Video shown at our Open Evening: Defining Learning at Ōtūmoetai College
‘All skills will become obsolete except one, the skill of being able to make the right response to situations that are outside the scope of what you were taught in school. We need to produce people who know how to act when they are faced with situations for which they were not specifically prepared.’
Seymour Papert, 1998
At Ōtūmoetai College, we believe that identity, optimism and challenge, set within a powerful thinking and learning framework, is fundamental to preparing our students for their future.
We believe that students who have the ability to make judgements and to use knowledge in new situations will position themselves for a workplace increasingly focussed on making the most of information, rather than just knowing facts.
In preparing our students for this future, Ōtūmoetai College has developed a strong moral purpose to enable every student to achieve their personal best. Our purpose is demonstrated by and through our Graduate Profile, which in turn is underpinned by intentional learning experiences.
How we prepare students for life
Our dedicated teachers’ shared goal is to motivate and inspire, to champion and promote change in our classrooms and to plan for the future. We want our students to understand their ability is not fixed but will develop over time as they receive good teaching and as they respond to feedback.
Our shared sense of community and partnership with our families in educating each and every child is fundamental to our students’ continued learning and wellbeing. Whānau is what makes this school a great school.
We are excited to open our school to you and I trust that you will enjoy your tour of Ōtūmoetai College. We invite you to share in our purpose and for your child to become a part of us.
Our pu rpose challenge form the foundation for all learners to fl ourish in a dynamic world. The learning environment will enable students to achieve their personal best in their academic studies, the arts , sport ing and cultural pursuits.
Russell Gordon PrincipalDuring their journey, our students will grow into powerful thinkers and learners who embrace diversity, resilience and develop meaningful relationships with others
This is our purpose and our commitment
Our vision education and social responsibility are valued and all learners achieve.
Ōtūmoetai College is an inclusive learning community where identity, optimism and Ōtūmoetai College, here we stand, creating resilient learners where culture, diversity,
The design of teaching and learning at Ōtūmoetai College is predicated on the fact that the future will not be the same as the past.
How we prepare students for life
Our pu rpose
Ōtūmoetai College is an inclusive learning community where identity, optimism and
challenge form the foundation for all learners to fl ourish in a dynamic world. The learning environment will enable students to achieve their personal best in their academic studies, the arts , sport ing and cultural pursuits.
During their journey, our students will grow into powerful thinkers and learners who embrace diversity, resilience and develop meaningful relationships with others
This is our purpose and our commitment
Our vision education and social responsibility are valued and all learners achieve.
Ōtūmoetai College, here we stand, creating resilient learners where culture, diversity,
The design of teaching and learning at Ōtūmoetai College is predicated on the fact that the future will not be the same as the past.
Our Graduate Profile articulates the collective aspirations for students’ learning at Ōtūmoetai College
A powerful learner Powerful learning is underpinned by and through our school’s Graduate Profile. Our Graduate Profile articulates the collective aspirations for students’ learning. An Ōtūmoetai College powerful learner can:
•
Collaborate e ectively with others
• Value their own and others’ hauora
• Be resourceful and open to possibilities
• Connect and apply their learning for success
•
Be an e ective and confident communicator
• Use a range of media to articulate with clarity
•
Take risks in learning and persist through di iculties
• Demonstrate creative and critical/analytical thinking
• Be responsive to context , audience and environment
NZ Citizens
A citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand can demonstrate the values and principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through:
• Identity: Kia u ki te Tuakiritanga o te Tangata
• Integrity: Kia Tika ai te Tangata. ( Ngākau tapatahi)
• Independence: Kia Mau ki te Mana Motuhake o te Tangata
• Inclusion/Inclusiveness: Kia Toro Atu, Toro mai nga mahi a te Tangata (Korowai aroha)
• Initiative: Kia mohio ai te Tangata, He Tikanga to tena, to tena hei whakapakari ake (Kaiurungi)
• Intellectual stamina: Kia Mau ki te Kura Wananga, ki te Kura Mātauranga (Te Iti Kahurangi)
Universal Citizen
A Universal Citizen can:
• Represent themselves, whanau and their community with pride
• Embrace diversity and be intolerant of discrimination
• Participate in co/extra- curricular activities
• Make informed and responsible decisions
• Contribute to their community
• Use resources sustainably
Connect and apply their learning for success
Connect
and
• A minimum of NCEA Level 2 – expectation of NCEA Level 3 and University Entrance
Use a range of media
Tuakiritanga
Ngakau tapatahi
• University Entrance Literacy and Numeracy
• A minimum of NCEA Level 2 – expectation of NCEA Level 3 and University Entrance
• Financial Literacy
• University Entrance Literacy and Numeracy
• Financial Literacy
Oral, written, digital.
Oral, written, digital.
Identity
Identity (Specific to Māori can include pepeha and whakapapa).
Ngakau is the heart and tapatahi refers to beating in a preferred rhythm or with purpose and conviction. When combined these words speak of people of exceptional purpose and/or conviction (i.e. a purpose which is driven by their heart with conviction and purpose)
Ngākau is the heart and tapatahi refers to beating in a preferred rhythm or with purpose and conviction. When combined, these words speak of people of exceptional purpose and/or conviction (i.e. a purpose which is driven by their heart with conviction and purpose)
Mana Motuhake
Speaks of an individual’s autonomy
tapatahi Mana Motuhake
Speaks of an individual’s autonomy
How we prepare students for life
aroha Kaiurungi
Korowai, a ceremonial cloak, is adorned by an individual. To adorn a korowai aroha, you are embracing with empathy (i.e. possessing the qualities of someone with integrity)
Korowai, a ceremonial cloak, is adorned by an individual. To adorn a korowai aroha, you are embracing with empathy (i.e. possessing the qualities of someone with integrity)
Korowai aroha Kaiurungi Te Iti
The role of an individual who is steering a waka, who has a firm grip on direction, who needs to be able to respond to the many currents (i.e. an individual who takes responsibility for the direction they are travelling)
The role of an individual who is steering a waka, who has a firm grip on direction, who needs to be able to respond to the many currents (i.e. an individual who takes responsibility for the direction they are travelling)
An extract from the famous Tauranga Moana proverbial "W haia i e koe i te iti kahurangi ki te tuohu koe he maunga teitei." This proverb talks of aspiring to achieve greatness, thus being a metaphoric reference to the heavens or Te Iti Kahurangi (i.e. Te Iti Kahurangi is in pursuit of the heavens or excellence)
Our pu rpose challenge form the foundation for all learners to fl ourish in a dynamic world. The learning environment will enable students to achieve their personal best in their academic studies, the arts , sport ing and cultural pursuits.
During their journey, our students will grow into power ful learners who embrace diversity, resilience and develop meaningful relationships with others
This is our purpose and our commitment
Our vision education and social responsibility are valued and all learners achieve.
The design of teaching and learning at Ōtūmoetai College is predicated on the fact that the future will not be the same as the past.
Year 9 students are required to bring their own device to school.
Our preferred device is a Chromebook. This is a laptop-style device that enables your child to work on documents and applications, mainly through the internet. This kind of device is ideal for our students, as at Ōtūmoetai College we use Google Workspace for Education.
Chromebooks have limited storage as most files are stored in student Google accounts which can easily be accessed through the internet.
This means that if the device gets lost or damaged students can still access their files by simply logging in to another device or Chromebook.
Students will be issued with a username and password to log in to their Google account and gain access to their files. They are required to use their school Google account for accessing their school work.
A variety of Chromebooks are available to suit different requirements. For more information about suitable devices and details of some recommended suppliers, please refer to our website.
For full details on the preferred device and more information – please refer to our website:
https://otc.school.nz/enrolments/
The Ōtūmoetai College English programme incorporates various teaching and learning approaches, including online, co-operative, and cross curricular strategies to engage students at their individual level of capability, while developing a literacy foundation that will build their confidence and success within, and beyond, school. The presentation of real-world concepts is a key component of the programme and through exposure to complex texts, such as novel, biography, and film, students will respond creatively, analytically, and accurately to national and global concerns, either in written, visual, or spoken forms. Additionally, students’ interest and reading capabilities will be enhanced through regular visits to the school’s library, with their writing strengthened through access to Write that Essay, a web-based support tool.
How we prepare students for life
Our pu rpose challenge form the foundation for all learners to fl ourish in a dynamic world. The learning environment will enable students to achieve their personal best in their academic studies, the arts , sport ing and cultural pursuits.
Ōtūmoetai College is an inclusive learning community where identity, optimism and
The Ōtūmoetai College Mathematics programme leverages technologies and innovative teaching methods to engage students at their respective levels of challenge and to promote mastery of the foundational mathematical concepts. Project-based learning is a further key element of the programme and provides students with the opportunity to collaborate with their peers and to engage in working through authentic mathematical problems. The mastery and project-based learning emphasis aids in fostering student interest and confidence in the subject. Through their study of the content strands of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability, students develop increasingly sophisticated analytical thought processes that allow them to solve problems efficiently in familiar and unfamiliar situations. Students are also encouraged to further hone their abilities to reason mathematically by participating in external competition opportunities and selfdirected work on Education Perfect, a web based mathematical support package.
During their journey, our students will grow into powerful thinkers and learners who embrace diversity resilience and develop meaningful relationships with others pose and our commitment
social responsibility are valued and all learners achieve.
The Ōtūmoetai College Social Studies programme explores how societies work, and how people can participate as informed, critical, active and responsible citizens. As a multidisciplinary subject, contexts are drawn from a range of subjects including: Classical Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Sociology and Tourism. A critical objective of Social Studies is to allow students to make sense of their present world and to evaluate possible future decisions and actions, by connecting learning with the past, with place, and other perspectives. Students develop strategies for thinking critically, working collaboratively and creatively, to communicate understanding that is deep and meaningful.
The design of teaching and learning at Ōtūmoetai College is predicated on the fact that the future will not be the same as the past.
The Ōtūmoetai College Science programme explores the Nature of Science alongside current socio-scientific issues of local, national and global importance, thus contributing to the Citizenship goal of the NZ Curriculum and our Graduate Profile. Using real-life contexts, learners are encouraged to take risks and make decisions about possible actions, using evidence and critical thinking to justify their opinions. Exposure to a range of texts, symbols, models and key words develops literacy and numeracy skills. Science capabilities are increased through the design and carrying out of investigations, building on prior experience. Active learning through fun and engaging activities helps students increase understanding of important concepts to make connections with Matauranga Māori and the world around them.
The Ōtūmoetai College Physical Education and Health programme provides opportunities for the student to demonstrate their physical skills, social skills, mental skills and values in a range of activities and contexts. Students learn by active engagement and by applying these skills. The course provides educational development in the essential learning areas of the Physical Education and Health curriculum: Physical Activity, Outdoor Activity, Sexuality Education, Mental Health, Sports Health and Physical Safety.
One term of each of the following option subjects (2 per term)
Art Visual Digital Business
Drama
Graphics / Design & Visual Communication / Innovation
Music
Technology Food / Nutrition
Technology Hard Materials
Māori or Spanish
Our uniform is gender neutral.
For full details on our Uniform Code and Regulations – please refer to our website: https://otc.school.nz/uniform/
Supplier of our Uniforms: NZ Uniforms, 94 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga 07 985 6213
Kimihia tōu ake maunga teitei
Whakakotahitanga
Whakakoha tētahi ki tētahi
Standing strong
Tū pakari i te ao
Your Deans for Year 9 in 2024 are Miss Stevie-Jane Mutu & Mr Leo Wilson.
The Deans’ tasks include dealing with class related matters, pastoral care and general administration relating to the Year 9 level.
2024 Deans - Miss Stevie-Jane Mutu & Mr Leo Wilson
Think children don’t need ART in the 21st Century?
Think again…
What we do in Year 9 Art: Drawing
Painting Sculpture
Art education teaches children to:
Problem solve - keep an open mind, entertain different possibilities. Communicate - interpret visual information, portray a character effectively. Be creative - take risks, develop a sense of innovation. Collaborate and co-operateunderstand their actions affect others, compromise for a common goal.
Organise - concentrate and focus, develop motor skills. Be socially responsible - know and appreciate diverse societies Be self–directed - develop healthy work habits. Be fluent with technology - create information in a variety of forms and media.
Art is an option subject in year 9 and students experience 4 lessons per week over one term where their learning habits are embedded through the application of practical skills, exploration and development of visual ideas and exposure to a variety of disciplines, materials and processes.
At this station you will see displays of student work. Students will demonstrate their skills in coding and design.
Year 9 Digital Business is a compulsory one term option course that introduces Commerce & Business Management, Digital Technologies –Creative Design and Digital Technologies – Software Development. At Year 9 students develop their skills across all areas concluding in a team prototype design challenge
Commerce & Business Management –
Business concepts
Digital Technologies – Creative Design – Principles of design, application of the Adobe Suite Digital Technologies – Software Development – Algorithms, coding You will have the opportunity to ask lots of questions!
Digital BusinessYear 9 Product Challenge
Digital Technologies
- Software Development
Commerce & Business Management
Year 10 Market Day
Digital Technologies
– Creative Design
Business Management
Year 12 & Year 13
Young Enterprise
Young Enterprise students will also have their products on display. This is to demonstrate what you can achieve through the integration of the exciting subjects offered in this department including Digital Technologies – Creative Design, Digital Technologies –Software Development, Accounting for Management and Commerce & Business Management.
What we have on display
• A video of a previous College performance
• Information on what we do in Year 9 Drama
• And why it’s compulsory for all students
• Student work samples
• Photos of extra-curricular events
The Three C’s Concentration, Co-operation and Communication
Extra Curricular Opportunities
Junior Play, College Musical, Dance Troupes & Talent Quest
This is delivered through:
Drama games Performing Drama
Dance Improvisation Group work Script Work Devising Drama Lots of fun!!!
Dance Students may select Dance as a subject in Year 10.
Ingārihi/English is the study, use, and enjoyment of the Ingārihi/English language, communicated orally, visually, and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences, and in a variety of forms. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the study of Ingārihi/English incorporates mātauranga Māori and considers our place in the Pacific.
Students will engage with some of the following:
• A novel, or play
• Poetry, or short stories
• Film
• Grammar
• Reading comprehension
• Creative writing
• Persuasive writing
• Essay writing
• Creation of a static image
• Speeches
• Debating
Mahi Pāpāho / Media Studies
NZQA Vocational Pathways
• Creative Industries
• Primary Industries
• Service Industries
is about the exploration, analysis, creation and enjoyment of the media and its products.
Te Whare Māori
Poutama
Year 9 Te Reo Māori
Te Ao Māori
Kapa Haka
Tikanga
Ko wai au?
Matariki
Tauranga Moana
In Year 9 Te Reo Māori, we learn fundamental Māori language skills through being able to say who we are and where we are from. This is done by learning how to say mihi, pēpeha and whakapapa.
From here we begin to learn more about who we are as a kura at Ōtūmoetai College, including our school karakia, tauparapara, haka, and waiata.
We then learn how to describe things around us, using day-to-day phrases, greetings, farewells, commands and questions.
We explain the benefits of being in Poutama, how to apply and what life looks like in Poutama for students throughout your time at Ōtūmoetai College.
In Te Whare Māori, we have courses in Te Reo and Te Ao Māori. Future career pathways include: education, arts, business, tourism, local government, management, law, public speaking, iwi development, Treaty settlements, translating and interpreting services.
Learn to have a basic conversation in Spanish
Hola = Hello
¿Cómo te llamas? = What’s your name
Me llamo… = My name is…
¿Cómo estás? = How are you
Estoy…bien/ mal/ feliz/ cansado-a
= I am…good/ bad/ happy/ tired
Tengo…hambre/frio
= I am hungry/cold
Adiós = Goodbye
PRONUNCIATION: Vowel sounds sound like they do in Te Reo Māori. The double L sound (LL) sounds like a Y. The H is silent. All other consonant sounds above are more or less similar to English.
The focus of Year 9 Spanish, which is a semester course, is oral communication. Students learn how to have a conversation about themselves and others, by giving personal details, descriptions of physicality and personality, and by talking about likes and dislikes.
¿Cómo eres?
¿Qué te gusta?
¿Dónde vives?
¿De dónde eres?
¿Tienes hermanos?
In addition, students have the opportunity to investigate an aspect, or aspects, of Hispanic culture that interests them. This could be food, history, culture, a specific country, a sport or sports team, a type of music or dance, etc. Some of these are on display, have a read!
Students who continue with Spanish to senior level will have the opportunity to spend two weeks in a Spanish speaking country, such as Spain or Argentina.
Students will show and tell you about Maths at Ōtūmoetai College in Year 9.
Take the opportunity to ask any questions you have, try a puzzle or two, and have a look around our facility.
Mathematics in Year 9
You will have Maths class four times a week
Maths is all about problem solving and making sense of the world around us using numbers, patterns and shapes.
Mathematics lessons are broken down into four parts. Two parts are traditional teaching with instruction led by a teacher. One part will be project based work where students will need to do some investigation.
One part will be student directed, mostly using a web based platform called Education Perfect.
A range of the instruments we teach at Ōtūmoetai College are on display. Please explore and experiment with the sounds available and ask us any questions you may have.
Rock Bands
Jazz Band
Choir
Song Writing
Guitar Group
String Group
Symphonic Band
Recording
Chamber Music
Music allows people the means to express themselves in a creative and unique way. It allows students to develop self-confidence, creativity and the opportunity to contribute to the wider community.
Year 9 Music is a compulsory subject where we encourage students to explore, experiment and create with a range of sounds, while embracing the social aspects of Music.
The Year 9 Health and Physical Education course provides learning experiences which have a balanced focus on the key areas of learning from the Health and PE in the NZ Curriculum document.
Physical Activity
Sport studies
Outdoor Education
Mental Health
Sexuality
Hauora – Well being Education
Students will participate in 3 hours per week of Health & Physical Education.
Our wonderful Facilities!!
• x2 Indoor Recreation Centres
• Fitness Hub
• Indoor Rock Climbing Wall
• Cardio Room
• Strength & Conditioning Room
• Indoor Heated 25m Pool
• x2 Outdoor Covered Domes
• Specialised Netball Court
• Sand Turf
• x2 Rugby Fields
• x2 Football Fields
• Sand Tiger Turf
• Squash Court
• Beach Volleyball Court
• Table Tennis Room
Interactive experiments, displays and demonstrations
Ask us lots of questions, that’s what Science is all about!
Term 1 - What's Hot?
• Laboratory safety, particle nature of matter, changes of state, investigating in Science
Term 2 - What's Out There?
• Space, our Solar System, properties of light, mirrors, refraction and eyes
Term 3 - What's My Impact?
• Plants, animals, gasses, microscopes, cells, alternative energy and the impact of humans on life on Earth
Term 4 - What's the Guts of It?
• Digestion, nutrition and health
Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence in order to develop scientific knowledge, skills, understanding, and explanations.
Year 9 Science is a core subject which has three lessons per week where we develop critical thinking, innovation, creativity, and key competencies.
Science at Ōtūmoetai College helps to develop our future kaitiaki. We explore ways to conserve, replenish and sustain our environment while developing values and practices that contribute to our community.
The Social Sciences are those subjects that are concerned with people:
• How people organise themselves in their societies;
• How people utilise resources;
• How people interact with their environment; and
• How people have lived in the past
Social Studies is compulsory at Years 9 and 10. This subject brings together concepts and skills from across a range of Social Sciences: Classical Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Sociology and Tourism.
As part of the Extended Learner Programme, there are classes at both levels which cater for more able students.
An Integrated Programme incorporating cross-curricular learning is currently being developed and piloted with other departments.
The Making of a Nation:
The focus is on NZ as a multicultural nation with a bi-cultural heritage. Particular attention is given to how individual and national identity has developed over time.
Who Rules?: A comparison of how democracy operates in New Zealand and another system such as Theocracy (Islam and Sharia Law), Communism (USSR) or a Dictatorship (North Korea).
Believe it or Not: Ideas and actions of people in the past have impactedpeoples’lives.Thefocusis on how particular beliefs have affected cultural practices in contexts such as Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece or the Middle Ages. Links to contemporary situations are explored.
Going Global: The focus is on the positive and negative effects of globalisation, in particular the inequalities created in the production and consumption of products by global companies. A social action opportunity is provided.
This is the first year of a two year programme that covers all of the Level 5 Achievement Objectives in the Social Science Curriculum.
Ōtūmoetai College prides itself on youth sports programmes that are structured to achieve the outcomes of continued Participation, high levels of Performance, and Personal development (i e , the 3 Ps)
To begin with we must focus on the following:
The process - deliberate play, deliberate practice, and early diversification The Environment - i e the role of coaches, peers, and parents
To then harness the 3 Ps within our sports programme we concentrate on the intrinsic motivation that is required for our rangatahi to take part
Self-determination Theory: Autonomy, Competence, Connection = Motivation
Achievement Goal Theory: help students pursue the most appropriate goals and guide them on a path to success Task or Ego driven
Our school values are instrumental to our sports programme. They help steer our vision of using sport as a vehicle to promote positive development.
Task orientation - motivational focus on mastering a task Ego orientation - motivational focus on winning or achieving superior status
Developing good people through rugby is at the core of our rugby programme. Not only do we achieve this through player experiences and quality coaching, but also through helping others.
We are extremely proud to partner with Good Neighbour, a local charity that provides help and support to families within BOP. Giving back to our community is the highlight of our season.
Othersportsofferedorfacilitated:Cycling,Equestrian,3x3Basketball,BeachVolleyball,Golf,MountainBiking,PickleBall,UltimateFrisbee, TableTennis,&WaterPolo
A well planned strength & conditioning pathway should challenge and develop mobility, stability, proprioception, general strength, coordination and balance This has the benefits of improving movement to maximise sportspecific training, improve sports performance and minimise the risk of injury This is our aim throughout the following three ŌTC Strength & Conditioning Pathways
Year 9 & 10
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)
Resistance Training Skill Competency (RTSC)
Positive Physical Development
Fuel the flame
Years 9 - 13 : Participating in school sport
Injury prevention
FMS & RTSC (see above)
Athletic Motor Skill Competency
Develop physical qualities required for sport
Testing
Develop the necessary physical qualities
Youth Sports Performance
Years 9 - 13 : Rep Level and above
Support provided for external programming
Pastoral support
Mentorship
Develop the ability to produce force
For more information about sport at Ōtūmoetai College please visit our school website www.otc.school.nz/sport/
What is at the Technology, Graphics and Electronics display?
View a range of Junior technology projects developed using the wide range of exciting equipment and materials on offer.
Get an insight into the world of how technical drawing has changed from pencil and paper to drawing on computers.
Experience the future with 3D printing, robotics, laser cutting and the display of senior work.
A focus is placed upon the experience of working effectively both as an individual and as part of a team. Students select a design project which is carried through to a quality product that goes home.
All students get the opportunity to take a concept and develop a computer model to explore their own design ability.
Both of the Year 9 courses have 4 periods per week for one term with Electronics courses beginning in Year 10.
Electronics
Through exploring the needs and opportunities of our local communities, students research to develop their own designs and concept ideas. Students learn about translating a concept idea into a recipe, and then developing that recipe into a final outcome that is designed to meet a specific brief.
Self-management, creativity, planning, time management, collaboration, teamwork and technological modelling are all key components, while focusing on the development of knowledge and skills in a foods based context.
At Ōtūmoetai College we are lucky to have some of the best, modern, high technology machinery, e.g. computerised sewing machines, embroidery machines, overlockers, a heat press board, vinyl cutter, laser cutter.
Students will research, design, problem solve, develop an idea for a final outcome and have fun along the way learning basic skills and techniques before creating their own final outcomes.
The Extended Learner Programme at the College begins in the Junior School and is accessed through the Core Subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Physical Education in Year 10. Students who are selected may be placed in a single Extended Learner subject or up to/and including all four subjects, according to their natural strengths, interests and talents.
Selection for the Programme is from a range of data including academic and reasoning data. It may also include reports, student work, standardised testing and communication with parents.
Teaching and learning within the programme is characterised by:
• Emphasis on higher order thinking
• A focus on real world issues/ethical dilemmas/student interests
• Research and Inquiry learning
• Open ended components to task design
• Choice, student voice, creativity
• High Expectations/Excellence
• Curriculum compacting
• Emphasis on growth mindset
Year 10-12 Students are invited to attend an Extended Learner Day
The purpose of the day is to challenge the students cognitively, physically, relationally and ethically. This event is a highlight in the Extended Learner Programme.
Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that emphasises empathy, collaboration, and experimentation to tackle complex challenges and generate innovative solutions. It originated in the field of design but has since been widely adopted across various industries and disciplines.
Throughout the design thinking process, collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork are crucial. It encourages a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to inform the problem-solving process. Additionally, design thinking promotes a user-centric approach, prioritising the needs and experiences of the people who will benefit from the solutions. By embracing ambiguity, iteration, and experimentation, design thinking fosters a culture of innovation and encourages the development of human-centred solutions.
The Design Thinking class follows a traditional timetable and all of the students share the same core classes (English / Social Science / Health & Physical Education / Mathematics / Science) to allow synergies to develop between these learning areas and the same students.
This also allows teachers to discuss common strategies and approaches as they are talking about the same students.
One of the key advantages / differences of a Design Thinking class as compared to a more traditional class, is that for one day of the week, the timetable is collapsed for this class to allow for the students to be involved in a project day.
Here students remain in the same classroom space for all of their core classes and the teachers come to them. The project day opens up opportunities for students to engage with distinct assignments that can range from short-term daily projects to longer-term projects that could take up to one to two terms to complete
Students who require assistance from the Learning Centre will be referred by Learning Support Co-ordinators, the Pastoral team or classroom teachers.
• Who require special assessment conditions
• Who are undertaking a programme through Te Kura Correspondence School
• Who are on independent learning programmes
The Learning Centre supports classes across all academic areas of the College and has support teachers who assist students in both supported learning and literacy based classrooms.
To offer a supportive environment which enables learners to grow and achieve their academic, social and emotional potential through tailored learning curriculum experiences within core subjects.
To offer a strength-based programme which gives learners a sense of purpose and belonging, empowering them to become confident in themselves and their abilities
Welcoming, modern classes which provide:
• Differentiated tasks adapted to learner needs
• A mix of independent and collaborative learning, making the most of current technologies
• Opportunities for learners to take risks and persevere to make progress
• Supportive staff who understand complex learning and emotional needs
• A quiet courtyard for our students to relax in during breaks
Responsibility Noho Haepapa
Co-operation Mahi Tahi
Integrity Ngākau Tapatahi
Courage Hautoa
Respect Whakaute
Focus
Supporting all our learners and developing resilience and life skills through:
Kindness Ngākau Atawhai
Understanding Māramatanga
Trust Whakawhirinaki
Perseverance Manawanui
Year 9 Englsh - Static Image
Patricia Grace 'Butterflies'
• To ensure that students with intellectual disabilities are fully included within the school system.
• To provide equal opportunities for these students to access school programmes with appropriate support.
• To provide students and their families with sound professional advice and information.
• To facilitate full co-operation and co-ordination between home, school and support agencies.
• To enable the provision of programmes to meet specific identified areas of need.
We are staffed with specialised staff that provide educational programmes tailored to meet individual needs. Students who are predominantly ORS verified are encouraged to have a mix of both mainstream and department classes in their timetable providing for an inclusive education alongside their peers.
Our area is a place where students feel safe and supported through their school day. The staff work closely with other professionals in the Special Education field to provide students with the best support.
We provide appropriate support rooms for physiotherapy and speech language needs. Sensory and time out rooms are provided for students who need stimulation or de-escalation from anxiety to access classes.
We also provide adapted programmes, a suitable learning environment, specialised equipment or materials and support for students with their learning so that they can participate fully in education.
At Ōtūmoetai College we have a dedicated Career and Pathways Department and place great importance on each and every student having access to quality Career counselling and Pathway planning. We have three fully qualified Careers Counsellors; one whose position is focussed on Vocational Pathways. In addition, we have two support staff and two subject teachers dedicated to providing quality career advice and skills preparation for students.
• Head of Careers and Pathways:
Mrs Stacey Shefferd
• Pathways Manager:
Ms Eloise Stephen
• Careers Adviser:
Mr Joc McCreary
• Gateway Teacher:
Ms Sherie Curry
• Gateway Placement Co-ordinator:
Mrs Emma Webb
• Careers Administrator:
Ms Retta Dunn
• Early Childhood Studies Teacher and Child Development & Nutrition Teacher:
Mrs Nicola King
Deciding which subjects to take at school, making well-informed career and tertiary study plans can be challenging, the Careers Staff are highly qualified and can ensure students with the best possible advice and strategies. In the Junior school, all students will take part in a Junior Careers Programme in Year 10, moving into more individual Careers work in the Senior School.
Vocational opportunities and being responsive to the needs of employment opportunities are a core part of Pathways. Two key programmes are Gateway and Trades Academy.
Gateway is an exciting programme offering students in Years 12 and 13 an opportunity to experience workplaces first-hand while engaging in structured workplace learning.
Trades Academy is a secondary tertiary programme that provides senior secondary students access to a broad range of trades or technology learning opportunities to ensure they stay engaged in education.
Ōtūmoetai College uses Career Central to assist the Career and Pathway Department and the students of the school to develop the Career Management competencies. It is a tool to increase the Careers Education reach in the school and provides students with the opportunity to digitally create their own Career Profile. This will follow them as they move through the school it can be accessed online through a student’s school login
