Part One: Vision and Values

Vision  
Inspiring students to learn, grow and achieve in an environment that encourages individual and community responsibility, freedom of expression and respect for the rights of others.

Values  

• WORKING TOGETHER

Students, parents, the school and the community work together to achieve an inclusive school that is socially and culturally diverse, safe and free from disruption and which recognises the unique status of Maori.   

• REALISING POTENTIAL

We value and celebrate effort, success, innovation and creativity.  We believe high expectations promote student achievement and encourage social responsibility.   

• MUTUAL RESPECT AND SELF MANAGEMENT

Onslow is characterised by a mature interaction between staff and students.  Teachers and students are treated with respect and students share responsibility for learning with their teachers.  

• LIFE LONG LEARNING

Students are engaged and developed as lifelong learners. They are taught how to learn by high quality and motivated staff who continue to learn themselves.
 
 
The College’s Commitment to Maori

 
Onslow College recognises that Maori students face barriers to achievement additional to those faced by other students. The reasons for this are complex, and are both historical and current.

We believe that the additional barriers faced by Maori students can only be addressed effectively in partnership between the College and its Maori community. That partnership must work to make the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi a reality at Onslow College and give Maori students the same benefits of participation in education as other students.

The College also recognises that Maori language and culture has an intrinsic importance to New Zealand society, and has significance beyond other cultures. The College is determined to reflect that importance.

The Board is committed to building and playing an active part in the partnership, with the College’s Maori community, and to resourcing decisions made in partnership.


School Type and Description

Onslow College is a coeducational, decile 10 state secondary school, located in the northwestern suburbs of Wellington. Our zone includes Johnsonville, Churton Park, Ohariu Valley, Broadmeadows, Khandallah, Cashmere, Ngaio, Chartwell, Crofton Downs, Wilton, Wadestown and Northland. We also serve Karori and Kelburn. An enrolment scheme is in place limiting our roll.

Onslow College is a learning environment that encourages independence, self-discipline, and social responsibility with a student-centred philosophy. There is no prescribed uniform for students.

Students are treated as individuals and learning is targeted to educational needs.

Onslow College promotes an inclusive environment for all students and is renowned for the positive, staff-student relationships and large co-curricular involvement from both groups. Through the creative talents and enthusiasm of our students and staff we strive for excellence in all aspects of College life.

We encourage diversity and individuality as long as this does not constrain the rights of other students to an excellent education.

We provide access to Adult and Community Education through a wide range of community education programmes that reflect the diversity of our community and the recommendations of the community education advisory group.

We strive for educational excellence.
 

Part Two: Strategic Plan 2007-2009

 
Consultation
Consultation during the development and review of the Charter has included:

Strategic Goals 2007-2009

1.   Raising students' achievement
2.   A fully inclusive school.
3.   An enhanced physical environment



Goal 1:    Raising students' achievement.

THIS WILL INCLUDE:
•    Working towards an achievement profile similar to other decile 10 schools
•    Strengthening students' engagement with learning
•    Implementing the new curriculum creatively and robustly
•    Clarifying what an 'independent learner' is, and exploring how this school can help to develop them
•    Increasing teachers' skills in teaching diverse learners
•    Exploring what individualised/personalised learning is possible in a New Zealand secondary school

2009 ANNUAL GOALS
–    Increase personalising of learning to address the needs of diverse learners in an inclusive environment
–    Improve outcomes for Maori
–    Improve NCEA outcomes

 
Goal 2:    A fully inclusive school

THIS WILL INCLUDE:
•    Reviewing the school's systems, processes and practices to make them as inclusive as possible
•    Increasing student participation in co-curricular activities
•    Improving communication between home and school
•    Increasing the student voice in running the school

2009 ANNUAL GOALS
–    Increase participation in extra curricular activities
–    Gain Investors in People recognition
–    Improve communication with parents/whanau



Goal 3:    An enhanced physical environment

THIS WILL INCLUDE:
•    Upgrading facilities to provide the best teaching spaces possible within resources
•    Improving outdoor recreational areas for students
•    Landscaping and site works
•    Enhancing the school corridors

2009 ANNUAL GOALS

Carry out projects agreed in the 7Year Property Plan

• O block – earthquake strengthening of 2-storey concrete class block
• Frontage – redevelop to modernise, improve safety of vehicle entry and incorporate bus turning area to remove vehicle traffic from school grounds
• Roof repairs

 
Reporting Targets