Discover Collaboration
“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini”
I come not with my own strengths but bring with me the gifts, talents and strengths of my family, tribe and ancestors.
Discover Collaboration
In 21st century learning, education is no longer something that is done TO a student; rather it is done WITH them and with their biggest supporters, their family.
We appreciate that students come to Whanganui City College with their own unique prior knowledge, interests, strengths and areas for development. Often, they also bring with them the expectations and aspirations of their whānau and iwi. The quality of our partnership with the student and their whānau is one of the most important factors in helping them successfully achieve their individual goals.
It’s About Whānau
A vital part of our support system at school are our whānau classes, which include students from Year 9 through to Year 13. Whānau classes meet with their whānau teacher each morning. They also meet for two hours per week in Wānanga classes, where we focus on goal setting, planning and catching up on any incomplete work.
Three times per year, students and their families meet with their whānau teacher. With the support of their whānau teacher, students reflect on and share the progress they are making, as well as any next steps needed in their learning. Because students usually keep the same Whānau Teacher for their whole time at WCC, a strong sense of whānaungatanga or connection is built up.