As some of you may be aware, we hosted Hon Erica Stanford, Minister of Education on Tuesday 8th September. The Minister was here as the result of an invite issued at a previous meeting where the newly named Vocational Subjects were announced. Following that announcement, we had discussed the unique nature of our Academies and how they might fit into the newly announced subjects – or what new opportunities might arise from those subjects.
Since their inception 15 years ago, our Academies have grown into programmes that exceed any other similar offering in the country. What makes our Academies unique is the opportunity for students to select full-time courses – particularly in Building and Construction, and Hospitality. The newly announced Vocational Subjects assume that any student choosing one or more of those subjects is still doing a ‘traditional’ course alongside (e.g. English, Maths etc). The invite was issued to show the Minister firsthand how our offering differed from this whilst providing authentic learning, rigorous assessment, and a robust qualification pathway that sits alongside the UE pathway that other Year 13 students pursue.
The Minister was met by our Head Prefects Leonidas and Sabine, as well as Academy Prefects Cavahli and Hunter, all of whom shared their journey through Massey with her. Erica Stanford was given a glimpse of D Block (which has secured several million dollars of additional funding for refurbishment following pressure from the school) and the newly completed Science Block before being guided to the Building Academy.
The Minister toured the near complete houses that are being built by students for Kainga Ora, and the classrooms which are being built for use in the school. Discussion centered on the value of the programme and the learning experience of students involved which allows them to still take part in wider school life. She also talked at length with members of the Girls in Carpentry programme as they were working on the house that they are building. They clearly articulated why they had chosen building and talked of their career aspirations.
We also took the Minister through Automotive and Hospitality, which gave her real insight into the value of our Academies and the opportunities it creates for our students.
The visit was also an opportunity for the Minister to announce that another 6 classrooms (on top of the 8 announced earlier this year) have been earmarked for our school – as well as a 4-classroom permanent block for Arohanui School (who share our site).
