Maori Tikanga

The marae is a vital part of the life of the College and the local community. Maori tikanga (customs) and te reo Maori are accorded pride of place at Western Springs College. Both are integrated into formal ceremonies such as the senior prizegiving. Many mainstream students visit the marae either to study Maori language or to enhance their knowledge in other curriculum areas.

Pasifika

Western Springs College strongly encourages Pasifika students to maintain their cultural links. One way of achieving this is to join a Pasifika form class and be part of a vertical (Years 9-13) group which honours Pasifika traditions and values. The philosophy is one of shared responsibility and fellowship supportive of students striving towards achieving their academic goals.

Student academic success is enhanced by learning support through the Pasifika Homework Centre and by celebratory events such as the annual Fi’a Fi’a Cultural Performance Night and the end-of-year Pasifika Prizegiving ceremony.

The Pasifika Liaison Teacher and the Board of Trustees
representative share a common vision for all Pasifika students to leave school with at least an NCEA Level 2 Certificate qualification and to be fully equipped for life beyond school. A key element is community and parent support: the Pasifika staff strive to ensure that contact between school and home is maintained.

International Students

Western Springs College welcomes international fee-paying students. We provide close individual attention and personal care for up to 60 international students from many countries. At Springs we strive to ensure that our international students are able to enjoy more of New Zealand’s language and culture through integration into the mainstream student body.

In addition to the normal range of academic and nontraditional subjects available to all students, international students are given language tuition in ESOL classes. English language learning support is provided for students preparing for the National Certificate qualifications which are necessary for admission to university and polytechnic courses.

Pastoral care is provided by form teachers, deans and the staff of the International Students office. All students are required to live in an approved English-speaking home supervised by the College. Details of tuition fees and conditions of enrolment are available on the college website.