Kiwiprincess

Known for being quite liberal (good or a bad thing) but also quite open minded. Very large school - again, depends on whether you think that is a good or a bad thing.

Quite a large socioeconomic mix which again, can be good or bad.

However, personally i know of workmates who have sent their children there and the kids love it. According to my workmates the kids are encouraged to the nth degree and really expected to enjoy what they do. Also, because of the proximity to Massey University (as in, next door) they often have a lot of opportunities to do extra learning.

Oh, and the Principal is known for being very innovative apparently.

http://www.ero.govt.nz

donnynz

Just thought that I'd feedback on this question, as I know that there are people out there in a similar situation.

I spoke to one of the teachers at Rangiora High School last night who said that he didn't see a problem with a 16 year old coming into year 12 after sitting GCSEs in the UK. He said that this is very common and most have no problem at all when completing their NCEA level 2. In fact, he said that they expect a lot of new people coming in at that level next year.


D.

Frenchy

Brilliant!! Good luck to you let us know how she gets on!!!

julesnye

I'm not sure I agree with the teacher. My daughter has come in at NCEA level 2 and although in the UK she was said to be extremely bright and in the top sets for all her subjects, she has found it difficult. It's not that the subjects are difficult, but the content is different and that a lot of this years work is based on the prior years study, so she has to work doubly hard. This is only my experience and view, but thought it worth noting.

donnynz

Thanks for the heads-up julesnye. If you don't mind, what subjects did your daughter take and which ones is she struggling with the most?

Would you have dome things differently had you know this beforehand?

Assegai

Saw some Maori lad about 6'3'' and 18 stone in school uniform wearing grey flannel shorts, he looked ridiculous. I expect he was only about 14.

Talking to a 16 year old ex pat lad who went to a comp in Peterborough before emigrating to Wellington 2 years ago, and he said education and behaviour in Wellington was very poor compared to the UK. Couldn't believe it bearing in mind how much standards have slipped in Britain.

Only the messenger, so don't shoot me.

hjmilligan

HI,

My kids both go to Rangiora High 15 and 13yrs,there is alot of british kids at the school and my kids settled really well and made lots of friends.
My son (16 jan) says he will stay on till he is 18yrs so i am hoping thats a hint that he wants to go to uni

Good luck
Helen

julesnye

She took Spanish, German, English langauge& literature, Biology, physics (plus another science), Art, design, geography and Maths. there maybe a few others, but cant remember them.

I think it's mainly the sciences that seem to be so different.

Maybe tried to find NZ revision books like the letts series to give a helping hand.

luvwelly

Yes I found the 17 year old teenage boys in school shorts hilarious when I first arrived...don't even bat an eyelid now - it looks normal.
Wellington High is only decile 8 so you could definitely do worse but in the state sector in Wellington, the single sex schools seem to 'cream off' the aspirational/academic crowd.....personally I'd rather my kids were in a mixed school as real life is mixed allegedly .

donnynz

Thanks everyone. I have 16 year old twins - boy and girl. There's no way my lad will wear shorts and socks! Luckily, they are optional at Rangiora High School! However, the tartan skirts aren't!

Kiwiprincess

I am sure he will look lovely in the tartan skirt. Much more comfortable than the shorts

donnynz

He's 6ft 3, so it'd have to be one of the long ones!

TeamEmbo

Bet ya he ends up wearing shorts like the rest of em

CCGM.IN.NZ

Don't forget the Jesus sandals too

TeamEmbo

Our daughter hated the kilt when we first came. She loves it now and they all seem to wear their PJs underneath! They're so expensive tho (paid $220 for it to be made) so she has one new one that has to last her all the way through till end of school and one second-hand one ($45) but I have to say it is really good quality and the rest of the kids I know are in the same boat. And there's no stigma attached to buying second hand uniform, the schools seem to keep a stock of them that they sell on, on behalf of parents.

And yes, it is funny seeing near grown men wearing shorts, knee high socks and sporting dreds but when in Rome...