Wakaaranga School

Wakaaranga school principal, Brent Jenkin makes no apology for the fact that the school has a strong emphasis on excellence.  Our motto is 'To be the best I can possibly be'. This is not just something we stick on a wall and forget about, but it is a belief we instil in all of our students. 

Wakaaranga School caters for pupils from wide cultural and social backgrounds. We recognise and value the changing nature of the school population and the cultural diversity. Students initially attend a transition programme in our ESOL room where they have a total immersion in an English-rich environment. Concentrated English is taught by fully qualified ESOL trained teachers to small groups to ensure each student receives individual attention. Lessons are designed at an appropriate level to meet the needs of each individual student.

Attendance in the ESOL room enables the student to:

• Achieve a level of competency in both oral and written English
• Gain self confidence in a safe and friendly environment
• Understand the requirements and expectations of Wakaaranga Primary School
• Experience a different culture perspective
• Gain an understanding of the New Zealand Educational System
• Gain skills in listening and oral language to help integration into the mainstream classes
• We also facilitate a buddy system, which allows our International Students time to build a one on one relationship with a New Zealand student, and have an opportunity to interact with their buddy’s peers.