Takapuna Grammar School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Takapuna Grammar School |
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Takapuna Grammar School in 1992, above the cliffs of Saint Leonards Beach
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| Address | |
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210 Lake Road
Belmont Auckland 0622 New Zealand |
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| Coordinates | 36°48′04″S 174°47′19″E / 36.8011°S 174.7886°E |
| Information | |
| Type | State Co-educational Secondary (Years 9–13) |
| Motto | Per Angusta Ad Augusta "Through endeavour to greatness" |
| Established | 1927 |
| Ministry of Education Institution no. | 36 |
| Principal | Mary Nixon |
| School roll | 2,100 (February 2024) |
| Socio-economic decile | 10Z |
Takapuna Grammar School is a public high school in Auckland, New Zealand. It's a school where both boys and girls learn together. The school is located in the Belmont area on the North Shore.
It opened in 1927 and mainly serves students from Takapuna and the Devonport area. About 2,100 students attend, from Year 9 to Year 13 (ages 12 to 18).
Contents
School History
The first stone for Takapuna Grammar School was placed on April 6, 1926. The school officially opened its doors in 1927. It was the first school where both boys and girls could learn together under the Auckland Grammar School's Board.
In 1955, Takapuna Grammar got its own Board of Governors. The school kept the lion symbol and the motto "Per Angusta Ad Augusta." This motto means "Through endeavour to greatness," which encourages students to work hard to achieve great things.
School Development
In the 2000s, the school started a big upgrade project. This project cost $6.4 million and was paid for by the government. It happened in three stages.
A new three-level building was finished in 2009. This building has classrooms for social sciences. It also has a new library and special centers to help students.
In 2015, it was announced that the school's main building would get a $26 million makeover. This main building was first built in 1927. The local Member of Parliament, Maggie Barry, said the old building looked "appalling." The work on the main building finished in 2020. It was one of the most expensive school renovations in New Zealand's history. At the same time, the school's science block was also updated, and that work was completed in mid-2016.
Student Enrolment
Like many schools in Auckland, Takapuna Grammar School has an enrolment scheme. This helps to manage the number of students and prevent the school from getting too crowded.
Students who live within the school's special zone can automatically join the school. This zone includes areas like Devonport, Narrow Neck, Bayswater, Belmont, Hauraki, Takapuna, and parts of Milford. Students who live outside this zone can still apply. They are accepted if there is space, with siblings of current students getting the first chance.
In August 2011, the Education Review Office (ERO) checked the school. At that time, Takapuna Grammar School had 1420 students. This included 195 students from other countries. About 53 percent of the students were boys and 47 percent were girls. Most students (65 percent) were New Zealand European (Pākehā). Other students identified as British or Irish (9 percent), Māori (5 percent), Korean (5 percent), and Chinese (3 percent).
School Curriculum
Takapuna Grammar School is a public school, so it follows The New Zealand Curriculum. This is the national curriculum for schools in New Zealand.
- In Year 11, students work towards their National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 1.
- In Years 12 and 13, students can continue with NCEA Levels 2 and 3.
- Students can also choose to complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This is an internationally recognized qualification.
Famous Former Students
Many people who went to Takapuna Grammar School have become well-known. Here are some of them:
- Finn Andrews – a musician from the band The Veils
- Sir Peter Blake – a famous sailor
- Barry Brickell – a potter and conservationist
- Sophia Burn – a musician from the band The Veils
- Jacko Gill – a shotputter (athlete who throws a heavy ball)
- Juliette Haigh – a rower (1996–2000)
- Eliza McCartney – a pole vaulter (2010–14)
- Danny Morrison – a cricketer
- Simon Poelman – a decathlete (athlete who competes in ten different sports)
- Pamela Stephenson – a psychologist, writer, and actress
- Bert Sutcliffe – a cricketer
- Sara Tetro – a TV presenter
- Stephen Tindall – the person who started The Warehouse stores
- Pippa Wetzell – a TV presenter
- Gin Wigmore – a singer and songwriter
- Ella Yelich-O'Connor (known as Lorde) – a famous singer and songwriter
- Sean Wainui – a professional rugby player
Famous Groups
- The Checks – a music band
Notable Former Staff
Some teachers and staff at Takapuna Grammar School have also become famous:
- Ruth Aitken – an English teacher (1980–1990) who later coached the Silver Ferns (New Zealand's national netball team)
- Bessie Christie – a painter and art teacher (1935–1940)
- Jack Kelly – the Headmaster from 1970–1985. He was also part of the All Black rugby team in 1953–1954.
