RONGOTAICOLLEGE

Lumen accipe et imperti • Take the light and pass it on • Kapohia te ma-tauranga me ho-atu ra-

PROSPECTUS

WELCOME TO RONGOTAI COLLEGEE nga- mana, e nga- waka, e nga- karangarangatanga o te motu, te-na koutou

As parents and guardians of young males about to enter secondary education, you will want the best for your son. Rongotai College has a proud tradition of achievement in academic, sporting and cultural activities.

Rongotai College is a caring, supportive community, which is committed to helping every boy become the best he can be. It sets standards for boys to aspire to; it values tradition; it encourages excellence in all things; it recognises and celebrates the differences of our students; it provides the opportunities for boys to expand their range of skills and abilities as they work through the process of realising their potential and becoming good men.

We are proud of our college’s heritage and look forward to the future. I hope you will become a part of this future and experience something of the culture and spirit of this fine college.

Nau mai haere mai.

Kevin Carter, M.A.(Hons), Dip. Tchg.Principal

WHY RONGOTAI COLLEGE?Rongotai College offers:• atraditionofacademicachievement• astrongemphasisonnationalqualifications• atopqualityeducationforallstudentsatalllevels• arangeofteachingprogrammeswhichmeettheneedsofallstudents• excellenceinsportingandculturalactivities• soundsupportforallstudentsandfair,firmdiscipline• anexperiencedandhighly-qualifiedteachingstaff,madeupofcaringteacherswhoareinvolvedwithallareasof

school life• opportunitiesandchallengesforboysofallabilitiesandinterests• awell-resourcedschoolproviding21stcenturylearningopportunities.

Matthew Chadwick (attended Maungaraki School)

The thing I really like about Rongotai is the sense of brotherhood and school spirit. When I was waiting for the bus at the Railway Station, I stood by myself. One of the bigger Rongotai boys came over

and asked why I was standing alone. He told me to come over and sit with the others. It doesn’t sound much, but to a Year 9 boy who wants to be a part of the ‘Rongotai family’, it means lots.

Kiran Richards (attended SWIS)

I love Rongotai because in every class you feel you’re learning something new and exciting. The teachers know their stuff and are really enthusiastic. Because of this, you feel their passion in the

classroom. Our teachers push us to do our best and we feel that sense of achievement you get when you know you have done the best that you can.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT RONGOTAI COLLEGE

YEAR 9All students study the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Health and Physical Education. During the first term, all students receive four hours’ teaching in each option subject (Art, Economics, Latin, Samoan, Spanish, Maori, Music, Graphics, Materials Technology). They then choose two of these subjects to continue learning for the rest of the year.

YEAR 10All students study the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Health and Physical Education. They choose two option subjects which they study for the full year.

YEAR 11Boys study six subjects. English, Mathematics and Science are compulsory.

YEAR 12Boys study five or six subjects. It is possible to repeat Level One courses.

YEAR 13Boys study five or six subjects at the appropriate N.C.E.A. level.

CURRICULUMCourse Structure SUBJECT YEAR 9 SUBJECTS YEAR 10 SUBJECTS N.C.E.A. LEVEL ONE - YEAR 11 N.C.E.A. LEVEL TWO - YEAR 12 N.C.E.A. LEVEL THREE - YEAR 13 Art Art Art Visual Art Design Photography Painting Photography

Economics Economics Economics Economics Economics Accounting Accounting Accounting Retail Studies (National Certificate Year1&Year2)

Basic Computing Basic Computing 3D Animation Digital Graphics Programming Web Design Web Design

English* English* English* English* English Drama Drama Drama Media Studies Media Studies

Health and Physical Education* Health and Physical Education* Physical Education Physical Education Physical Education Outdoor Education Outdoor Education Elite Sport Elite Sport

Latin Latin Latin Samoan Samoan Samoan Samoan Samoan Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish

ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL Junior Literacy Junior Literacy Literacy

Te Reo Maori Te Reo Maori Te Reo Maori Te Reo Maori Te Reo Maori Maori Performing Arts Maori Performing Arts

Mathematics* Mathematics* Mathematics* Mathematics Calculus Statistics&Modelling

Music Music Music Music Theory Music Theory Music Performance Music Performance

Science* Science* Science* Science Biology Biology Chemistry Chemistry Physics Physics

Social Studies* Social Studies* Classical Studies Classical Studies Geography Geography Geography History History History

Design&VisualCommunication Design&VisualCommunication Design&VisualCommunication Design&VisualCommunication Design&VisualCommunication MaterialsTechnology MaterialsTechnology AutomotiveEngineering(Year1&Year2) Construction Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering

Hospitality&Catering Hospitality(Year1&Year2) Vocational Studies (last year of school)

Subjects marked * are compulsory. Subjects marked * are compulsory. Subjects marked * are compulsory Choose five or six options. Choose five or six options. Choose two option subjects. Choose two option subjects. Choose another three options.

George van Dyk (attended Hataitai School)

I love Rongotai College because it is a safe and interesting learning environment. There are always fun and interesting things to do, such as sports and music – you are always welcomed to join in, even if you’re not the best at that pursuit. What really

struck me as a newcomer to Rongotai was the variety of cultures and interests of the students, which means it’s not hard to make new friends. Rongotai College is a very good school academically and has, in my opinion, some of the friendliest and smartest teachers in Wellington who will help me achieve my NCEA goals.

Tohe Wanoa (attended Seatoun School)

I love Rongotai College because the students and the teachers treat everyone with respect. I also love it here because there are so many academic, sporting and cultural opportunities, and opportunities to have new experiences. There are many different cultures to learn about and a huge variety of new activities to try.

Vocational Studies

Technology

Social Sciences

Science

Music

Mathematics

Maori

LearningSupport

Languages

Health and Physical Education

English

Digital Technology

Commerce

Art

CURRICULUMCourse Structure SUBJECT YEAR 9 SUBJECTS YEAR 10 SUBJECTS N.C.E.A. LEVEL ONE - YEAR 11 N.C.E.A. LEVEL TWO - YEAR 12 N.C.E.A. LEVEL THREE - YEAR 13 Art Art Art Visual Art Design Photography Painting Photography

Economics Economics Economics Economics Economics Accounting Accounting Accounting Retail Studies (National Certificate Year1&Year2)

Basic Computing Basic Computing 3D Animation Digital Graphics Programming Web Design Web Design

English* English* English* English* English Drama Drama Drama Media Studies Media Studies

Health and Physical Education* Health and Physical Education* Physical Education Physical Education Physical Education Outdoor Education Outdoor Education Elite Sport Elite Sport

Latin Latin Latin Samoan Samoan Samoan Samoan Samoan Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish

ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL Junior Literacy Junior Literacy Literacy

Te Reo Maori Te Reo Maori Te Reo Maori Te Reo Maori Te Reo Maori Maori Performing Arts Maori Performing Arts

Mathematics* Mathematics* Mathematics* Mathematics Calculus Statistics&Modelling

Music Music Music Music Theory Music Theory Music Performance Music Performance

Science* Science* Science* Science Biology Biology Chemistry Chemistry Physics Physics

Social Studies* Social Studies* Classical Studies Classical Studies Geography Geography Geography History History History

Design&VisualCommunication Design&VisualCommunication Design&VisualCommunication Design&VisualCommunication Design&VisualCommunication MaterialsTechnology MaterialsTechnology AutomotiveEngineering(Year1&Year2) Construction Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering

Hospitality&Catering Hospitality(Year1&Year2) Vocational Studies (last year of school)

Subjects marked * are compulsory. Subjects marked * are compulsory. Subjects marked * are compulsory Choose five or six options. Choose five or six options. Choose two option subjects. Choose two option subjects. Choose another three options.

Micah Hill-Smith (attended EBIS)

Rongotai College has been brilliant for me. It has allowed me to thrive academically. In all of my classes I have been challenged and always allowed to go that step further to understand the next important thing. I’ve been able to learn languages I would never have considered before. I have been able to branch out into areas of sport and music that I had not previously ever been a part of.

Rongotai may not be as large as other colleges, but I have never felt lost, forgotten or that I was just another student.

Joshua Rippon (attended EBIS)

I have just left Rongotai College and am attending university in Auckland on a University of Auckland Scholarship. I love Rongotai because my teachers helped me to recognise my passion for Science and Mathematics, which has guided me towards the academic career I am now aiming for.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMESGifted and Talented ProgrammesThe school welcomes students with special talents and gifts. In collaboration with parents and teachers, every endeavour is made to create a personalised learning programme for the individual so that these talents are fostered and extended.

Tamatoa: Teaching Students with Special NeedsIndividual programmes of learning are a specialty of Tamatoa, where students with special physical or intellectual needs are able to learn in a supportive and proactive atmosphere. Our aim is that all boys gain vital skills to enable them to lead a positive and productive life. Students are mainstreamed where appropriate.

International Student ProgrammeRongotai College hosts international fee-paying students from a variety of countries. We are fortunate to be able to draw upon a range of welcoming family environments in close proximity to the school, where our students can experience the New Zealand way of life.

Our Dean of International Students supervises the comfort, security and wellbeing of the boys, as well as overseeing their academic programme. The boys can choose from a wide range of academic subjects and take specialised ESOL programmes. We encourage the boys to take part in sporting and cultural activities in the school, so that they can develop excellence in the English language and foster lifelong friendships.

STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELL-BEINGA number of people provide support for students, enabling them to fulfill their potential in learning, in their relationships with others and in their personal well-being.

CLASSROOM TEACHERS - provide subject specific and learning support contact

FORM TEACHER - has daily contact with students

DEAN - provides overall support for a year level

GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR - provides specialised counselling and assistance

DENTAL SERVICE PROVIDER - on-site consultations and appointments minimise disruptions

HEALTH NURSE - private consultations on health issues

PREFECTS and SENIOR STUDENTS - provide assistance with adherence to school rules and support for younger students

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION - provide oversight and organisation of pastoral care network

Pledge For AchievementThe Rongotai College Pledge for Achievement is our basis for learning, stated as the Rongotai ABCDE.

Attend every lesson and be on timeBring everything you need and begin work straight awayComplete all classwork and homeworkDo as you are asked and behave properlyExpect to be the best that you can be

CommunicationWebelievethatfrequentandopendialoguebetweenthehomeandtheschoolisavitalpartofthesharedresponsibilityfor a student’s education, and provides our students with a strong platform for success. Regular communications include newsletters, teachers telephoning home, individual interviews with parents, personal contact by senior staff, parents’ evenings,successlettersandprogressreportsasandwhenrequired,aswellasfourschoolreportseachyear.

Non-Violence PolicyIn order to promote the school as a safe learning environment, the Board of Trustees has adopted a Non-Violence Policy, which is rigidly enforced. This policy stresses no violence in terms of physical violence towards others, spoken violence towards others, violence towards property, and violence to oneself (the use of harmful substances).

ARTS, SPORT AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIESRongotai College believes that involvement in cultural, sporting and citizenship activities contributes to the holistic development of our students. The college provides an expansive range of opportunities for students to be involved in activities inside and outside of the classroom, at a level which is suitable to their abilities.

Sports•Athletics •DragonBoating •RugbyUnion •Triathlon•Badminton •Football •Squash •UnderwaterHockey•Basketball •Golf •Swimming •WaterPolo•CanoePolo •Hockey •TableTennis •Volleyball•Cricket •LawnBowls •Tennis •WakaAma•CrossCountry •RugbyLeague •TouchRugby •Yachting

Arts and Cultural Activities•Barbershop •Debating •PolynesianClub •ChamberMusicGroup •Drama – including Major Productions •RockBand •ChessClub •JazzBand •StageChallenge•Choir •KapaHaka •UkeleleOrchestra

Leadership and Citizenship ActivitiesRongotai College aims to provide opportunities for boys to show leadership and gain organisational experience. We are determined to treat our students as individuals, so that every boy can feel valued.

We foster leadership and citizenship by providing the following opportunities:

•Prefects •FormCaptainsandDeputyFormCaptains•HouseCaptains •InteractClub•DukeofEdinburghAward •StudentLibrarians

RONGOTAI COLLEGE170CouttsSt,Kilbirnie,Wellington

POBox14-063,Kilbirnie,Wellington,6022PHONE:+6449393050FAX:+6449393060

EMAIL: the.principal@rongotai.school.nz

GENERAL INFORMATIONTransport InformationBoys come to Rongotai College from all suburbs of the greater Wellington area. We provide the following services to ensure that getting to Rongotai is not a difficulty. Students can top up their Snapper Pass at the college shop. Buses bring students to the front doors of the College.

Buses depart every morning from: In the afternoon buses leave school for: Kowhai Park Island BayHoughton Bay via Island Bay Kowhai ParkHappy Valley via Island Bay Miramar and SeatounKaroriMall RailwayStationviaroute754KaroriPark RailwayStationviaroute755MairangiMiramar The school office has detailed timetables of each route. MiramarNorth Theseareavailableonrequest.Railway StationStrathmore(Seatoun students catch regular buses.)

School HoursAllstudentsmustbeatschoolby8.55am,whentheystartlessons.Theschooldaycontainsfiveperiodsofonehour’sduration,withaFormPeriodbetweenPeriodsOneandTwo.Studentsaredismissedat3.25pm.

www.rongotai.school.nz

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