AVONDALE COLLEGE NEW ZEALAND

Avondale College is a co-educational secondary school located in the Avondale suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. The site and buildings of the College started as an American Naval Hospital in 1943. When the USA was preparing for an extended Second World War battle in the South Pacific, Avondale was selected as one of the cities for hospitals to tend to the wounded and injured soldiers. However, the hospital was not used for wounded personnel and on the 6th of February 1945, five hundred and fifty students and twenty-one teachers gathered to turn the hospital into a school. Avondale Technical School was renamed Avondale College in 1948 and it soon became one of the largest schools in New Zealand.

The Avondale College school grounds feature a science and IT building as well as a gymnasium, a maths and science block, sports fields, an astroturf complex, a theatre, and an orchestra pit. The School embraces five values- honesty, endeavor, kindness, respect, and tenacity. It offers an extensive choice of subjects that students can choose from at different levels. The qualifications awarded are recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) which are accepted globally.

Avondale College has many students enrolled in their programs that come from different cultures and backgrounds. According to reports, in 2014 the School had around 2500 students including around 140 international students coming from 11 different ethnic groups. This creates a multi-cultural and diverse environment where students feel included and welcomed.

• Avondale College gives students the opportunity to choose between NCEA and Cambridge Assessment International Exams which are both taught at the highest levels.
• Students of Avondale College consistently gain the highest marks in New Zealand and even in the world in their Cambridge International and NQZA examinations.
• An extensive range of subjects is offered by the School for students at different levels. Academic programs in Performing Arts, Sports, and Innovation are also available.
• Avondale College has state-of-the-art award-winning facilities including modern classrooms, a performing arts center, a recording studio, and sports stadiums.
• Avondale College is located in Central West Auckland which is a short walk to the train station. School buses are also available to bring students to and from school.

Avondale College students consistently secure the highest marks in New Zealand. At an international level, they score excellent marks in their Cambridge International and NQZA examinations. Their National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) results are above local, regional, and national averages. Graduates from the School gain direct entry to some of the top universities of the world including Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard. After completing their courses in Avondale College students go on for further studies and pursue very rewarding careers.

Avondale College is New Zealand’s top provider of IT qualifications. Over the last six years, its students have secured 19 top-ten placements at the World Microsoft Office Specialist Championships.

Some notable alumni of Avondale College include:

• John Banks (Former MP and mayor of Auckland)
• Emily Drumm (New Zealand Cricketer)
• Sir Murray Halberg (Olympic Gold Medalist)
• Rose McIver (Actress)
• Bill Robinson (Scientist)

Avondale College’s academic, sporting and cultural programs have top-quality, award-winning facilities. The facilities include modern classrooms, specialist laboratories, an art suite, an open-air theatre, a performing arts center, and many more. Avondale College has nurses, deans, and counselors on campus to assist students with any issues they might be facing.

The School has a number of international students enrolled in its study programs. The International Department has homestay coordinators, administrators, an academic advisor, and an international manager who are available 24/7 for all international students.

Sports is an important part of the curriculum at Avondale. Throughout the year, sports teams from the School travel throughout New Zealand and beyond to participate in national tournaments, annual exchanges, and tours. Students can take part in sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, and swimming.

Avondale College has a Performing Arts Centre where aspiring musicians, actors, dancers, and performers use to develop their skills on and off stage. The School has an orchestra, concert band, jazz band, choir, and other musical groups that students can be a part of.

A number of cultural activities are conducted by Avondale throughout the year which gives students the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people by participating in clubs and such activities. Some of the programs conducted include Model United Nations, debates, creative writing, and chess.