Onslow College

ProspectusOnslow College Wellington, New Zealand 1 Onslow College Principal's Welcome

At Onslow College we are committed to providing our students with outstanding educational experiences and opportunities. We have a focus on helping our students experience success in their academic studies and on developing the personal skills and attributes that will enable them to have choice in their career paths and allow them to make valuable contributions to society. We are a school with a proud record of academic success; students leave Onslow College well prepared for the next stage of their lives. A significant number of our graduates move on to tertiary level study and acknowledge how Onslow College helped them develop the skills to be successful in those studies. To achieve these aspirational goals, we need to build a positive partnership with students and their families, with everyone accepting responsibility for making these goals come to fruition. We place a lot of value on developing a positive sense of community with everyone recognising and working within clear standards and expectations. We aim to provide a rich learning environment where everyone Students thrive in a culture of can contribute to the desired outcome. acceptance,“ focused on learning. Students at Onslow College enjoy success and academically we rate among the top co-ed colleges in New Zealand. We also offer our students a wide variety of ERO Report 2014” co-curricular activities in music, drama, sport, and cultural activities, and these certainly help us develop well-rounded students. Because we work hard on relationships, our students enjoy their school and are proud of it. We believe that one of our key strengths is our ability to create positive learning-focused relationships that both our staff and students enjoy. This certainly helps produce our excellent academic achievement rates. We are very proud of what our students achieve not only in NCEA but in a wide range of national and international competitions. We also provide a very comprehensive student support network and our staff genuinely care about their students. We place real value on student voice and our student groups such as Peer Support, Peer Mediation, School Council and Year level councils make a significant contribution to the smooth running of the college. We hope you will find that the information in this prospectus will help you in your decision-making and encourage you to visit the school and see our superb educational environment for yourself rather than rely on pre-conceived impressions. We look forward to your child joining our outstanding college. Yours sincerely Ko Tarikäkä te maunga TARIKÄKÄ IS THE MOUNTAIN. Ko Waipähïhï te awa WAIPÄHÏHÏ IS THE RIVER. Ko Onslow College te kura Peter Leggat Principal ONSLOW COLLEGE IS THE SCHOOL. 2

Vision About Onslow

Inspiring students to learn, grow and Teachers effectively use a wide range of strategies that achieve in an environment that encourages individual and community responsibility, support student engagement in purposeful learning. freedom of expression and respect for the These include: rights of others. »» promoting respectful and reciprocal relationships and Values interactions »» challenging and extending students and supporting their Working Together development of high levels of thinking and understanding

Students, parents, the school and the »» fostering of student independence and self-management community work together to achieve an inclusive school that is socially and »» developing students’ confidence to seek clarification and culturally diverse, safe and free from share ideas disruption and which recognises the ERO Report 2014 unique status of Mäori.

Realising Potential Onslow College is a co-educational, decile 10 state secondary school located in the north-western suburbs of Wellington. Our zone includes Johnsonville, Churton Park, We value and celebrate effort, success, Ohariu Valley, Broadmeadows, Khandallah, Cashmere, Ngaio, Chartwell, Crofton Downs, innovation and creativity. We believe Wilton, Wadestown and Northland. We also serve Karori and Kelburn. Onslow College high expectations promote student operates an enrolment scheme. achievement and encourage social Onslow College is an environment that encourages independence, self-discipline, responsibility. and social responsibility with a student-centred philosophy. There is no prescribed uniform for students. Mutual Respect and Self- Management Onslow College promotes an inclusive environment for all students and is renowned for the positive staff-student relationships and large co-curricular involvement of Onslow is characterised by a mature both groups. Through the creative talents and enthusiasm of our students and staff interaction between staff and students. we strive for excellence in all aspects of College life. Teachers and students are treated with respect and students share responsibility We encourage diversity and individuality whilst ensuring behaviour does not constrain for learning with their teachers. the rights of other students to an excellent education. Onslow College works hard to communicate with its wider community and involve families Life-Long Learning with their key role in supporting student learning.

Students are engaged by way of a There are approximately 1250 students, 90 teachers and 30 support staff at personalised learning process and develop Onslow College. as life-long learners. They are taught how to learn by high quality and motivated staff who continue to learn themselves. 3

Junior School

Junior School Courses Extension Opportunities

Year 9 and 10 students study across all As an inclusive school, Onslow College eight learning areas of the New Zealand ensures that there are extension Curriculum: opportunities available within all programmes. Staff are trained in providing The Arts differentiated lessons that allow students to •• Art challenge themselves and to be challenged. •• Dance Year 9 and 10 Mathematics classes are banded. •• Drama Students enter and are successful in a •• Music wide range of competitions including English the Australian Maths, English and Science Competitions and Science CREST Health and Physical Education programmes. Languages We may recommend students study some •• French subjects at higher levels.

•• Japanese Whatever you love doing, there’s a We regard the learning in the junior school •• Mandarin place“ for you at Onslow. The transition (Years 9 and 10) as vital in: •• Spanish between schools can be daunting, and •• Developing key skills and •• Te Reo Mäori everyone’s worried about getting lost. understandings necessary for future But with the help of the dean, form success. Mathematics teachers and peer supporters, you’ll always have a friendly face to talk to, •• Establishing sound work and study Science and get a positive start to the school. habits. Social Sciences •• Ensuring that students access a wide •• Social Studies Year 9 Student” range of subjects and disciplines to enable them to make informed choices Technology in the future. Our goal is to provide a •• Design Technology balance between student choice and •• Digital Technologies intensive development of skills. •• Fashion and Design •• Enabling students to create and •• Food Technology and Nutrition establish their own identity in a •• Graphics and Design learning environment which is flexible and responsive to their needs Cross Curricular while providing clear structures and •• Digital Literacy guidelines to support them in their •• Financial Literacy learning. •• Planning for Action The Junior Curriculum Handbooks contain full details of course content and requirements. 4

Senior School

We offer an extensive range of subjects Leadership Opportunities in the senior school. Please refer to the Senior Curriculum Handbook for full course Senior students at Onslow College have details. Students are able to choose a a range of opportunities to provide active course which best suits their needs due to leadership within the school. the flexibility of studying at multiple levels •• BOT Representative and the variety of courses offered. •• Drama and Music The transition programme provides opportunities for work experience and to •• Environment Group study at polytechnics and other providers. •• Outdoor Education Also available is a range of practical and •• Peer Mediation vocationally oriented subjects. •• Peer Tutoring Qualifications •• Peer Support •• Sports Coaching NCEA - Level 1 (Year 11) •• Sports Council All students take English, Science, •• School Council Mathematics and three other subjects. •• Stage Challenge Students who meet the prerequisites may •• School Magazine- Ad Lib take subjects above Year 11 level. •• Year level councils NCEA - Level 2 (Year 12) Students also play an integral part in school All students take English or Te Reo and the processes such as staff appointments, the equivalent of an additional four and a half College Property Committee and other to five full year subjects. decision-making groups. Students who have met the prerequisites may take subjects at NCEA Level 3. Year 11 - 13 students “achieve above NCEA - Level 3 (Year 13) “the level of those in similar decile school” “...increasing NCEA merit and excellence This includes University Entrance and endorsements has been a focus for the College. Scholarship. This has resulted in more students gaining Students take five subjects. merit and excellence at all NCEA levels.”

ERO Report 2014” 5

Student Support

Pastoral Care Learning Support Vocational Pathways

•• Every student is placed in a form class. •• Students with any learning needs •• Onslow College has a comprehensive •• Form Teachers provide support and requiring special teaching methods are Careers Education and vocational advice to students in their form classes. fully mainstreamed. pathways programme. •• Deans have overall responsibility for •• Learning Support coordinates •• This programme is the responsibility of the welfare of students at each year Individual Education Plans and works the Careers Advisor who is available to level. with students, parents, class teachers parents as well as students. and specialists. •• If you need to contact the College •• Advice and guidance is provided on about your child you should do so •• Support is available for other students careers, tertiary education, training through the appropriate Form Teacher. in a number of areas including: courses and subject choices. •• The Deputy Principals are responsible »» Mathematics; •• Careers advice and guidance begins in for coordinating the pastoral support »» Special Assessment assistance Year 9. network. in tests and exams for English Language •• Mentoring by senior students occurs in qualifying students; and programmes such as peer support and »» Study skills seminars. •• The EL department supports peer mediation. students from non-English speaking •• The principles of restorative justice are Guidance Counsellors backgrounds. a key focus of the discipline system. •• Language support is provided in •• For assistance with social and mainstream classrooms and through emotional issues students or parents Mäori Students small group tuition for students can contact the Guidance Counsellors. needing higher levels of English •• Onslow College recognises the unique •• The Guidance Counsellors are assistance. status of Mäori. professionally trained. •• Mäori language and culture can be •• All issues are dealt with confidentially. studied at all levels. •• The Kaitiaki is a guardian for Mäori •• The Kaitiaki and Mäori teachers work students. closely with students, whänau, and other staff. •• Kapa Haka is an active group within the school. Tena Koutou Katoa

Ko tënei te wähanga mo Te Reo me ngä tikanga Mäori ki tënei kura Ka taea ngä tauira ki te ako i te reo Mäori ki nga reanga katoa Ia tau ka haere ngä tauira mo tëtahi haerenga Ka whakahaere tëtahi röpü kapahaka. Ka awhinata hoki ngä tauira e te kaiako Mäori Kei te whakamana hoki te Kareti nëi I ngä kaupapa o Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Well-established and highly effective systems“ support students’ emotional wellbeing and sense of identity.

ERO Report” 2014 6

Sport and Recreation

Onslow College students participate and Education Outside the Student success is fostered and compete successfully in a wide range Classroom “celebrated. The College’s values of realising of sporting activities. Our sports staff potential, mutual respect and life-long coordinate sporting activities within The use of educational facilities beyond learning are embraced by the school the school and work to ensure that the classroom for subject fieldwork is community. our students participate successfully encouraged. ERO Report 2014 in the full range of inter-school sports. This includes sports facilities, museums, ” Onslow College encourages the discipline, galleries, libraries, government and private commitment and healthy competition that organisations, rivers, beaches and parks. enable many of our students to represent their sport at regional and national levels. Students are also involved in outdoor pursuits programmes, which are designed The success of the sports programme relies to provide challenges and support personal on the involvement of parents and others development. All Year 9 classes participate in the community. in a camp at the start of the year. Peer Sports available to students include: Supporters are involved in camp as leaders. Year 10 students are involved in an •• Athletics activities based programme at the end of •• Badminton the year. Students may also take part in •• Basketball trips organised by an active tramping club •• Bowls and have the opportunity to attend the Outdoor Pursuits Centre near Tongariro •• Canoe polo National Park. •• Chess •• Cricket •• Cross country / Road running •• Football •• Golf •• Hockey •• Netball •• Orienteering •• Rowing •• Rugby •• Shooting •• Skiing / Snowboarding •• Table tennis •• Tennis •• Touch Rugby •• Tramping •• Volleyball •• Water polo •• Yachting / Sailing 7

Cultural Excellence

Excellence in the arts is encouraged at Debating Smokefree Rockquest, Chamber Music Onslow College. The nature of the school Competition and outreach programmes. Students are active in debating with teams is very much shaped by the creative talents The Music Department has an annual in most grades. and enthusiasm of its students. exchange with Wairarapa College involving Environment Choral and Instrumental groups, with Dance & Drama a strong focus on the work shopping Onslow College provides opportunities for Onslow College has an active Green Group and performance of student written students interested in dance to participate which participates in regional and national compositions. in both curricular and co-curricular dance. events and contributes to a project for the Across the course of the year there are restoration of the Waipähïhï Stream area Dance is available as a curriculum subject many performance opportunities and within the school environs. at junior level. The Level 2 Performing Arts concerts, ranging from solo instruments to Production course provides an opportunity Students are directly involved in decision- combined works for Choir and Orchestra. for students to choreograph and direct making processes which impact on the The Music Curriculum includes the study Onslow College’s annual Stage Challenge general school environment. of performance, theory and history production. alongside a strong focus on the creation International Experiences Drama follows a strong tradition of public and performance of student composition. performance. Students are encouraged to Onslow College offers students the We also run a diverse Itinerant programme, extend their individual creativity, and learn opportunity to take part in a number of giving the students an opportunity to learn to work together in a variety of settings exciting international experiences. These an instrument at school. Options include with a wide range of collaborators. include: Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Percussion and Piano. Drama is available as a curriculum subject •• The annual exchange with Yamamura at all levels. Every Drama class from Year Girls' High School in Tokyo. Onslow College participates in music 10 upwards performs a play to a public exchanges with other colleges. audience as a part of its course. •• Classics trip to Greece and Italy Onslow students are also active •• French Trip Te Whänau o Te Ara participants in a wide range of co- •• Himalayas trekking Poutama curricular drama performances, including •• Spanish trip Te Whänau o Te Ara Poutama celebrates the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival, the •• Sports trips to Australia Mäori Language and Culture, focusing Classroom Comedians programme, and on key elements of tikanga which Onslow College’s annual Musical. Recent Onslow College students are regularly are Manaakitanga (to be caring and productions include Sweeney Todd and selected to participate in exchanges such enact hospitality where ever possible), South Pacific. as; language exchanges, Rotary, AFS and YFU. whänaungatanga (building and maintaining A number of Onslow College students go on positive relationships) while remaining to tertiary study and professional careers Kapa Haka committed to strengthening the capacity in the Performing Arts. of our tauira to utilise Te Reo to facilitate We have a commitment to achieving all Kaupapa Mäori. Te Whänau o Te Ara excellence in Mäori Peforming Arts and Poutama has a strong focus also on the Kapa Haka. The Kapa Haka Group features tuakana - teina model. prominently in school activities and are in We work with our tuakana to develop an exciting phase of development. Anyone leadership and teaching skills to support who wishes to participate is warmly and encourage our teina in learning and welcomed. upholding tikanga at our school and the Music wider community.

The Onslow College Music Department is a At Onslow I’ve learnt in an environment

vibrant and thriving community. We have “where I am free to be who I am, responsible a wide variety of Music groups including for my own progress, and encouraged Choirs, Concert Band, Orchestra, Rock to think differently. This is the unique Bands and Chamber Ensembles. point about Onslow - it is not just about learning, but growing as a person: becoming These ensembles participate in a large independent, being free, and discovering number of festivals across the Wellington your identity. Region including The Big Sing, WeBO (Wellington Bands and Orchestra Festival), ” Year 13 Student 8

Facilities e-Learning and ICT Facilities

Onslow College recognises the importance Onslow College has a strategic goal of of e-learning and ICT as a tool to assist developing and providing facilities which teaching and learning. Our classrooms enhance student learning, creating an are well equipped to enable ICT supported environment which reflects the nature learning and the college is has a robust of Onslow College and its community. wireless network that provides connectivity Currently, the facilities at Onslow College to all areas of the school. include: All students receive instruction and training •• Thirty general classrooms; in the effective use of ICT in: •• Eight science laboratories; •• Information retrieval •• Three practical art rooms; •• Presentation & communication •• A music suite with classrooms, •• Data processing performance spaces, practice rooms We have adopted Moodle as our Learning and a recording studio; Management System and all students •• Six specialist technology classrooms; can access course material across the •• Two gymnasiums; curriculum and can interact with teachers and fellow students via Moodle. Students •• Indoor cricket practice facility, cricket have access to the Onslow College Portal. nets and a multiuse turf; The Onslow College Portal also provides •• Extensive grass playing fields; access to important information for parents •• Three computer laboratories via the Parent Portal. Parents receive an supplemented by computer pods invitation to join the portal and find it an throughout the school; effective method of keeping up to date with •• A well-established library which is the their child’s achievement at school. information centre for the school; The college is investigating the most •• The Arts Centre which is the focus of effective use of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme with students already Drama in the school; able to access their school material through •• A new Student Centre and cafeteria their own device. Further developments and are planned in the BYOD programme. •• A media studies suite with film Learning Areas have access to a range of production facilities. mobile devices including laptops and ipads for student use.. Onslow College has a long-term property plan which provides for the ongoing All students have a computer account, which development of the school to ensure that gives open use of email and the Internet, we continue to provide a quality teaching subject to the Onslow College Cybersafety and learning environment. Use Agreement and Cybersafety Policy. Onslow College

Ko Tarikäkä te maunga TARIKÄKÄ IS THE MOUNTAIN Ko Waipähïhï te awa WAIPÄHÏHÏ IS THE RIVER Ko Onslow College te kura ONSLOW COLLEGE IS THE SCHOOL

This prospectus is a publication of the Board of Trustees of Onslow College. © Published May 2016

PHONE +64 4 4788189 FAX +64 4 4771140 POSTAL Private Bag 13-906 Johnsonville, Wellington 6440 New Zealand EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.onslow.school.nz ENROLMENT ENQUIRIES [email protected] nz

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