Teacher retires after 43 years

‘‘When I came here there was only one high school. The student population was about 1000.’’ Nigel Vanner.

After 43 years at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, Nigel Vanner is retiring from teaching.

The science teacher came to Taupo in 1974 from the University of Auckland teachers college, after studying a Bachelor’s of Science degree with a major in zoology.

‘‘When I came here there was only one high school. The student population was about 1000,’’ he said.

Vanner said the biggest change over the years was in teaching methods.

‘‘When I started teaching, there was a huge emphasis on learning more ‘stuff’. Knowing more facts, for want of a better word,’’ he said.

‘‘These days, we focus on skills that students have, really. Students’ capabilities. Content knowledge comes through that,’’ he said.

Notable students Vanner has taught include Minister of Social Housing, State Services and Climate Change Issues Paula Bennett, as well as Labour minister Louisa Wall.

‘‘I can think of a few that’ve done well, but that’s not down to me,’’ Vanner said.

‘‘That’s due to their work ethic. That’s down to what they’ve achieved.’’

Vanner said although NCEA was not perfect, it was a step in the right direction.

‘‘From a philosophical standpoint, I certainly agree with the whole process of NCEA, as opposed to the old days of percentage points and 50 percent was a pass rate. That’s completely inappropriate for the society we live in now.

‘‘The education system was set up in the Victorian era as a drafting gate to separate students out to those who were going to be working in the factories and those who were going to enjoy different kinds of life,’’ he said.

‘‘The old ways of assessment aren’t appropriate anymore.’’

During his time at Taupo-nuia-Tia College, Vanner worked as the head of the science department and Year 13 dean.

‘‘That was very satisfying because for the young people,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s their last year in school and you’re developing the skills that will take them beyond.’’

Vanner started working part-time from the end of 2011.

Now retired, he said he’d continue renovating his house. Travelling was also on the horizon.

‘‘Europe’s a big place so there’s still lots of things we haven’t seen,’’ he said.