General Information

James Cook High School provides a wide variety of educational courses, learning approaches and extra-curricular activities to meet the diverse needs of its students. The school always endeavours to meet the needs of its community which it consults regularly and of which it forms an integral part. James Cook High School is widely respected for its strong academic, sporting and cultural achievements. It is justifiably proud of its reputation for responding positively, constructively and successfully to meet the needs of its community, and delivering a first class education to its students.

Our most recent Education Review Office audit of the school notes the excellent quality of education available within the school and the high professional standards of the staff. The report makes comment on the availability of programmes designed to identify student needs, and a commitment to provide the necessary learning support required by students at all levels and of all abilities within the school. It concludes by saying that students receive a sound education, with learning programmes of good quality, well supported by comprehensive services that address students' learning, pastoral and vocational needs.

Besides the many general classrooms, the school's facilities include:

• Six newly equipped computer applications rooms and individual computers in many classrooms
• A large well-stocked library with areas for research, individual study and quiet reading
• A computer based information technology centre in the library
• Access to Internet and CD Rom based information from all computers via a fibre optic network
• Te Pou Herenga Waka Marae and Wharenui, recognising both Maori and other main cultures in the school
• Two well-equipped gymnasiums with associated fitness training facility
• A large, modern auditorium with theatrical equipment
• Outdoor performance stage
• A large assembly hall
• A canteen that focuses on health foods
• Pleasant facilities for Guidance and a well-resourced Careers room staffed throughout the day
• Numerous specialist rooms which include:
• Textiles and Design
• Home Economics and Hospitality
• Science
• Information Technology suites
• A fully-equipped block for Art (including dark room)
• Music recording studio
• Computer Assisted Design and Technology Workshops
• Specialist Reading/ESL rooms
• Specialist Technology Laboratories
• Weight training facility
• Modern, comprehensive Careers Information Centre with full internet careers service access

Redevelopment Programme

2008

• New volleyball courts
• Redevelopment of tennis courst to all weather courts
• B Block & D Block upgrades
• Gymnasium upgrade & weight training facilities installation

School Administration & Support

The House System

The pastoral care network centres around the House and the Tutor Groups. There are five Houses each divided into eleven Tutor Groups. Students are put into a House and Tutor Group when they enrol and remain in the House for their entire school life.

This arrangement is designed to promote:

• Excellence in personal performance
• A stable platform for pupils
• A point of identification within which achievement and self esteem can develop
• A long term point of reference for both pupil and parent

Tutors and Level Deans have a responsibility for your child's overall progress and care within the school. They maintain close contact with the Classroom Teachers, Faculty Managers and Senior Management Staff.

Counselling & Guidance

The Guidance network exists to support and encourage our students as they develop their potential.

It involves the Guidance Counsellors, Resource Teachers for Learning and Behaviour, Youth Support Workers and Careers Teachers who work closely with House Tutors, Subject Teachers, House Deans and all senior staff.

Students are encouraged to make self-referrals regarding their personal concerns. Parents may contact the Counsellor on ext 839, and the Careers Teacher on ext 843.

Academic Registrar

Attendance Registrar and Deans´ Secretary

This Registrar and Secretary is responsible for maintaining all details concerning attendance. The Registrar also arranges parent interviews with the Deans and may be contacted on Ph 268-3958.