It was “hands-on experience”, valuable insights and the opportunity to build relationships that stood out for two Hauraki Plains College students during their Gateway experiences this year.
It’s what makes a recent celebration for all college Gateway students a momentous one.
Families, teachers and Gateway providers gathered on June 26 to celebrate students at the Gateway Graduation, marking the first event of its kind at the school.
Careers advisor Pippa Lawlor, who leads the students alongside teammates Gateway co-ordinator Lauren Scott and vocational pathways and work experience co-ordinator Amanda Sayer, said their goal was to generate a sense of pride in student achievement for students and their families.
“We wanted to raise the profile of vocational pathways. Often in schools it is the academic achievers who are rewarded and celebrated.
“However, our school motto is ‘each for all’.
“It reminds us that individual success will look different for each person and we should embrace that,” Pippa said.
Everyone came together to celebrate student success over a buffet breakfast, organised by hospitality teacher Amanda Sayer, who guided her senior students in preparing the food for the event.
“Students were really proud to come and collect their certificates and have photos taken with their trainers. It was a really impactful way to acknowledge their achievements.”
The most frequent reflection from students was that they learned new skills, grew in confidence and found value in their experiences, she said.
Two of the graduates, year 11 Catherine Remnant and year 12 Omar Arsilan, told The Profile it was a cool way to be acknowledged and to see some of the providers there to support the students.
Catherine, 15, completed her Gateway placement at Annarehab Equine Rehabilitation And Therapy, where she looked into veterinary work and horse care.
“I’d like to become an equine vet and explore the branches within the equine community,” she said.
Two things she said she learned was how to make home-made hoof poultices affordably and efficiently and also how to correctly wrap hooves. But the most important thing she learned was the hands-on experience with the horses and building relationships with people who had similar interests.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Omar, whose Gateway placement was at Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, said his work focussed on conservation, monitoring pest control and the wildlife census. He learned about the behaviours of certain species such as the migratory birds, he said.
Omar and Catherine’s advice for students who would like to be part of the Gateway programme was to definitely give it a go.
“Explore different avenues. Be prepared and have a good attitude along with work ethic.”
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
