Mercury Bay Area School

‘raising achievement through unity and positivity’

Environment
Mercury Bay Area School is a thriving, years 1-13, co-educational school situated in an extraordinary environment. Located in Whitianga, we are close to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastlines and backed by the primeval bush of the geologically unique Coromandel Peninsula. We capitalise on the remarkable geography of our region to extend the educational opportunities available to our students; they often claim to be ‘studying in paradise’!

Mission Statement
To provide a supportive, co-operative, responsive and stimulating environment which:
• Promotes the development of academic, physical, cultural and personal skills to the full potential of the individuals concerned.
• Recognises the needs, rights, individuality and integrity of students and staff.
• Encourages all involved to work together to ensure that the educational experiences of our children are positive, relevant and enjoyable.

Special Character
As an Area School, Mercury Bay is one school consisting of classes from Year 1 to Year 13. The current role is 735 with 455 in the Year 7-13 section of the school. We have strong, dedicated, professional teaching staff delivering quality programmes for students of all ages. Specialist departments offer core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Food and Materials Technology, Social Studies, Information Technology, Visual and Performing Arts and Physical Education as well as optional courses in French, Mäori, Thinking Skills and Horticulture for Year 9 and 10 students.
Year 12 and 13 students can also select from a range of innovative and exciting specialist courses designed to help them look beyond the classroom and prepare for their futures. The Marine Academy, Marine Studies, Coastal Processes and Outdoor Education programmes offer one and two year courses and, as places are limited, entry is by application and selection. These NZQA accredited courses allow students to regularly access our unique geographical location.

Co-Curricular Programmes
Our students are often multi-talented sports people and we pride ourselves on the extensive co-curricular and sporting opportunities we offer. School resources enable the students to use the local environment for activities such as canoeing, camping and tramping and we can offer a unique opportunity for our students to be recognised at national level through the Area Schools Sports Association. Extended trips to the snow fields of Mount Ruapehu, Great Barrier Island, the Outdoor Pursuits Centre at Turangi, aboard the sailing ship Spirit of New Zealand and diving at the Poor Knights are just some of the activities available throughout the year. In 2006 a group of students participated at the World Scholar Athletic Games and Education leadership programme in Canada and the USA and plans are already being made for 2008.
International Students
The school welcomes applications from international students of all ages (5-19) and our International Student Dean oversees all aspects of their academic and pastoral needs. Students can select subjects taught in Year 9 through to Year 13 and can access a wide range of courses leading to New Zealand public examinations and tertiary education as well as additional English tuition as part of the normal academic programme. Quality homestay accommodation and a welcoming, safe, supportive environment offer high levels of support in compliance with the Code of Practice for International Students. Recent students have come from Japan, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hong Kong and the USA.

Chair of the Board
Mr Graham Eccles

Back to Seach Results