the week. Catering for individual needs interactive career workshops LEARNING CENTRE is achieved in a variety of ways provided by tertiary and career The Learning Centre offers a at Western Springs College. services comprehensive range of learning Differentiated teaching occurs within • Facilitating off-site career support programmes catering for all all junior classes. The Learning Centre exploration opportunities students at all levels. These include has been designed to help students specialist help to address literacy plug gaps in their learning skills. • CV preparation and interview and numeracy needs, peer reading Accelerated learning is made possible assistance
COLLEGE LIFE CULTURE All students are encouraged to become involved in cultural groups. Nga Puna o Waiorea competes very successfully in the two main annual cultural festivals in Auckland. Other cultural groups representing some of the many ethnic groups that make up our college community perform at various college concerts and events throughout the year, such as the annual Po Fia Fia Night. PERFORMING ARTS Western Springs College has a well-deserved reputation for innovative school dance and drama productions, devised musicals and multi-cultural events. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival and the school production. The Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC) provides a magnificent venue to support the creative talents of our dance, drama and music students. Technical aspects of theatre production are offered through the Performing Arts Technology courses in the senior school. MUSIC Active participation in music is the primary aim of the Music department. Performance of all styles of music is encouraged and students take part in events such as the talent quest, choir, jazz band, orchestra, DEBATING Debating is a popular extracurricular are able to play, practice and assemblies, evening performances, activity at Western Springs College. learn about chess as a social or a visits to local schools, fundraisers, Students who participate gain more competitive game. The club drama performances, the Smokefree confidence in public speaking and participates in the inter-secondary Rock Quest and the Auckland learn to think on their feet. They also competition. Secondary Schools’ Orchestra and Band Festival. The music department extend their general knowledge and COLLEGE BALL staff are supported by 11 part- develop their analytical skills. Our The Western Springs College Ball time tutors. Students have the teams traditionally do very well in the is always a lot of fun and a chance opportunity to participate in small inter-school competitions where we for students and staff to let their hair group instrumental tuition for flute, enter at junior, senior and advanced down (or put their hair up!). The Ball keyboard, piano, saxophone, clarinet, level. is held in the second or third term trumpet, trombone, cello, double CHESS CLUB each year. It is organised by the Ball bass, electric bass, drum kit, guitar, Many students enjoy the game Committee under the supervision violin, viola and voice. of chess. In Chess Club students of a Deputy Principal.
COMMUNICATION WITH HOME Parents and caregivers • Four Records of Achievement are enrolment interview. completed annually for each year are an integral part of • Enrolments at Western Springs are level, one in each term. their children’s education. made by appointment through • Parent teacher interviews the college office. At Western Springs follow the first two Records College we encourage • Parents and caregivers are of Achievement. consulted about students’ communication between • School Newsletters are published courses. home and school through are published three times a term. • There is ongoing contact a variety of avenues: They are emailed to all homes between form teachers, Learning and placed on the school website, Coordinators, head of houses and • An annual barbeque is held early newsletters are also distributed on home via telephone or email. in Term 1 for new families and request in hard copy form from staff to acquaint themselves. It is • Our website www.westernsprings. a relaxed, informal and friendly the school office. school.nz and the Parent Portal occasion. • Open Week is an opportunity keeps parents informed of for parents and their children – upcoming events. • Regular report evenings are held so that families can meet teachers current or prospective – to visit • The school website allows access to discuss each student’s progress the college during school to daily notices so parents can and, where necessary, to establish hours, meet staff, students monitor school activities and direct, ongoing links. Details of and other parents, and observe encourage their children to report evenings are included in classes during a conducted participate in the wide range the report email-out. tour prior to arranging an of opportunities available.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY MAORI TIKANGA striving towards achieving their INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS The marae is a vital part of the life of academic goals. Western Springs College welcomes the College and the local community. international fee-paying students. Maori tikanga (customs) and te reo Student academic success is We provide close individual attention Maori are accorded pride of place at enhanced by learning support and personal care for up to 100 Western Springs College. Both are through the Pasifika Homework international students from many integrated into formal ceremonies Centre and by celebratory events countries. At Springs we strive such as the senior prizegiving. such as the annual Fia Fia Cultural to ensure that our international Students in the English medium Performance Night and the end-of- students are able to enjoy more school study te reo Maori and tikanga year Pasifika Prizegiving ceremony. of New Zealand’s language and Maori (language and customs) on the culture through integration into the The Pasifika Student Achievement marae. mainstream student body. Co-ordinator and the Board of PASIFIKA Trustees representative share a For further information please refer Western Springs College strongly common vision for all Pasifika to the International Department over encourages Pasifika students to students to leave school with at the page. maintain their cultural links. One least an NCEA Level 2 Certificate way of achieving this is to join a qualification and to be fully equipped Pasifika form class and be part of for life beyond school. A key element a vertical (Years 9-13) group which is community and parent support: honours Pasifika traditions and the Pasifika staff strive to ensure that values. The philosophy is one contact between school and home of shared responsibility and is maintained. fellowship supportive of students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WHY SELECT WESTERN SPRINGS COLLEGE? 1. Outstanding NCEA certification Communication, Digital 5. Opportunities to experience rates: First placed New Zealand Technology, Fabric Technology, a multi-cultural environment; Decile 8* state school for seven and Food Technology. international students at Springs consecutive years. 3. A student leadership programme are from over ten nationalities. *Same decile schools are of for international students is 6. Our superb location: 6 similar social and economic aimed at enhancing personal kilometres from CDB and structure. and leadership development the city waterfront, and and supporting international situated within the popular 2. A reputation for strength in students to participate in and recreational area of Western providing both traditional and contribute to school life. Springs including its beautiful modern curriculum subjects 4. A wide range of sports and lakeside park, Auckland Zoo such as Art Painting, Art Design, other extra-curricular activities and Museum of Transport Photography, Media, Drama, are on offer. Technology. Dance, Music, Design & Visual
Rujikorn Sinlapaorankul | Thailand I feel at home at my homestay. I love PE and Art Design. The school is not too big, and I have lots of friends. The International Student Office organises many activities. They always try to help me. It is such a good country and good school where I can learn a lot. Yukiko Hirate | Japan Staying with a kiwi homestay is the best way to learn and get a taste of the NZ culture which is different from Japan. I am now more of a critical thinker, an independent teenager, and a confident learner. I like the business subjects such as Economics and Accounting, and I have achieved Merit or Excellence in all the subjects. Camila Nogueira | Brazil Here I can choose subjects that interest me: I learned professional dancing; I was trained to be a confident drama performer. I made a dress in Soft Material Technology class. We meet different people in each class. I feel so secure in New Zealand. I feel more independent. Being a student leader gave me pride and confidence. I developed my leadership and skills. Josefina Aguiluz | Chile Western Springs College has a great diversity of people who all respect each other. You can choose your subjects; and you can make many friends. I love History and Biology, Soft Materials Fashion Design and Food Technology. This is a valuable chance for me to learn English and experience the culture. I will benefit all my life. Tracy Chao XU | China The teachers here can be strict but they are very friendly and helpful. My favourite subject are Media and Economics. They’re cool and interesting. I watched the school production and it was fantastic. A big plus for me is that I don't have to wear a school uniform. I plan to go to the University of Auckland and study media and commerce. My homestay family treats me well and makes me feel comfortable. New Zealand has a relaxing atmosphere. People are very friendly. Kwon Nung Jang | Korea I changed to Western Springs College from a high school in Dunedin, in the South Island of New Zealand. WSC is such a great school, where it is easier to have local and international friends. All WSC staff and teachers are nice. I find the teachers here are more instructive at class and providing quality teaching. My favourite subjects are History and Graphic Design. I enjoy playing rugby at school. Not wearing a uniform makes me feel more comfortable.
FEE INFORMATION YEAR LEVEL TUITION FEE REFERENCE: 1 Year....................................................................................................$NZ 17,000.00 NCEA Level 3/Year 13: You will not One Term (Term 1, or Term 2, but not Term 3 or Term 4)........................... $NZ 4,500.00 be enrolled at Year 13 unless you have studied Year 12 at another Two Terms............................................................................................ $NZ 9,000.00 New Zealand high school; special Three Terms........................................................................................ $NZ 13,250.00 exceptions may be considered. (Students’ average age: 17-18 years old) Homestay Placement Fee (or Accomodation Supervision Fee).... $NZ 350.00 NCEA Level 2/Year 12: (Students’ Administration Fee............................................................................... $NZ 1,500.00 average age: 16-17 years old) . Homestay Accommodation $NZ14,20.00 per year....... $NZ 290.00 per week NCEA Level 1/Year 11: (Students’ NCEA Exam Fees (Years 11, 12, &13)........................................................... $NZ 383.40 average age: 15-16 years old). Course Fee (Textbook & Workbook):...........................................................$NZ 300.00 Years 10: (Students’ average age: 14-15 years old). Contingency Fee (refundable, for trips or emergency).................................$NZ 500.00 Year 9: (Students’ average age: (13-14). SUBJECTS PROVIDED CHOOSING SUBJECTS Western Springs College plans to provide the following subjects. Some All Year 11 (NCEA Level 1) students courses may not run due to small numbers of students choosing them: study English, Mathematics, Science Accounting, Art (Art Painting, Art Design, Art Photography, & Art History), and three other subjects. All Year Classical Studies, Dance, Drama, Economics, English, Environmental 12 (NCEA Level 2) students study Sustainabilitym, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), Geography, English and choose five other Health, History, Languages (French, Japanese, & Chinese), Mathematics, subjects. All Year 13 (NCEA Level 3) Media Studies, Music, Performing Arts Technology, Philosophy, Physical students have one study period and Education, Science (Biology, Chemistry, & Physics), & Technology (Graphics follow on from subjects that have design, Hard Materials Technology, Fabric Technology and Food Technology). been studied at Year 12. SCHOOL PROFILE International International Uniform School Type School roll Student Accommodation students roll requirement nationalities State 1600 110 10 No uniform Homestay only Co-educational More details available on school website: www.westernsprings.school.nz All airport pick-up and homestay placements are made by the school, with guardian service and after-hour support provided. Enrolment contact: Joanne Qiao, email: international@wsc.school.nz THE EDUCATION CODE: INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENROLMENT CALENDAR Western Springs College is the Term 1: End of January or beginning of February – Mid April signatory to Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Term 2: Late April or early May – Early July Code of Practice 2016. The Code of Practice is available Term 3: Late July – late September on the New Zealand Legislation Term 4: Mid October – late November or early December website at: (depending on NCEA exam timetable for each subject) www.legistlation.govt.nz/ regulation Notes: New international students can usually be enrolled in January, July, and September for Year 11 and Year 12.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP At Springs student leadership development is a core priority. All students are encouraged to engage with and develop leadership skills through opportunities which are current, have a real-life focus and are actively supported by the school and local community. We provide effective guidance and support in order to ensure a reflective approach to leadership development. At Springs we care about the emotional and physical well-being of our students, as well as caring for our environment. This is reflected within our student leadership team and junior learner council. Student house leaders work closely with heads of house to ensure the overall well-being and success of students within their house community, while portfolio leaders work within the areas of sport, culture, academic progress, international relations and environmental sustainability. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Health Wise, Travel Wise Enviroschools, Waste Wise and Travel Students are provided with a range Wise coordinators from Auckland of opportunities, including a Wises and Waste Wise leaders Council and representatives from the Camp, in order to develop both all work cohesively to District Health Board, our students leadership skills and sustainability develop Springs as a have access to a wide range of know-how. sustainable environment. experiences and skills. At Springs we pride ourselves in Wises leaders work closely with the developing young leaders who Supported by the research team from corresponding Wises Panel. Each of are well-informed, passionate and the Department of Psychology at the three Wises panels consists of proactive. the University of Auckland, as well as students from across all year levels.
SPORTS AT SPRINGS The sports programme at Western Springs College is under the leadership of well known Sports Director, Peter McIntyre. Under Peter’s auspices Springs students participate in a comprehensive range of intersecondary school sports competitions. Sports teams represent the College in 26 sports: tennis, volleyball, cricket, touch, water polo, athletics, swimming, dragon boating, softball, triathlon, waka ama, diving, cross country, netball, football, rugby, rugby league, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, table tennis, badminton, squash, orienteering, equestrian, sailing uphold the Fair Play Charter and we and skiing. encourage all students to participate Additionally, the Sports Director is for enjoyment, to show commitment able to cater for a wide range of and respect, and to play hard but fair. individual sporting pursuits through SPORTS ACADEMY the Auckland Regional College Sport Academy programmes are designed Programme. to advance the development of AWARDS students who excel in their chosen Our top sports people are honoured sport(s) and provide the opportunity at the annual college sports awards to gain the knowledge and skills to dinner. lead, manage and coach others. FACILITIES The programmes seek to motivate In addition to the gymnasium and students to aspire to reach their sports fields, students have access full potential both in their sport and to an all-weather, multi-sport turf their academic performance. The complex and the sports centre which Sports Academy offers programmes is the venue for the Sports Academy for students at all year levels. Entry classes. is through a process of application and selection. Special programme COACHING features include: A specially designated Board fund is used to employ coaches in high • Leadership Strategies demand sports such as netball, water Achievement Standards polo, basketball, football and cricket. • Open Water (or Intermediate) PARTICIPATION Dive Certificate We believe there are enormous • Intermediate First Aid and Sports benefits for students who participate Injury Management Certificates in sport. At Springs there are many opportunities to participate • Competition in the Auckland in competitive sports teams. We Secondary Schools Triathlon.
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