Onehunga High School
Encyclopedia
Onehunga High School is a state co-educational secondary school
in the Auckland
suburb of Onehunga
, New Zealand
.
The school incorporates a business school, founded by Just Water International's creator Tony Falkenstein, which is sponsored by brewery company Lion Nathan
and a construction school sponsored by Fletcher Construction
, making it unique among New Zealand secondary schools.
The school attracts students from the suburbs of Onehunga, Mangere Bridge
, Hillsborough
, and Royal Oak
and accepts a limited number of students from outside its zone.
Onehunga
is situated in one of Auckland's suburbs' overlooking the Manukau Harbour
. Many Onehunga High School families have long histories in the area and a large number of the students are second or even third generation students. The school's proximity to Onehunga and Penrose's industrial and retail area has allowed links with some service clubs and businesses including scholarships and trust funds.
In the early days the school was a mono-cultural in character, but during the 1980s it began to develop into a truly multi-cultural school, with increasing numbers of Māori, Polynesia
n and Asian
students. Today the school is strongly international and enjoys all the qualities a wide range of cultures bring.
In the 1980s as part of a wider decentralisation changes in the New Zealand education system, school was allowed self governance under a Board of Trustee system. From 2000, the school began a modernisation and development programme.
The school has always received students from Onehunga, Royal Oak
, Hillsborough and Mangere Bridge
but in recent times enrolments beyond this zone have increased. Currently approximately 50% of Onehunga High School come from out of zone areas as the school's reputation has attracted many new students.
report, the overall NCEA Level 1 results showed "consistent improvement over the past three years. Since the school's involvement in the Ministry of Education
numeracy project in 2006" and "achievement in Level 1 numeracy has also shown steady improvement".
Other results cited in the report by the school for 2008 include the highest success rates for the school since the inception of NCEA in meeting literacy and numeracy requirements at Level 1 and its best NCEA Levels 1 and 2 results. Noted also was the significant improvement in Level 2 NCEA results, which exceed decile averages and merit and excellence endorsements at Levels 2 and 3, which met or were above national averages. Nine NZQA scholarships were achieved in a range of subjects.
(New Zealand
Prime Minister
at the time) and Rt Hon John Key
(Leader of the Opposition
). The Business School is aimed at better recognition for business standards into the National Curriculum.
or police
.
, drums
, trumpet
) or voice tuition. Talent shows are held regularly which provide an opportunity for young performers to display their talents.
"Stage Challenge" involves up to 150 students in a student directed and choreographed dance and drama spectacular.
Each year, until 2009, one Onehunga High School student wins a scholarship (provided by Tony Falkenstein) to attend the Cazadero Performing Arts Camp
in California, USA. In 2010, the scholarship was altered and now it sends two OHS students to Geelong Music Camp in Australia.
"Bring It On" involves up to 100 students in a student choreographed hip hop based dance.Onehunga High School placed 1st in the 2010 Bring It On Grand Final and 2nd in 2009
Secondary education in New Zealand
Secondary education in New Zealand takes up to five years, covering the ages 13 to 18, corresponding to the school years 9 to 13.- Types of school :...
in the Auckland
Auckland
The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world...
suburb of Onehunga
Onehunga
Onehunga is a suburb of Auckland City, New Zealand and the location of the Port of Onehunga, the city's small port on the Manukau Harbour. It is eight kilometres south of the city centre, close to the volcanic cone of One Tree Hill, Maungakiekie....
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
.
The school incorporates a business school, founded by Just Water International's creator Tony Falkenstein, which is sponsored by brewery company Lion Nathan
Lion Nathan
Lion Nathan National Foods is the parent company created in October 2009, into which Lion Nathan and National Foods were merged. It is fully owned by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited...
and a construction school sponsored by Fletcher Construction
Fletcher Construction
Fletcher Construction Limited is a leading New Zealand construction company. It is owned by Fletcher Building Limited and has three main divisions:*Building and interiors *South Pacific...
, making it unique among New Zealand secondary schools.
The school attracts students from the suburbs of Onehunga, Mangere Bridge
Mangere Bridge
Mangere Bridge, officially also called the Manukau Harbour Crossing, is a motorway bridge over the Manukau Harbour in south-western Auckland, New Zealand, crossing between the suburb also known as Mangere Bridge and the suburb of Onehunga...
, Hillsborough
Hillsborough, Auckland
Hillsborough is an Auckland, New Zealand suburb.Hillsborough is under the local governance of the Auckland City Council. According to the 2001 census, Hillsborough has a population of 9912....
, and Royal Oak
Royal Oak, New Zealand
- to the north-east - to the east - to the south-east - to the south - to the south-west - to the west - to the north-west Epsom One Tree Hill Oranga Onehunga...
and accepts a limited number of students from outside its zone.
History
Onehunga High School was founded in 1959 by Mr McCarthy, on its Pleasant Street site. At its birth the roll was 190 students but it has grown slowly to a roll of 1,517.Onehunga
Onehunga
Onehunga is a suburb of Auckland City, New Zealand and the location of the Port of Onehunga, the city's small port on the Manukau Harbour. It is eight kilometres south of the city centre, close to the volcanic cone of One Tree Hill, Maungakiekie....
is situated in one of Auckland's suburbs' overlooking the Manukau Harbour
Manukau Harbour
Manukau Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in New Zealand by area. It is located to the southwest of the Auckland isthmus, and is an arm of the Tasman Sea.-Geography:...
. Many Onehunga High School families have long histories in the area and a large number of the students are second or even third generation students. The school's proximity to Onehunga and Penrose's industrial and retail area has allowed links with some service clubs and businesses including scholarships and trust funds.
In the early days the school was a mono-cultural in character, but during the 1980s it began to develop into a truly multi-cultural school, with increasing numbers of Māori, Polynesia
Polynesia
Polynesia is a subregion of Oceania, made up of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The indigenous people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are termed Polynesians and they share many similar traits including language, culture and beliefs...
n and Asian
Asian people
Asian people or Asiatic people is a term with multiple meanings that refers to people who descend from a portion of Asia's population.- Central Asia :...
students. Today the school is strongly international and enjoys all the qualities a wide range of cultures bring.
In the 1980s as part of a wider decentralisation changes in the New Zealand education system, school was allowed self governance under a Board of Trustee system. From 2000, the school began a modernisation and development programme.
The school has always received students from Onehunga, Royal Oak
Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is the English oak tree within which King Charles II of England hid to escape the Roundheads following the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The tree was located in Boscobel Wood, which was part of the park of Boscobel House. Charles confirmed to Samuel Pepys in 1680 that while he was...
, Hillsborough and Mangere Bridge
Mangere Bridge
Mangere Bridge, officially also called the Manukau Harbour Crossing, is a motorway bridge over the Manukau Harbour in south-western Auckland, New Zealand, crossing between the suburb also known as Mangere Bridge and the suburb of Onehunga...
but in recent times enrolments beyond this zone have increased. Currently approximately 50% of Onehunga High School come from out of zone areas as the school's reputation has attracted many new students.
Academics
According to the 2009 Education Review OfficeNew Zealand Education Review Office
The Education Review Office or ERO is a relatively small state sector organisation of New Zealand tasked with reviewing and reporting publicly on the quality of education in all New Zealand schools...
report, the overall NCEA Level 1 results showed "consistent improvement over the past three years. Since the school's involvement in the Ministry of Education
Ministry of Education (New Zealand)
The Ministry of Education , is the primary state sector organisation of New Zealand responsible for New Zealand's education system...
numeracy project in 2006" and "achievement in Level 1 numeracy has also shown steady improvement".
Other results cited in the report by the school for 2008 include the highest success rates for the school since the inception of NCEA in meeting literacy and numeracy requirements at Level 1 and its best NCEA Levels 1 and 2 results. Noted also was the significant improvement in Level 2 NCEA results, which exceed decile averages and merit and excellence endorsements at Levels 2 and 3, which met or were above national averages. Nine NZQA scholarships were achieved in a range of subjects.
Academic divisions
In addition to the normal academic departments by learning areas, Onehunga High School has the following internal divisions at the Pleasant St campus:- The Business School
- The Construction School
- The Services Academy
Onehunga High Business School
The Business school, founded in 2002 has attracted significant amounts of media publicity in particular, and visits from many notable people including the Rt Hon Helen ClarkHelen Clark
Helen Elizabeth Clark, ONZ is a New Zealand political figure who was the 37th Prime Minister of New Zealand for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2008...
(New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
Prime Minister
Prime Minister of New Zealand
The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the Parliament of New Zealand...
at the time) and Rt Hon John Key
John Key
John Phillip Key is the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand, in office since 2008. He has led the New Zealand National Party since 2006....
(Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the Opposition (New Zealand)
The Leader of the Opposition in New Zealand is the politician who, at least in theory, commands the support of the non-government bloc of members in the New Zealand Parliament. In the debating chamber the Leader of the Opposition sits directly opposite the Prime Minister...
). The Business School is aimed at better recognition for business standards into the National Curriculum.
Onehunga High Construction School
The Building and Construction School is a vocational division which provides opportunities for students to explore their interests in this trade.Onehunga High Services Academy
The Services Academy is a unit focusing on preparing students who are looking for a future career in the New Zealand Defence ForceNew Zealand Defence Force
The New Zealand Defence Force consists of three services: the Royal New Zealand Navy; the New Zealand Army; and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The Commander-in-Chief of the NZDF is His Excellency Rt. Hon...
or police
New Zealand Police
The New Zealand Police is the national police force of New Zealand, responsible for enforcing criminal law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout New Zealand...
.
Student life
| Onehunga High School has a holistic education system that enables students to become contributing members of New Zealand Society. It offers students the opportunity to achieve at the highest level, develop and pursue personal goals and to engage in a life-long process of learning. The educational system promotes personal values of integrity, tolerance and trust as well as care and consideration for others. Onehunga High School honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and celebrates its multi-cultural diversity.—Onehunga High School Vision Statement |
Music And Performing Arts
Students are encouraged to participate in performing arts activities. The school has several performing arts groups which perform regularly at school and community functions. All "Year 9" students are offered instrumental (guitarGuitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, trumpet
Trumpet
The trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
) or voice tuition. Talent shows are held regularly which provide an opportunity for young performers to display their talents.
"Stage Challenge" involves up to 150 students in a student directed and choreographed dance and drama spectacular.
Each year, until 2009, one Onehunga High School student wins a scholarship (provided by Tony Falkenstein) to attend the Cazadero Performing Arts Camp
Cazadero Performing Arts Camp
Cazadero Performing Arts Camp is a performing arts camp located in the Sonoma redwoods in Northern California, United States...
in California, USA. In 2010, the scholarship was altered and now it sends two OHS students to Geelong Music Camp in Australia.
"Bring It On" involves up to 100 students in a student choreographed hip hop based dance.Onehunga High School placed 1st in the 2010 Bring It On Grand Final and 2nd in 2009
Robotics
Onehunga High School recently adopted Vex robotics as an extra curricular program, enabling students to spend lunchtimes and weekends to design, build and program their own robots. The school's teams have been extremely successful, winning 7 out of 9 competitions up until the New Zealand National competition. At the New Zealand Nationals, the senior team won the team Excellence Award, enabling the team to fly to Dallas, Texas and compete in the Vex Robotics World Championships.Notable alumni
- Madeleine SamiMadeleine SamiMadeleine Jane Sami is a New Zealand actress, comedian and musician.Madeleine was raised in the Onehunga suburb of Auckland, New Zealand; and attended Onehunga High School. She is of Irish and Fiji Indian heritage. Madeleine starred in the long running New Zealand soap Shortland Street from...
- Actor & Singer - Sililo MartensSililo MartensSililo Victor Martens is a Tongan international rugby union player.-Career:Martens was born in Auckland New Zealand to a Tongan mother and Australian father. He spent most of his childhood in the Islands of Tonga where he was moved to Auckland New Zealand to start his education...
- Rugby (Tongan International) - Jimmy ThunderJimmy ThunderJimmy Thunder , is a former Samoan boxer.- Early life :During his early life and amateur career, Thunder was known as Jimmy Peau. His mother Papaliitele Milagi Leaupepe is from the village of Fasitoouta, and his father Lupematasila Maalo Faasavalu Peau is from the village of Falelatai...
- Boxer - Alan DaleAlan DaleAlan Hugh Dale is a New Zealand actor. As a child, Dale developed a love of theatre and also became a rugby player. After retiring from the sport he took on a number of professions to support his family, before deciding to become a professional actor at the age of 27. With work limited in New...
- Actor - Kahn Fotuali'i - Rugby (Canterbury Crusader and Samoan International)
- Junior PelesasaJunior PelesasaJunior Pelesasa is an Australian rugby union footballer who currently plays for Agen. He plays as a centre.-Career:Pelesasa moved to Australia from New Zealand at the age of 16...
- Rugby (Australian International) - Thomas Ben - Winner of Apprentice NZ
- Samiu VahafolauSamiu VahafolauSamiu Kaufusi Vahafolau is rugby union footballer who currently plays for AS Béziers in the French Pro D2 as well as the Tongan national team. His usual position is number eight.-Playing Career:...
- Rugby (Tongan International) - Ramesh PatelRamesh PatelRamesh Unka Patel is a former field hockey player from New Zealand, who was a member of the national team that won the golden medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal....
- NZ Hockey player & Gold Medalist at 1976 Montreal Olympic games. - Siupeli Lokotui- Rugby (Japanese International)
- Taniela MoaTaniela MoaTaniela Moa is a rugby footballer. He currently plays rugby union for the Chiefs. He started playing for Auckland for 2 to three years but then moved to play for Bay of Plenty in the 2010 Air NZ cup competition also known as NPC or ITM cup. His main position is scrum-half but he can also play in...
- Rugby (Auckland Blues, Waikato Chief and Tongan International) - Bell Sasulu- Rugby (Samoan International)
- Neli Sasulu- Rugby (Samoan International)