OUR STUDENTS

Ormiston Senior College cultivates a dynamic and inclusive culture centred around personalised learning, excellence, and preparing students for a global society. The college champions an "adult learning environment" where students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own education and are supported by a strong network of Learning Advisors.

A key aspect of their culture is the integration of Māori values and traditions, with "OSC Norms" derived from Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view) guiding behaviour and learning. These norms encourage pupils to strive, grow, inquire, create, utilise, contribute, support, and value.

The school celebrates diversity within its multicultural community, with over 80% of pupils reportedly speaking at least two languages. There's a strong focus on holistic education, encouraging involvement in academic pursuits alongside cultural, sporting, enterprise, and service activities. They also prioritise developing student confidence and capability, offering numerous leadership opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging and community.

At Ormiston Senior College (OSC), "school norms" aren't a list of rigid rules, but rather a set of guiding values and expected ways of behaving and learning that apply to everyone in the school community, including both students and staff.

These norms are rooted in Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) and are represented by specific Māori concepts, each associated with an action and a metaphor from nature.

Essentially, the Ormiston Senior College norms provide a framework for a positive, respectful, and growth-oriented learning environment where students are encouraged to be independent, responsible, and engaged members of their community.

Ormiston Norms

Waka

Waka – to contribute
I am a responsible and important part of the community. I plan strategically to meet the goals I set by myself and with others. The Waka requires a team effort from everyone on board. Paddling in unison results in greater collective success and efficiency.

Mokoroa

Mokoroa – to grow
I approach all experiences with an open mind. I continue to grow through observation and reflection. The Mokoroa goes through a great period of changing and learning as it grows from egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis and finally to moth.

Papatūānuku

Papatūānuku – to value
I value and care for our environment; cultural, social and physical. Papatūānuku, gives life to all things. She is the foundation for culture
and the idea that we are all connected through our environment.

Kea

Kea – to inquire
I am curious and seek to find answers using investigation and questioning. The Kea shows critical curiosity and explores the environment making tools and experimenting to problem solve.

Harakeke

Harakeke – to support
I respect everyone’s ideas and feel comfortable sharing my opinion.
Supporting the learning of others deepens my own understanding. The Harakeke is made strong by the relationships both within and between the leaves, combined together the leaves are strong as
rope.

Pūkeko

Pūkeko – to create
I am creative and innovative. I try to look at things in different ways,
having fun and being bold in my choices. The Pūkeko is comfortable with risk and is creative in taking opportunities that allow it to thrive in most environments.

Kahikatea

Kahikatea – to strive
I strive to always achieve my best. No matter how tough things get I am able to persevere. The Kahikatea is a mighty tree that is resilient and grows tall out of the harshest of environments.

Pūngāwerewere

Pūngāwerewere – to utilise
I use my prior learning to help with new learning and I look to make further connections with the wider world. The Pūngāwerewere
makes meaning using its web. It can apply its web to multiple purposes including catching food, concealment, making nets, protecting young, even flying.

Nurturing Our Māori and Pasifika Whānau

At Ormiston Senior College, our Māori and Pasifika students thrive under the guidance of our dedicated Taha Whenua Team, who support their journey. Students find strength and solidarity within their Learning Advisor groups. These weekly gatherings are more than just meetings; they are vital opportunities to cultivate whanaungatanga – a profound sense of belonging – fostering positive working relationships built on high expectations.

We believe in a strong home-school partnership, which is why Fono and Hui evenings are held each term, ensuring families remain deeply connected to their child's educational experience.

The vibrancy of our culture is proudly showcased through our Kapa Haka group, whose powerful performances grace our Pōwhiri, Awards Ceremony, and inter-school events. We celebrate the accomplishments of our Māori and Pasifika students with the prestigious Mana Māori and Toa Pasifika Awards, honouring their success and achievement.

The Term 1 Oceania Evening is a highlight, a joyful celebration of the rich and diverse cultures within our community.

Sports and Clubs

Ormiston Senior College boasts a rich and varied co-curricular programme, encouraging students to pursue their passions beyond academics. From competitive sports teams like basketball, football, and netball, to vibrant performing arts opportunities in music (rock bands, jazz, singing groups) and drama (including Shakespearean productions), there's something for everyone. The college also offers a diverse range of clubs and activities, such as eSports, STEM Club, Robotics, Chess, and Debating, alongside participation in the internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award Scheme. This comprehensive offering fosters personal growth, teamwork, leadership, and a strong sense of community.

Student Leadership at Ormiston Senior College

At Ormiston Senior College, we believe every student has leadership potential, and we foster it through a dynamic team-based and project-driven approach. Our students work collaboratively to plan and implement initiatives that benefit both the school community and beyond, taking full responsibility for bringing these projects to life.

Our Student Leadership Teams

Our student leaders contribute across various vital areas:

Supporting Student Learning: This includes tutoring during "i-time," assisting at the homework centre, and developing activities that help students understand our school's norms.
Caring About Others: Our teams organise local, national, and global charity events, as well as various community-based initiatives.
Building and Celebrating Our Culture: They play a key role in events like Māori/Pasifika Week and International Week, contribute to the Yearbook and other publications, and support performing arts and sports.
Encouraging Participation and Trying New Things: Leaders champion spirit events, performing arts, sports, and "have a go" days/weeks to inspire wider student involvement.

Why We Develop Leaders

Our student leadership programme is deeply rooted in the college's vision and values, aiming to:

Provide a holistic education.
Equip students with confidence and capability for their futures.
Inspire students to push the boundaries of their abilities.
Develop a strong sense of responsibility and involvement.

Our Aims

We strive to:

Offer all students the opportunity to participate and have a voice in school life outside of their academic or co-curricular activities.
Develop leadership strengths in every student.
Foster a powerful sense of belonging and community.
Nurture the belief that every student's opinion is important and valued.
Cultivate a culture where everyone participates.

Becoming an Ormiston Student Leader

The selection process for student leaders begins with an application where students explain their desired leadership role and what they'd like to achieve. Following this, they attend a leadership training session, which includes presenting their initiative to staff.

Ormiston student leaders fulfill three key roles within the college:

They are an integral part of a leadership team, developing and implementing initiatives across the school.
They serve as role models for the college, upholding our norms in dress, punctuality, and behaviour.
They assist staff with lunchtime duties, contributing to the smooth running of our school.