Service Academies
Service academies aim to encourage students to stay engaged in learning by providing a motivating and disciplined programme.
Service academies are military-focused programmes delivered within schools.
The purpose of a service academy is to:
- encourage students to stay engaged in learning by providing a motivating and disciplined programme
- help students to gain improved qualifications and help them prepare to move successfully in to the workforce or further education and training.
In August 2009 the Government announced the expansion of the service academy programme by an additional eight schools.
The expansion of the programme is part of the Government’s Youth Opportunities package, which aims to create new work, education and training opportunities for young people.
Establishing a Service Academy
Form and information on establishing a Service Academy;
Target student group
The target student group is year 12 and 13 students who are at risk of disengaging from school. Schools will also be able to enrol students in year 11 who are turning 16 during the year and who would benefit from a military-focused programme.
Students will be enrolled as full-time students in the service academy schools.
Funding
Schools who are operating service academies will receive an additional grant of $90,000 each year to support the service academy. This funding is to:
- employ an academy director to run the academy. The Academy director will be employed by the school board and report to the principal
- cover costs of uniforms, travel to courses and purchasing additional courses for students.
Programme
Each service academy will offer around 20 students a twelve-month programme. Students will be expected to:
- work towards and attain a minimum of NCEA Level 1 mathematics and English as well as other credits from the National Qualifications Framework appropriate to their interests and career choices
- participate in a range of motivating and challenging learning experiences provided in association with the New Zealand Defence Force including Youth Life Skills units.
- participate in a two week induction course, a leadership course and advanced leadership course, a coast to coast course and other outdoor based activities.
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Service academy schools
New service academies
The Minister of Education announced seven new service academy schools in December 2009. They are
- Tikipunga High School, Whangarei
- Tamaki College, Auckland
- Otahuhu College, Auckland
- Te Kuiti High School
- Tokoroa High School
- Gisborne Girls’ High School
- Wanganui City College.
One additional service academy school will be confirmed in early 2010.
These schools, along with eight existing service academy schools, will offer the Ministry of Education’s service academy programme to students around New Zealand in 2010.
Existing service academies
The Ministry of Social Development will fund the eight existing service academies until the end of June 2010 when responsibility will transfer to the Ministry of Education. However, they will operate under the Ministry of Education’s service delivery model from the beginning of 2010.
The eight existing service academy schools are:
- Glenfield College, Auckland
- James Cook High School, Auckland
- Kelston Boys’ High School, Auckland
- Onehunga High School, Auckland
- Wairoa College
- Horowhenua College, Levin
- Mana College, Porirua
- Aranui High School, Christchurch.
In addition the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) funds three service academies. These operate under a different model and interested students should check with their school for more information. The current three TEC funded service academies are:
- Greymouth High School
- Opihi College, Temuka
- Logan Park High School, Dunedin.
For more information about joining a service academy please contact the schools directly.
For more information about service academies in general please email service.academies@minedu.govt.nz [no spam]