“Raising achievement through unity and positivity”

I believe the fundamental purpose of our school is to ensure each child has every opportunity to achieve to their very best. For this to occur in a busy school like ours, it requires dedicated, professional teaching staff, the successful implementation of well organized and integrated curricula plans, a positive supportive pastoral care environment, and last but far from least, energetic, cheerful young people who want to be their very best academically, and in sporting, cultural and social fields.

Our school is able to offer top quality learning programmes designed to meet the needs of our diverse student population, so that effectively, every student is studying, and is being assessed at their appropriate level.

Our major focus is on student achievement. Our positive, caring and supportive learning environment enables each child to develop mentally, physically, socially and emotionally.

We know also, that there are several elements needed to develop well-rounded young people. The array of sporting and cultural opportunities offered within this school is extra-ordinary and is one of our strengths as an Area School. Our students have a real sense of belonging within our community - our "family"- while also being part of a "seamless" and integrated education programme.

We are committed to develop the whole individual, and for this to occur we need exceptional staff, and exceptional community support underpinned by strong family support.

We enjoy a rich tradition of student-centered learning experiences outside the classroom — outdoor education, sports and cultural exchanges (frequently international ones).

We have excellent facilities, and are situated in an extra-ordinary environment, close to some of New Zealand's most beautiful coastlines and bays, backed by primeval native bush along a geologically unique peninsula.

As a member of the Coronet Video Conferencing Network we are able to offer almost any course to our senior students. Class size may no longer impair student subject choice in the senior school. Simply put, we are able to offer more subjects in our senior school than previously and young people can now stay with their families right through to the end of their secondary education. This technology is at the forefront of educational delivery which we are keen to develop further.

I am pleased to provide you with this Prospectus which outlines information about the opportunities available at Mercury Bay Area School.

I would like to invite you and your family to join our school community. Please contact me to talk about what Mercury Bay Area School has to offer, to discuss the individual needs of your child, and to show you our school at work.

John Wright (MSc Hon; Dip Tch; CSMM)

Principal