Official opening of Ormiston Senior College Looms

Official opening of Ormiston Senior College reflects focus on excellence and fostering of talents

Auckland’s newest school was officially opened this morning and put some stakes in the ground about what students, their families, and the local and global communities should expect from Ormiston Senior College.

Establishment Board of Trustees chair Helen Anderson says there is a very clear expectation that students will be high achievers and that the College’s role is to develop and hone their talents for whatever their futures bring them.

“When our board was appointed by the Ministry of Education we were challenged to create the best possible learning facility for senior students. We weren’t constrained by our history or our buildings, and we were given the time and resources to develop a vision based on what New Zealand and international researchers and educationalists agreed worked best for senior secondary students”.

Dr Anderson says the Board is very proud of the end result and thinks Ormiston Senior College encapsulates how a 21st century senior school should function and look.

Principal Maurie Jackways says Ormiston Senior College will focus on the development of each student intellectually, socially and culturally (including across the arts, sport and culture) so that each one reaches their potential across a wide range of subjects and interests.

“This school is different from 20th century schools in many ways. Firstly, its architecture is challenging and distinctive and looks nothing like a traditional school. Secondly, and most importantly, is the role Learning Advisors will play in helping students to set learning goals and plan for their futures. Each teacher (including the principal and deputy principals) is a learning advisor for a small group of students and meets them individually on a regular basis to mentor and motivate them to achieve goals.”

“Our key focus is on their academic achievement but we are also preparing them to be contributors to their communities and fully expect that many of these students will be leaders in the future.”

Mr Jackways says the College’s architecture has an industrial look that is much more reminiscent of a university campus, with all parts of the school being contained in the single large building built around a central courtyard.

Last month the building was awarded a 5 Green Star Education Design 2009 rating for its green features which include a form of ‘wind tower’ technology (a passive ventilation system that provides natural airflow with low running costs), plenty of natural light, energy efficient lighting, heating and use of water, solar panels and sustainably sourced materials. The durable brick façade will be long-lasting and require no maintenance.

“The building is full of surprises and has been designed to support the learning needs of Year 11-13 students. The design offers a variety of different sized general and specialist spaces, as well as a stunning auditorium, gymnasium and library.”

Mr Jackways said the College would like to thank the Ministry of Education for setting high expectations and actively guiding and supporting the board through the process, Jasmax for designing an exceptional facility that both enhances learning and feels like a campus for “grown-ups”, and Fletcher Construction for its energy and enthusiasm which allowed the high-quality facility to be brought in on time. The College was also fortunate to have many other experts providing guidance along the way.

“In addition, we are very grateful to Manukau Institute of Technology for its commitment to our college and for supporting Dr Anderson’s significant and expert involvement in our establishment”.

The school was officially opened by the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable John Key, at an opening function this morning (Thursday 3 March 2011).

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