Learning Support

The Koru programme is a small multi-level class, offering students opportunities to practise the skills needed for their path beyond Rangitoto College whilst gaining some credits at NCEA. It is designed to meet the needs of each individual student, offering Unit standards at Levels 1 and 2 and at a supported level. It follows a more practical approach with students creating CVs, practising interview techniques, learning about the use of money, and creating a budget. We also offer support to enable students to attain their driving licence. In addition, we complete ‘world of work activities’, including placements in the local community when appropriate.

Each year, we offer Year 13 students the opportunity to give back to the school by donating one of their study periods to support a junior student who has additional needs. The response was very positive with more than 50 students signing up which is a wonderful reflection on our college community. The training includes disability awareness and giving students an idea of how it feels to be challenged by additional needs, both learning and physical. The students were addressed by an ex-student Mackenzie Kench who has severe athetoid cerebral palsy and speaks through a computer which she operates with her toe. She explained the best qualities of a support person from a first-hand perspective. This year we were able to host Mackenzie in person, and the students were inspired by her talk and gained some valuable insight into positive approaches for the students they were to meet.

What a successful first six months for our Special Olympians. The year began with a hot and sunny day at the Millennium Stadium and our athletes were full of enthusiasm and energy. There were a variety of both track and field events with around 120 competitors from the North Shore colleges. Highlights of the day included excellent performances from newcomers Jane and Leo, in shotput and javelin, and William Carpenter in Year 11 won the senior shotput. The students were also successful in the track events culminating in the senior relay team placing 1st with a 50m lead. The next event, the football tournament, was an absolute cracker. Although we were only able to send a small squad to the football tournament, we were very competitive in all our games. After an exhausting day, the Rangitoto team placed third. Unfortunately, the last two events were cancelled due to Covid-19 lockdowns. However, the athletes truly lived up to the oath of Special Olympics: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This year special thanks has to go to the 16 students from the Rangitoto Service Committee who not only helped run events, but also cheered on all the athletes, creating a really wonderful atmosphere.