TRIDENT HIGH SCHOOL

Trident High School is a “values-based” school that focuses on quality work, respect for others and the importance of courage. Underlying these values lie the “virtues” of courtesy, thankfulness, helpfulness, responsibility, self-discipline, creativity, determination, enthusiasm and excellence. These operate in a partnership environment between the school, the student, and the home/community.

We celebrate the bi-culturalism that exists within the school. Our school motto of Kia Manawa Nui means be courageous.

Every fortnight staff are involved in professional learning with a focus on things Māori. The meeting is held in the school’s wharenui – a carved meeting house named Te Tahi o Te Rangi. Important visitors, new students and staff are welcomed onto our marae.

Te reo (Māori language) is taught at all levels and there is encouragement for students to be involved in Tikanga. Māori culture classes involve the concept of tuakana teina (peer mentoring), in the form of a “Te Aka Motuhake” or “whanau” class at each year level to foster group dynamics.

Entry to this class is through teacher recommendation and is based on academic performance, positive attitude and leadership potential. This structure provides the opportunity for whanau classes of different levels to mix, ie. vertical integration to encourage  the tuakana teina process to operate, depending on the needs of the students.

This strategy is based on these assumptions:

• Māori students would achieve better if they were in sufficient numbers to feel they were an identifiable group.

• As the Te Aka Motuhake class progresses through the school and one class operates at each year level there would be opportunities for tuakana teina (peer support, seniors with juniors) to occur.

• Students are encouraged to be involved in Manu Korero speech competitions and kapa haka competitions and are well supported by staff and parents.

General indicators of achievement for Māori students are:

• retention of Māori students through to Year 13

• the grades achieved by Māori

• numbers involved in sporting and cultural activities

• numbers receiving stand-downs or suspensions

• number of Māori appointed as leaders (Prefects / Student Council).

The Board of Trustees defines achievement for students at Trident as participation and/or success in the activities, events and experiences in which they are involved in and beyond school, be it as an individual, part of a team or group or as part of the full school community.

Trident is recognised within the wider community and nationally for its commitment to excellence and promoting personal best in all fields – academic, sporting and cultural. The school’s holistic view of achievement promotes and acknowledges success in all spheres.