'Spectacular' Pacifica results

Programme tutor Kihi Tawhai (left), foundation learning head of department Tania Mullane, Karoline Setu-Galo and Maori student Paikea Rameka, 16. Photo / Stephanie Arthur-Worsop

A pilot programme designed to improve Pacifica students' achievement in NCEA is showing "spectacular" results.

The programme, run as a part of the certificate of vocational studies at Waiariki Institute of Technology, offers 41 unit standard credits at level 2 for "at risk" students.

Five local schools are working with the tertiary provider to identify priority students and enrol them in the "boot camp" style short course, held at the Kearoa marae in Horohoro.

The first programme has run with 26 students from Cook Island, Maori, Tongan, Samoan, Tokelauan and Fijian backgrounds.

Waiariki Institute of Technology head of department for foundation learning Tania Mullane said the programme supported the students' identity and culture.

"This programme is tailored to students who have been identified as 'at risk' by their schools. We haven't replicated the mainstream learning environment, as that was one of the elements causing these students to disengage with their education.

"We have indigenised the curriculum to support Maori and Pacifica achievement and allow the students to connect with their cultural roots."

Ms Mullane said some students enrolled in the programme with as few as 9 NCEA level 2 credits.

"It's October and there are some students with very few credits towards NCEA level 2. This programme takes these priority learners and helps them re-engage with their education and give them a taste of success so they will want to stay in school.

"The results from our pilot have been spectacular, with more than 80 per cent of our students passing. Those kinds of statistics are pretty much unheard of for Pacifica and Maori communities."

Ms Mullane said there was room for the new programme to run twice a year. "Currently, we are running the programme for students at risk of failing NCEA level 2, but we are also looking into running the programme again at the end of the year for those students who fall short of gaining enough credits."

Waiariki Institute of Technology kaumatua Ken Kennedy said it was "fantastic" the institute was encouraging local Pacifica students. "I am over the moon we were able to establish this programme and grow our partnerships with the schools and community in Rotorua.

"We are forming close relationships with the Pacifica community and raising the aspirations of their students. This is the start of a long but wonderful journey."