Mastery Outdoor Education
The Mastery Outdoor Education class embarked on their final trip of the year to Lake Okareka, Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti with a focus on safety management through canoeing and paddleboarding. With high winds and rain forecast, this was the perfect opportunity to access the conditions and make changes to our itinerary. Camping in a more protected spot and altering our paddleboarding location, the students proved resilient and flexible in challenging weather conditions.
Overall, a great trip for all involved and a great way to finish the year for the students. Thank you to Neville and Abbie for attending and keeping us safe and to Simon for being our resident canoeing expert.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts: Ringa Toi 2025 Te Papa, Wellington is an annual exhibition that showcases selected artwork of secondary school students with a focus on Toi Māori and Pacific Arts at Excellence level. This year two of our students Anika from sculpture and Skylar from the Art-Textile module’s work were selected in this national show at Te Papa in September. The students were sponsored to attend the Powhiri, exhibition, workshop and view Te Papa art shows. This has inspired the two students to recognise and value their heritage and mana within their cultures.
Explore Art
The Explore Art class visited the Te Whare Taonga O Waikato museum and Gallery in September to see the two significant contemporary Art exhibitions - Robyn Kahukiwa and NZ Contemporary Art Awards Exhibition. Both these shows were significant to their learning and understanding of Art in various contexts that were relevant to their assessments.
Specialist Sculpture
Specialist sculpture students visited Adrian Worsley’s studio in Te Aroha in Term 3. He designs and constructs unique and original sculptures entirely from recycled materials in his studio/workshop. Students were excited and were shocked to see such a magnitude of work with such expertise and precision. It was inspiring and eye opening to meet the artist and have discussions and chats with him personally.
Intrepid
Our students recently took their learning out of the classroom and onto the water and high wires at the Wero Whitewater Park for an unforgettable educational trip focusing on Group Processes and Future-Proofing.
The day was a huge success, blending exhilarating adventure with crucial skill development.
Taking on the High Ropes
For the high ropes challenge, students were organized into groups of six and faced a collaborative task: finding a bucket and then working together to fill it with water while high above the ground.
This activity was a practical masterclass in group dynamics. Instructors ensured every team paused to communicate a clear plan before ascending, and followed up with a detailed reflection afterwards, asking students, "What went well?" and "How could you improve your process?" This focus on planning and debriefing is key to successful teamwork in any future endeavor.
Crucially, the instructors demonstrated exceptional care. When one student expressed a fear of heights, they were successfully accommodated by being allowed to participate and contribute meaningfully on the bottom level, ensuring full inclusion while respecting their comfort zone.
Conquering the Rapids
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to white water rafting. After learning the essential basics from their expert instructor, students had to put their listening skills and group cohesion to the ultimate test on the churning rapids. This experience reinforced the value of clear communication and following leadership to achieve a common goal safely and effectively.
Learning Beyond the Curriculum
By engaging with a highly professional organization like Wero, students also gained insight into the concept of future-proofing. They saw first-hand how a successful business manages risk, prioritizes safety, and employs structured planning and review processes—skills that are invaluable for their own future careers and projects.
Overall, the trip successfully met all learning objectives. Students enhanced their ability to plan, communicate, listen, and reflect as a team, all while conquering exciting personal and group challenges.
A huge thank you to the Wero instructors for their expert guidance and to all supervising staff for ensuring a safe and successful day. We look forward to seeing our students apply these newly honed teamwork and leadership skills back in the school environment!
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